Apple Watch's Next Major Overhaul Could Wait Until 2028, Insiders Hint

Apple Watch fans bracing for a significant hardware refresh might need to settle in for the long haul. According to insights shared by Weibo leaker Instant Digital, the next generation redesign isn’t expected to arrive until 2028—a timeline that would mark one of the longest design cycles for the smartwatch.

The leaker’s breakdown suggests Apple will maintain its standard cadence with new models arriving in 2026. However, 2027 remains murky, with possibilities ranging from a skipped generation to simply unrevealed plans. What stands out is the prediction that 2028 will be when Apple pulls back the curtain on a substantially reimagined Apple Watch, potentially timed to coincide with the iPhone’s 20th anniversary milestone.

Why The Long Wait?

Context matters here. The most recent Apple Watch redesign happened in 2024, and the company has historically let its smartwatch designs mature across multiple iterations before overhauling them. This approach differs from the annual incremental updates typical of other product lines. If 2028 becomes reality, it means the Apple Watch design language would span nearly five years—a testament to how carefully Apple manages product evolution in the wearables space.

The 2028 projection also aligns with Apple’s pattern of bundling major announcements with flagship device launches or significant company milestones. Tying a Watch redesign to iPhone’s anniversary would make strategic sense from a marketing perspective.

Uncertainty Remains

It’s worth noting that this timeline is speculation at this stage. No other industry sources or leakers have independently verified the 2028 redesign claim, and Apple’s roadmap remains fluid. The company could accelerate plans, delay them, or pivot its strategy entirely based on market demands and technical breakthroughs.

Given that 2028 sits several years away, Apple’s intentions could shift multiple times before then. What seems certain today might look entirely different by tomorrow—a reminder that even well-informed speculation comes with expiration dates in the fast-moving world of consumer tech.