A significant redesign of the Apple Watch will reportedly launch in 2027 with an entirely new band attachment system, according to Weibo leaker Instant Digital. The change would break compatibility with current bands and free up internal space for a larger battery, marking the first major design shift since the Series 10 arrived in 2024.

This rumor connects to earlier speculation about an "Apple Watch X" that never materialized. Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reported in 2023 that Apple planned a magnetic band system, thinner case, and microLED display for the watch's 10th anniversary. Instead, Apple released the Series 10 with only modest updates, keeping the existing band attachment intact.

The timeline aligns with Apple's historical design cycles. The company typically refreshes the standard watch design every three years: Series 1-3 shared one design, Series 4-6 another, and Series 7-9 a third. Following this pattern, the Series 13 in 2027 would introduce the next major design evolution.

Additional reports suggest next-generation OLED technology and enhanced health sensors could accompany the redesign. While the Series 12 won't feature design changes, consumers eyeing 2027 purchases should avoid stocking up on current bands, as incompatibility appears likely.