Tech · Apple · ArchiveApple Weighs Round Watch, Ceramic Return and Screenless TrackerAired August 10, 2026 at 8:17 AM UTCWritten September 7, 2026 at 9:22 PM UTCRead the write-upThis storyTranscript · LOADING0:00Apple is exploring a fundamental rethink0:02of the Apple Watch, examining new0:04designs, form factors, and materials0:06[music] intended to shift the device0:08from a tiny computer toward a more0:10traditional timepiece. Over the past0:11year, Apple's industrial design team has0:13led that exploration, contemplating a0:16round or circular display for a future0:18Apple Watch. That particular concept is0:20considered unlikely to make it to0:22market. The rethink [music] goes beyond0:23shape and material. Ideas under0:26evaluation include expanding the lineup0:28with new premium models and more0:30budget-friendly [music]0:30models, and adding a screenless fitness0:32tracker with no display at all. The push0:35would be significant for current and0:36future Apple Watch owners and the0:38broader wearables market because changes0:40to shape, materials, [music] and price0:42tiers would affect compatibility,0:44identity, and positioning. A return to0:46ceramic casings is under consideration0:49and could appear as [music] early as0:50September with the Apple Watch Series0:5212. Though whether the ceramic model0:54actually returns in September is not yet0:56confirmed. Nothing has been finalized0:58and any radical new form factor is still1:00years away from shipping.Explore with HeyDexThe shortThe short ↗