Apple Watch: visionOS design and AI rumored to be possible

The Apple Watch could soon receive a major update. A new design in the style of visionOS and the integration of Apple Intelligence are on the horizon. This is based on a report from the Israeli website The Verifier, which cites anonymous sources. While the information should be taken with a grain of salt, it sheds interesting light on possible innovations for the smartwatch.

Apple regularly works on further developing its software and hardware. What might change in the next version of watchOS is particularly exciting. The Apple Watch is expected to receive not only a visual overhaul, but also new features related to artificial intelligence. The report offers some concrete hints – although not all of them are guaranteed to come true.

visionOS design for watchOS

According to The Verifier, the upcoming version of watchOS will receive a significant visual overhaul. Apple is planning a design reminiscent of visionOS—the operating system developed for the Apple Vision Pro. You can expect a smoother, more modern interface. The design is expected to be bolder, with slightly transparent elements and revised controls. Menus, icons, buttons, and other UI elements will be redesigned. According to the report, Apple is currently testing various approaches for the home screen, the Apple Watch's home screen. Whether the new design will arrive with watchOS 12 or later is unclear. The features are likely still in development.

Apple Intelligence on Apple Watch Ultra

The report also provides details on the integration of Apple Intelligence, Apple's new AI platform. This was first unveiled at WWDC 2024. The Verifier claims that Apple plans to initially make Apple Intelligence available on the Apple TV and Apple Watch Ultra. The Apple Watch Ultra is expected to receive its own new chip. This would be necessary because current Apple Watch models only have 1 GB of RAM, but Apple Intelligence requires at least 8 GB. Whether this exclusive chip will actually be released is questionable. So far, Apple's approach with Apple Intelligence is to equip as many devices as possible. Even the inexpensive iPhone 16e is compatible, only the latest low-cost iPad is not. If the report is correct, the Apple Watch Ultra would be the first model to receive Apple Intelligence (via The Verifier).

Planned features with Apple Intelligence

When AI features arrive on the Apple Watch, you could expect several new features. According to The Verifier, these include:

Notification summaries
The possibility to create so-called Genmoji
A new, smarter Siri that recognizes your behavior
AI-supported analysis of sporting activities
Medical monitoring with the help of AI
Improved sleep and heart rate monitoring

The goal seems to be to further develop the Apple Watch as a personal AI assistant – especially in the area of health and fitness.

Doubts about the source

It's important to assess the credibility of The Verifier. The site has been wrong in the past. Among other things, it made false predictions about iOS 18, a Kids Mode for Apple TV, Touch ID for the Apple Watch, and the release date of an Apple Pencil. Claims about the end of support for older devices in iOS versions have also proven untrue. Therefore, the current information should be treated with caution as rumors, not as confirmed plans.

Apple Watch before the next development step?

The Apple Watch could receive a major update in the near future – with a new design and AI features. If the reports are confirmed, a major shake-up for watchOS is imminent. The Apple Watch Ultra, in particular, could benefit from Apple Intelligence if the technical requirements are met. At the same time, it remains to be seen how reliable the information really is. But one thing is clear: Apple is working on something new, and the Apple Watch will play an important role in it. (Photo by Unsplash / Samuel Angor)