Skip to main content

Bloomberg: Apple ‘considering’ new Apple Watch model with rugged casing, aimed at athletes

Apple is considering to expand its lineup of Apple Watch models, with a new model that would be focused on athletes and extreme climbers and hikers. As reported by Bloomberg, the casing of this watch would feature a rugged design with impact shock resistance and protective exterior, similar to a Casio G-Shock watch.

Current Apple Watch models feature aluminium, steel and titanium exteriors. The idea of the rugged watch model is it would feature a rubberized casing that is perhaps not so elegant to look at, but would be less prone to scratching and damage.

In 2015, the original Apple Watch launched in three distinct collections. The cheapest lineup was called ‘Apple Watch Sport’. However, it looked just like the current low-end Apple Watches, with an aluminium case and a rubber Sport Band. Apple stopped using the Sport nomenclature in future generations.

The aluminium Apple Watch is popular with runners and people who workout at a gym, but it is less appealing for outdoor sports because it is easily damaged. The aluminium case and glass display is easily scratched if the Watch is bumped into a rock when climbing, for instance.

This new watch would actually be an ‘Apple Watch Sport’ in all senses of the word with a rubber exterior simply being more resistant to the elements. This would pair nicely with the Watch’s 50-meter waterproofing rating. Bloomberg says the model is sometimes referred to inside Apple as an ‘Explorer Edition’ watch.

The report says the new rugged Watch could launch as soon as later this year, but notes that the project could still be cancelled altogether.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

You’re reading 9to5Mac — experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Comments

Author

Avatar for Benjamin Mayo Benjamin Mayo

Benjamin develops iOS apps professionally and covers Apple news and rumors for 9to5Mac. Listen to Benjamin, every week, on the Happy Hour podcast. Check out his personal blog. Message Benjamin over email or Twitter.