Apple Watch Explorer Edition with a rugged casing may launch in 2021 or 2022

Apple is considering a rugged Apple Watch, according to a new report from Bloomberg. It may debut later in 2021 or 2022 at the earliest and target different watch buyers, the report has it.


STORY HIGHLIGHTS:

  • Apple is mulling a rugged watch.
  • Extra impact-resistance and protection.
  • For use in extreme environments.
  • Could drop in 2021 or 2022 at the earliest.
  • Apple could also cancel or delay it.

An Apple Watch for extreme sports

There could be another “Edition” model of the Apple Watch aside from the now-retired Apple Watch Edition, Gurman reports in a new write-up over at Bloomberg.

Apple is considering launching an Apple Watch with a rugged casing aimed at athletes, hikers and others who use the device in more extreme environments. The company has internally discussed introducing such a model later in 2021 or 2022 at the earliest.

Apple has considered such a device before.

This is at least the second time Apple has mulled a rugged smartwatch. After launching the first version of the Apple Watch in 2015, the company weighed a new model to better appeal to extreme sports athletes.

A rugged model would have the same features as the current watch, but with added protection and improved impact resistance “in the vein of Casio’s G-Shock watches,” the write-up has it.

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The project is referred to internally as Apple Watch Explorer Edition, which indicates that it would indeed be mainly marketed to athletes and fans of extreme sports.

“Apple is also working on new swim-tracking features for the Apple Watch,” Gurman mentions.