Apple plans Apple Watch diversification
Apple is reportedly exploring a much wider family of Apple Watch products – round ones, bracelets and even rings, according to Mark Gurman.
The report looked at what to expect from the company’s forthcoming product launch (which may include a ceramic Apple Watch). While saying this year’s upgrades won’t bring too many surprises, the reporter also told us of Apple’s interest in Apple watch diversification.
Dare to be different
It’s a pretty sensible move that means Apple can diversify its now very evolved set of wearable technologies, into a series of devices to reach different consumers.
It’s about time, of course. While the Apple Watch may already be on the edge of becoming the world’s most popular wearable AI device, its design has remained relatively unchanged for years, even while the tasks it is capable of doing have continued to expand.
Right now, the watch serves a whole host of uses, so much so that it seems inevitable Apple may seek to diversify the range while maintaining the same basic technology.
After all, if Siri is what you want to use more of, then perhaps you don’t need a watch face. Or, if health tracking is your main use for the device perhaps you only need a watch band with Siri you can speak with, headphones to listen to music through, and a phone you can gain data insights from.
When it comes to design, perhaps it is at last time to introduce a round watch design for those who like it that way – or even a high value fitness bracelet – or focused heart and blood monitoring ring? Maybe you only want a sleep tracker, or portable payment system – or even just a highly portable AI companion.
The tech is rock solid now
If you think about it, Apple already has the proven tech to create a family of products at a wide range of prices and shapes. Millions of Apple Watch users are putting its wearable processors through their paces every day.
That means we know that if the company chose to diversify it wouldn’t have any problem convincing consumers its products worked. Plus, in many markets – particularly those in decline – it may make sense for Apple to diversify its offering to maximize its addressable market.
That’s bad news for existing incumbents such as Oura or Whoop in those different wearable form factors but seems very much in tune with the company’s approach to expanding its business since introduction of the MacBook Neo.
After all, as the spending economy shrinks, the best way to grab more of what’s there is product diversification – albeit only in a considered and highly targeted way. Will Apple introduce everything it’s thinking about? I don’t think so, but I can very easily imagine Apple Health-powered wristbands and rings, along with a round Apple Watch.
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