Wellness Smartwatches Leaked Apple Watch 12 design change is the opposite of an upgrade — and that has me worried Opinion By Dan Bracaglia Published 2 July 2026 I really hope this design rumor isn’t true When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works . (Image credit: Future) Copy link Facebook X Reddit Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter Apple Watch rumors are a dime a dozen, so getting bent out of shape about one in particular isn’t advisable. Then again, the vast majority of Apple Watch leaks suggest positive improvements to Cupertino’s range of wearables, not potentially negative changes. This is why one particular Apple Watch 12 rumor has me a bit, shall we say, perturbed, particularly as someone who’s invested heavily over the years in accessories for the best Apple Watch models, namely, a large collection of Apple Watch straps. A new case design could mark the end of an era (Image credit: Dan Bracaglia/Tom’s Guide) Ever since the first Apple Watch launched over a decade ago, Apple has consistently used the same strap attachment system. Sure, it’s proprietary, and an old-fashioned spring bar works just as well, but now, nearly eleven years later, many of us have acquired a sizable array of compatible bands. Latest Videos From Watch full video here: I know I have my favorite Apple Watch straps , which I frequently shift between the Apple Watch Series 11 , SE 3 and Ultra 3 , depending on what I’m testing/writing about (I’m quite partial to the Nike Sport Loop). Well, if a recent report from the known leaker Instant Digital proves to be true, Apple could be moving away from the strap attachment system we’ve all come to know and, well, tolerate. Such a move would surely irritate Apple Watch owners everywhere, myself included. You may like Apple Watch Ultra 4: All the design, health, and battery life rumors so far Apple Watch may never get Touch ID capabilities in favor of other features We’ve tested every Apple Watch and these are the 3 models I recommend right now Apple is already in hot water with some smartwatch owners (Image credit: Apple) With the recent debut of watchOS 27 beta, Cupertino has already thoroughly irked a wide swath of the Apple Watch faithful. Why? The next-gen operating system for the watch — which fully launches this fall — will only support the very latest Apple Watch models. That list includes the Series 11, Series 10, Series 9, Ultra 3, Ultra 2, and SE 3. Basically, unless you purchased your Apple Watch in the past two to three years, you’re out of luck, software-wise. Tom’s Guide: Direct to Your Inbox Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over. Now owners of the Series 8 , SE 2 , Ultra , etc., have to decide whether to upgrade to a newer Apple Watch model or bail on the form-factor/move to a competitor like Garmin . What better way to convince them to stay than by making their existing collection of straps obsolete? Heck, Apple might as well introduce a newer charger while it’s at it (Dear Apple: Please, don’t). What are your thoughts on Apple potentially switching to a new band attachment system for the Apple Watch Series 12 or Ultra 4 ? Let me know in the comments below. Follow Tom’s Guide on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our up-to-date news, analysis, and reviews in your feeds. Alternatively, you can read our content on the Tom’s Guide app available now for iOS and Android . Subscribe to Tom’s Guide on YouTube and follow us on TikTok . Finally, you can visit our dedicated Tom’s Guide Savings Squad hub for expert help on getting the best products f
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