In an article for Bloomberg (subscription required), Mark Gurman states that Apple is currently developing prototypes of the device, but has not yet decided whether to release it or not. “The project remains in a preliminary phase known internally as technological research,” he explains.
Gurman explicitly draws a comparison with screenless products made by Whoop, which has already inspired several imitators. That company makes wearable devices to monitor health, stress, sleep, etc., along with an app that translates the data into analytics and training advice. The devices look like wristwatch straps, only without a screen.
The lack of a screen and a simpler overall design mean that the Whoop 5.0, for example, is credited with a 14-day battery life, compared to the Apple Watch Series 12’s estimated 24 hours. It’s also cheaper than the Apple Watch Series 12, which starts at $399, but you don’t actually pay for the hardware; instead, select a 12-month membership ($199, $239, or $359), which includes a bracelet. But you will have to continue paying for a subscription as long as you want to use it. Some other similar devices are even cheaper: the Fitbit Air costs just $100 and requires no membership.
With the Apple Watch line starting at $249 for the most basic SE 3 (and now a year out of date), there’s a clear gap in the company’s wearable portfolio for something more streamlined and more focused on health monitoring. Back in May we argued that a screenless ‘Apple Watch Neo’ was exactly what the company needed, so it’s encouraging to know this can happen now.
But unfortunately it won’t be soon. Gurman warns that even if technological research is successful and leads to product launch, this is unlikely to happen before 2028.
