Donald E. McNamara 
Ahead of Apple’s media event in September, rumors were circulating about a brand new Apple Watch design. Specifically, it has been reported that the Apple Watch Series 7 will feature smaller bezels and a less rounded form factor. It turns out that only one of these rumors turned out to be true.
While a more boxy version of the Apple Watch didn’t happen, Apple on its latest Apple Watch design managed to shrink the bezels and create more screen space in the process. In total, the Apple Watch Series 7 gives users almost 20% more screen area than its predecessors.
Patents point to new Apple Watch design
While the Apple Watch Series 7 hasn’t ushered in a radical new Apple Watch form factor, that doesn’t mean Apple isn’t open to the idea. Rather, a recent patent filing from Apple describes a complete overhaul of the familiar Apple Watch design.
The patent was revealed by Appleinsider and was originally filed in early 2020. As you can see below, the patent illustration imagines an Apple Watch design with much flatter edges. And while it’s true that Apple regularly files patents for features and products that never see the light of day, the fact that we’ve already seen rumors pointing to a less rounded Apple Watch design is worth highlighting.
Patent illustrations can be seen below:
Now, if we’re being honest, the chances of Apple revealing what its next-gen Apple Watch design looks like via a patent are slim to zero. But as mentioned above, the patent illustration, along with rumors that Apple might tinker with a new form factor, is certainly food for thought.
Apple Watch Series 8 rumors
With the Apple Watch Series 7 not benefiting from the rumored redesign, it’s natural for people to assume we’ll see a new design on the Apple Watch Series 8.
A render of what this device might look like can be seen below:
Now is that likely? Well, it’s possible, but it doesn’t seem too likely. According to some reports, the Series 8 will look roughly like the Series 7. Indeed, that makes sense. After all, Apple just introduced the Apple Watch Series 7 with thinner bezels. Knowing about Apple, the company will hold onto this design for a while before deciding to shake things up more drastically.
Meanwhile, other Apple Watch Series 8 rumors include better speakers and slightly improved battery life. And while it’s no secret that Apple is exploring ways to possibly add a blood glucose sensor to the Apple Watch, it is a technical hurdle.
If history is any indication, Apple will introduce the Apple Watch Series 8 at a special media event in September.
