Assets from the watchOS 6 beta suggest Apple will launch new ceramic and titanium Apple Watch models at next month’s Special Event, where new iPhones will also be revealed.
As first discovered by iHelpBR, the new assets relate to the Apple Watch setup screen animation, which has in previous releases uses the rear design of the watch and includes the model type and the ‘Designed by Apple in California’ branding, as seen on the Apple Watch.
However, the latest beta has seen updated setup screen animations, now referencing 44mm titanium case and a 44mm ceramic case Apple Watches, as well as a 40mm Apple Watch.
Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo announced earlier in the year that he expected Apple to introduce a ceramic casing design to the Apple Watch range, and these new assets back up that claim and are the clearest sign yet that a new range will be released in September.
Apple previously toyed with ceramic Apple Watches back with the Apple Watch Series 2 when its Edition models began from $1,299.
The ceramic Edition continued with the Apple Watch Series 3, but was discontinued when the Series 4 model launched in 2018.
Whilst current Apple Watches have a ceramic back, these assets suggest that Apple might introduce a new high-end ceramic model for this year, as well as an entirely new titanium model – a material that Apple is already using with its new credit card, the Apple Card.
It’s unknown whether Apple will replace the current stainless steel casing with titanium casing, or whether these two new materials will serve as add-ons to existing options.
Apple is also expected to introduce OLED displays on the Apple Watch this year, but we know very little else about what the Cupertino company has planned for its latest watch.
The company is widely tipped to reveal the Apple Watch Series 5 alongside its new iPhones on September 10, so we’ll know for certain what’s next for Apple Watch in a few weeks.
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