Questionable Rumor Points Towards Upcoming 'Smart Bands' For Apple Watch
Apple is working on next-generation Apple Watch bands that will be equipped with new health sensors, according to a questionable report from Czech site Letem Svetem Applem [Google Translate]. Citing an unnamed source, the site says Apple is planning on creating smart bands that include sensors for detecting blood oxygen levels, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and body temperature.
The bands are said to be able to plug into the diagnostic port on the Apple Watch, making them compatible with the current-generation device. Letem Svetem Applem suggests that all of the health monitoring functions above could not be built into the Apple Watch itself, a supposition that may not be accurate.
When the diagnostic port was first discovered ahead of the Apple Watch's release, TechCrunch speculated it could be used for smart band accessories with additional sensors or external batteries, but there has thus far been no solid indication that Apple is working on such technology at this point in time.
It continues to be unclear what exactly the diagnostic port is capable of, but based on Apple Watch setups in retail stores and information discovered by third-party band makers, it looks like it's able to be used to charge the Apple Watch and relay data.
There are a number of reasons that Apple might be hesitant to embed multiple sensors in bands, including price concerns and durability issues. Apple would also need to consolidate bands or embed sensors into every band type, something that could be difficult with bands made of widely varied materials.
Letem Svetem Applem has accurately shared information gathered from resellers and other third-party sources in the past, but it does not have a known track record for sharing highly sensitive rumors that could only be sourced from a well-positioned insider within Apple. Because the site does not have a reliable track record, this rumor should be viewed with some skepticism for the time being.
Popular Stories
An iPhone 17 announcement is a dead cert for September 2025 – Apple has already sent out invites for an "Awe dropping" event on Tuesday, September 9 at the Apple Park campus in Cupertino, California. The timing follows Apple's trend of introducing new iPhone models annually in the fall.
At the event, Apple is expected to unveil its new-generation iPhone 17, an all-new ultra-thin iPhone 17...
Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 series on Tuesday, September 9, and last-minute rumors about the devices continue to surface.
The latest info comes from a leaker known as Majin Bu, who has shared alleged images of Apple's Clear Case for the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, or at least replicas.
Image Credit: @MajinBuOfficial
The images show three alleged changes compared to Apple's iP...
Apple and Samsung have reportedly issued cease-and-desist notices to Xiaomi in India for an ad campaign that directly compares the rivals' devices to Xiaomi's products. The two companies have threatened the Chinese vendor with legal action, calling the ads "disparaging."
Ads have appeared in local print media and on social media that take pot shots at the competitors' premium offerings. One...
Apple will launch its new iPhone 17 series this month, and the iPhone 17 Pro models are expected to get a new design for the rear casing and the camera area. But more significant changes to the lineup are not expected until next year, when the iPhone 18 models arrive.
If you're thinking of trading in your iPhone for this year's latest, consider the following features rumored to be coming to...
Apple is preparing to release iOS 18.7 for compatible iPhone models, according to evidence of the update in the MacRumors visitor logs.
We expect iOS 18.7 to be released in September, alongside iOS 26. The update will likely include fixes for security vulnerabilities, but little else.
iOS 18.7 will be one of the final updates ever released for the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR,...
