As we approach the end of 2024, the tech world reflects on another successful year for Apple, marked by the release of the iPhone 16 and the Apple Watch Series 10. However, despite these advancements, many Apple Watch users are eager for more innovation. With 2025 on the horizon, here are five major features fans hope to see in the next generation of Apple’s smartwatch.
1. Extended Battery Life
While the Apple Watch has evolved significantly since its debut, the one area that has remained relatively stagnant is battery life. For most models, except the Apple Watch Ultra, users are still limited to “all-day” battery life — typically around 18 hours. The Apple Watch Ultra, by contrast, offers up to 36 hours of use.
It’s high time for Apple to close this gap across the board. Competitors like the OnePlus Watch 2, which offers up to 12 days of battery life in power-saving mode, have raised the bar. Many would love to see the standard Apple Watch Series last two full days on a single charge, which could set a new standard for the industry. If improvements can be made for the Series models, the Ultra could potentially offer even greater longevity.
2. More Charging Options
Another area for improvement is the charging experience. Currently, Apple Watch users rely on a proprietary magnetic charging puck, which limits flexibility. Why not allow MagSafe charging, as we do with AirPods? If Apple were to introduce this, users could charge their watches using existing MagSafe chargers, making life more convenient.
Additionally, the idea of separating the charging puck from the cable itself, as seen with the OnePlus Watch 2, could be a game-changer. This would eliminate the need for an additional cord when traveling, making the Apple Watch more compatible with modern, universal USB-C cables. Apple could make charging easier and more adaptable with a few design changes.
3. A Bold New Design
Let’s face it — the Apple Watch’s design has remained largely unchanged since its inception. While the Series 10 was thinner, it didn’t provide the revolutionary redesign many were hoping for. Apple could look to break the mold in 2025, possibly adopting a more traditional, elegant design. Having worn the Google Pixel Watch, which features a rounded display, some users have found the circle shape not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional, despite the challenges it poses for reading text.
A more refined, circular design could give the Apple Watch a fresh look, appealing to those who prefer a more classic timepiece feel. While practicality is key, there’s no reason the watch can’t balance function with style. A more diverse approach to design could breathe new life into the Apple Watch lineup.
4. Customizable Watch Faces
Apple Watch faces are functional, but they lack true customization. While third-party apps offer alternatives, these often fall short of the native Apple experience. Imagine the ability to create a fully personalized watch face from scratch — perhaps even incorporating a mix of aesthetic and utility.
If Apple opens up more creative freedom, users could design unique faces that reflect their personality, making the watch even more personal. Apple’s slow roll-out of iPhone home screen customizations shows that they’re not opposed to gradual changes in this direction. With enough demand, we might see fully customizable watch faces in the future.
5. A Magnetic Band Attachment System
One feature that many users would love to see is a magnetic band attachment system. Currently, Apple Watch bands use a click-in mechanism that can sometimes be difficult to work with, especially with third-party straps. A magnetic system, similar to MagSafe, could offer an easier, more intuitive way to attach and detach bands. This change could improve the user experience and add more versatility, making swapping bands faster and less cumbersome.
Another potential improvement could be the introduction of universal 20mm straps, akin to Samsung’s Galaxy Watches. This would provide users with a wider range of compatible bands, increasing customization options.
The Future of the Apple Watch
While some of these changes may seem far-fetched, they’re not entirely out of reach. The Apple Watch Series 10 may not have been the groundbreaking release many expected, but it’s clear that the device has come a long way. If Apple addresses some of these key areas — particularly battery life, charging convenience, and design — the Apple Watch could continue to set the standard for wearables for years to come.
With these improvements, the next generation of Apple Watches could be even more indispensable, blending cutting-edge technology with increased customization and practicality. Here’s to a bright future for the Apple Watch in 2025.