The rumor: Apple is working on a new, stronger edition of the Apple Watch, according to Mark Gurman (89.1% accurate).
- The tougher watch could be made of a more rubberized material and designed for “athletes, hikers and others who use the device in more extreme environments”
- While functionality would be identical to other Apple Watch models, there may be better impact resistance (Apple is also working on new swim tracking features, but these are likely coming to all models)
- A launch could happen as soon as later this year, but Apple has also discussed a 2022 release date
Our take: If Apple is exploring an option like this, there must be a big enough market for rugged watches. Personally, I have never found the watch to be overly fragile or ‘un-rugged,’ but it certainly can’t compete with something like a G-Shock. I can’t imagine too many people would want something like this?
