In his July 10 weekend newsletter, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman predicts that the Apple Watch will gain ‘Pro’ branding this fall when the rumored extreme sports edition of the device is launched.
This is exactly what we concluded when we evaluated possible names in our roundup of Apple Watch Pro rumors.
Gurman corroborates our own conclusion that Apple Watch Pro is the most likely name for the new watch. We wrote: “Pro is a brand that Apple uses to emphasise the pro features of its Macs and iPhones and iPads, so it would make sense for it to come to the Watch. Apparently Apple did consider the Apple Watch Pro name in the past.”
Similarly, Gurman writes: “I think the company will probably go with the Apple Watch Pro name and marketing.”
There are, or course, other potential names for the device, which we also discuss in our article, but Gurman leans towards the theory that Apple “is set to give the Apple Watch its ‘Pro’ tier.” Which he says “follows a long history of Apple widening its product portfolio with pro models.”
Gurman repeats his prediction that this new, more expensive Apple Watch will offer the following pro features:
- Larger and more shatter-resistant display
- Enhanced hiking and swim tracking
- Longer battery life
- A heftier and more rugged case
Gurman believes this case will be made of a non-aluminum metal. “Probably titanium,” he explains, “given it’s much more durable than steel.”
He makes a price prediction based on the current price for the Apple Watch Edition, which is an Apple Watch Series 7 in a titanium case that starts at $849. He thinks Apple will price the new watch even higher, based on its larger display (rumored to be 50mm), additional sensors and better materials. “I wouldn’t be surprised if it starts closer to $900 to $999,” he writes.
Gurman also notes that the introduction of the Apple Watch Pro is likely to mean the end of the Apple Watch Edition.
In separate articles you can read about the Apple Watch Series 8 and the new Apple Watch SE, both of which are expected to launch alongside the Apple Watch Pro this fall.
