Apple Faces Roadblocks in Wearable Tech Advancements
Apple’s ambitious plans for its 2025 Apple Watch lineup are hitting significant obstacles, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. While the company is pushing forward with innovations like built-in cameras and potential 5G connectivity, its long-rumored blood pressure monitoring feature is struggling with development issues. Additionally, the anticipated redesign of the Apple Watch SE 3—featuring a plastic casing—is now in doubt due to cost and aesthetic concerns.
With Apple Watch shipments declining in 2024 and competition in the wearable market heating up, these challenges raise questions about the company’s ability to deliver compelling new features in its next-generation devices.
Apple’s Blood Pressure Tracking Faces Delays
Apple has been working on integrating blood pressure monitoring into its smartwatches for years. However, Gurman’s report suggests that testing has hit multiple roadblocks. The feature, initially planned for the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Apple Watch Series 11—both expected to debut in September 2025—is not performing as expected.
The exact issues remain unclear but could involve:
- Accuracy Problems: Blood pressure readings must meet medical-grade precision to be useful and reliable.
- Battery Life Concerns: Continuous monitoring or periodic measurements could drain the watch’s battery faster than Apple considers acceptable.
- False Readings: Even minor inaccuracies could undermine consumer confidence and regulatory approval.
This setback is significant, as blood pressure tracking was expected to be one of the major health innovations for the next-gen Apple Watch.
Apple Watch SE 3’s Plastic Redesign in Jeopardy
The budget-friendly Apple Watch SE 3 was rumored to transition from an aluminum to a plastic casing to reduce costs. However, Apple’s design team reportedly dislikes how the plastic version looks, while the operations team has found that manufacturing costs wouldn’t be significantly lower than the current aluminum models.
These issues put the SE 3’s redesign in serious jeopardy. If Apple scraps the plastic version, it may need to rethink its strategy for keeping the SE model affordable without compromising design and build quality.
A Silver Lining: Potential 5G and Satellite Connectivity
While Apple faces hurdles, there is promising news for the high-end Apple Watch Ultra 3. Reports indicate that:
- Satellite Texting is On Track: This feature would allow users to send emergency messages in areas with no cellular coverage.
- Reduced Capacity 5G: This upgrade would enhance connectivity, making the Apple Watch more independent from the iPhone.
If successfully implemented, these features could help Apple maintain its edge in the premium smartwatch segment, even if blood pressure monitoring is delayed.
What Undercode Says:
Apple’s Health Ambitions vs. Reality
Apple has long positioned itself as a leader in health tech, but delivering truly revolutionary features remains a challenge. Blood pressure tracking, if achieved, could be a game-changer—but it must be accurate and reliable. Unlike step counting or heart rate tracking, blood pressure readings require medical-grade precision. Regulatory approvals from bodies like the FDA could also further delay the rollout.
The SE 3 Dilemma: Plastic vs. Premium Feel
Apple is known for its design excellence, and shifting to a plastic casing risks diluting that reputation. If the material doesn’t significantly reduce costs, the switch may not make sense. Consumers associate Apple products with premium materials, and a plastic Apple Watch could feel like a downgrade rather than a budget-friendly alternative.
The Competitive Pressure
Apple isn’t just competing with itself; it faces growing threats from Samsung, Google, and fitness-focused brands like Garmin. In 2024, smartwatch shipments declined for the first time, indicating a shift in consumer priorities. Apple must either deliver compelling new features or risk losing ground in a saturated market.
Is 5G Enough?
While satellite texting and 5G are exciting, they may not be enough to drive mass adoption. The Ultra 3 is already a niche product with a premium price tag. For the mainstream market, Apple needs a major innovation—like blood pressure tracking—to truly excite consumers.
What’s Next?
With only six months until launch, Apple has tough decisions to make. Does it delay blood pressure tracking to get it right? Does it scrap the SE 3’s plastic redesign entirely? And can it convince consumers that its next-gen Apple Watches are worth the upgrade?
Apple’s 2025 smartwatch lineup could define the future of its wearables—or highlight the limits of its innovation.
Fact Checker Results:
- Apple has not officially confirmed blood pressure tracking for 2025 – The feature has been in development, but no official announcement has been made.
- The SE 3’s plastic redesign is a rumor, not a confirmed plan – Apple has not publicly commented on this possible shift.
- 5G and satellite texting are likely but not guaranteed – While Apple is exploring these technologies, the final product lineup remains uncertain.
References:
Reported By: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/technology/wearables/this-upcoming-apple-watch-feature-might-be-delayed-and-watch-se-3-in-serious-jeopardy/articleshow/119424580.cms
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