The MacRumors Show: Kevin Nether Talks Apple Watch 'Pro'

An hour+ of video is a big ask of your readers.

I get the distinct feeling this Pro model watch, although advertised as rugged, will really be the new luxury/stainless steel version that will physically differentiate between those who have a stainless steel version and now the this new version will be even more expensive and more of a show off look at me I have something even more expensive model.

quote me on this.

Stop trying to make flat sides happen!

The square edge design has always had appeal to me, but the further I think about it, the less I hope it comes true. I don't really think a square edge design would be as comfortable and it doesn't really offer any more functional benefit over the Series 7 style. I reserve my opinion until the Series 8 launches but in either case I will be replacing my Series 5 44mm with a cellular Series 7 45mm or Series 8 larger size.

Looking forward to the new 'Pro' watch. Hopefully Apple does not price it sky high.

Considering that the current AW 7 in stainless steel starts at $699, and titanium Edition at $799, the odds of seeing this supposed AW 8 "Pro/rugged/premium" start at any less than $699 are very bad.

I'd go as far as to say lower than $699 is impossible because that would instantly cannibalise next to all sales of the standard $399 AW 8 and also the only one year old AW 7 in the stainless steel and Edition finishes.

AW 8 Pro starting at $699 or less, it will be too great value/$ compared to the rest of the lineup.

I can only see less than $699 as a possibility if AW 8 "Pro" is just more durable/rugged than the standard. But if it's a rugged + premium combo then it's definitely more than $699.

I bought my series 6 Apple Watch specifically for rugged sports - hiking, mountain biking, swimming, surfing etc…and have zero complaints about it’s ruggedness. There are already aftermarket rubber cases for those that want additional protection. A higher end rugged Apple watch seems like a hard sell to me. I get the feeling that Apple will just start doing what they already do with their iPhones. Reserve the newest advanced features/materials for the “Pro” watch to justify a higher price compared to the “regular” Apple watch with older features for a cheaper price. Basically just a renaming. The “Pro” Apple watch won’t be more “Pro”… it will just get the advanced features we were accustom to getting before every year… just at a higher price. 😂

Having said that, these are the things I’d like to see in the new Apple Watch whatever they call it. Better battery life! Mine lasts a day which is fine for my daily activities. But when I go on adventures for more than a day out in the middle of nowhere, a longer battery life would come in handy. I am a big guy, so a slightly larger Apple Watch would not be a bad thing. Personally, I hope they keep the rounded edges of the current design. Somehow I think the flat edge might be uncomfortable & potentially dig into the skin for a “rugged” active user such as myself. More health
sensors like a glucose, BP & temp monitor would be welcome. But I’m not holding my breath for those. A camera would be cool to FaceTime with, but again, i am not expecting that either.