The next generation of Apple Watch (Series 8) is set to go “Pro” with ruggedized case made of “premium, non-aluminum metal material,” Mark Gurman reports for Bloomberg News in his weekly newsletter “Power On.”
Mark Gurman for Bloomberg News:
Whether it will be called the Apple Watch Extreme, Apple Watch Max, Apple Watch Explorer Edition or the Apple Watch Pro, Apple Inc. is set to give the Apple Watch its “Pro” tier.
That expansion into a higher-end Apple Watch that sits above the standard model follows a long history of Apple widening its product portfolio with pro models. The MacBook Pro, iPad Pro, iPhone Pro and AirPods Pro are just a few examples. In the case of the Pro products, except the earbuds, Apple differentiates with better performance and screens plus, of course, a higher price.
For the new more-expensive Apple Watch coming this fall, which I detailed this past week, the pro features will be a larger and more shatter-resistant display, enhanced hiking and swim tracking, longer battery life and a heftier and rugged case made from a premium, non-aluminum metal material…
Given that the new high-end Apple Watch will pack in a slightly larger display, new sensors and higher-end materials, I wouldn’t be surprised if it starts closer to $900 to $999, the starting price of an iPhone 13 Pro.
MacDailyNews Take: “Apple Watch Extreme” would be too good of a name, so Apple will never use it, but hope springs eternal, so maybe they’ll go that route and sell millions more simply due to proper naming.
Now, about this “premium, non-aluminum metal material” which Gurman parenthetically guesses is “probably titanium given it’s much more durable than steel.”
We’ve seen titanium Apple Watches before. Yes, they’re strong, but they’re nothing new. Apple’s selling them right now. They’re not tagged “Extreme,” or even “Pro.” But Apple might finally have the potential to offer an Apple Watch with a metal case that’s 2.5X stronger than titanium:
If ever there was a time for Liquidmetal to finally appear in an Apple product beyond an iPhone SIM ejector, this would be it. That said, cost (and manufacturing capacity) may be an issue, so we’ll have to wait and see. Even if the “Apple Watch Extreme” uses titanium, it will be a costly model. Currently, the 45mm Titanium Apple Watch Series 7 costs $849. The 50mm “Apple Watch Extreme” would seem to slot in around $999 in Titanium. Your guess is as good as ours how much it would cost in a Liquidmetal case, but a relatively high price might be well worth it as such a case (2.5X stronger than titanium) would likely prove to be pretty near indestructible. — MacDailyNews, July 6, 2022
See also:
• Apple Watch patent applications cover use of Liquidmetal and polymers – March 27, 2020
• Apple patent describes Liquidmetal housing for electronic devices – January 27, 2017
• Apple’s exclusive Liquidmetal pact could see future Apple products encased in metallic glass – August 11, 2010
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I hope it’s LiquidMetal. I’ve been waiting for long time to see this alloy in an Apple Inc. product.
It would be a boon for Liquidmetal that a company such as Apple to begin using their product. It would also be nice to see Apple get a return on their investment in Liquidmetal. An Watch could be huge in a lot of ways and for many investors. May the rumors be true and our hopes be fulfilled.
I guess it will be called Apple Watch Pro
I’d buy a larger 50mm Watch without the added bulk of the ruggedness. A larger screen for the non-trialthaloners in the crowd.
LQMT is currently on sale for 8¢ a share. With massive manufacturing capacity (Yiaho and Eontec among others), a proven solution (already used as the micro hinge material in Hiawei and other folding phones), hundreds of tons of raw material, and 12 years of Apple-focused IP (through CIP), plus worldwide trademarks or trademark placeholders, oh and $30 Million in the bank, Liquidmetal (LQMT) is poised to go parabolic. Estimates are $1 to $3 / share the moment Apple says Liquidmetal. Estimates are that this will be a $100 Billion a year industry within 20 years, with Liquidmetal poised to own at least a third of that. That means up to $20/share. Again, today it’s 8 cents. How much would it cost you to buy 10,000 shares or a multiple thereof? This is a public service announcement. I don’t care if you buy or not. You, however, may care when it touches the moon and you’re watching from earth. Do some research and decide for yourself.
Only hesitation is that ‘insiders’ would already be buying if a product was close. Don’t you think?
That would be a good sign, yes. I imagine Apple is trying to keep the wraps on this. Anyone remotely associated with Liquidmetal would have had it drilled into them that they are not to so much as think about spreading the word, so weak has the stock been for so long. Perhaps as we get closer? As I say, you pays your dollar and you takes your chances. Right now the odds are better than lotto and maybe as good as 50-50
I think your logic is sound. And the investment is small for 10k.
That “premium” word $ound$ $cary
I have never had a problem with the case, it’s always been the screen that gets scratched or chipped