Many are now speculating that Apple is readying a new line of Apple Watch bands to launch this spring alongside the launch of three new iPad models, with the company listing many Apple Watch combinations as “Sold Out” on their online store.
According to a new report from MacRumors, ten Apple Watch combinations (shown below) are now listed as “Sold Out,” and with no reports of a Apple Watch hardware refresh planned until sometime later this year, it’s suggested that the five month old band line is getting ready for a summer overhaul.
The same phenomenon happened last summer, a couple of months ahead of the new Apple Watch bands that launched in September. Although hardware upgrades are certainly less frequent, Apple generally releases new bands for the smartwatch around every six months, allowing the company to keep the device on the fashion forefront.
Since the Apple Watch was first launched, there have been four seasonal releases of bands: Spring 2015, Fall 2015, Spring 2016, and Fall 2016. One can only assume the next installment will come at some point this spring.
Regarding a full hardware refresh, one isn’t expected for the Apple Watch until sometime later in the year, maybe alongside the iPhone 8 in the fall. However, this refresh is not yet known to be the smartwatch’s first major design overhaul or if it will be another change in the basic design profile that first debuted two years ago.
Rumors have suggested the third-generation Apple Watch will put a focus on improving battery life and performance and may not feature other major changes.
Sold Out: Apple Watch with Aluminum Case
Sold Out: Apple Watch with Stainless Steel Case
