Does Apple Make a Round Watch? Exploring the Options Available

AvatarByArron Moss Usage Guides

When it comes to wearable technology, Apple has long been a trailblazer, setting trends with its sleek designs and innovative features. Among the many questions tech enthusiasts and potential buyers often ask is whether Apple offers a round watch, diverging from its signature square-faced Apple Watch. This curiosity stems from the popularity of round smartwatches in the market, which many associate with a more traditional timepiece aesthetic.

Exploring the shape and design choices Apple has made reveals much about the company’s philosophy and approach to wearable tech. While many brands opt for round watch faces to mimic classic wristwatches, Apple’s distinctive design has become iconic in its own right. Understanding whether Apple has ventured into round watch designs can shed light on how the brand balances style, functionality, and user experience.

In this article, we’ll delve into Apple’s watch lineup, examine the reasons behind its design decisions, and explore how these choices impact users’ perceptions and preferences. Whether you’re a loyal Apple fan or simply curious about smartwatch options, this overview will provide valuable insights into the question: Does Apple make a round watch?

Comparison of Apple Watch Design with Round Smartwatches

Apple Watch’s design philosophy centers around a rectangular display with rounded corners, which is distinct from the traditional round watch faces commonly seen in many smartwatches. The choice of a square or rectangular screen allows Apple to maximize usable display area for notifications, apps, and complications without the distortion that often accompanies round screens.

In contrast, many other smartwatch manufacturers opt for a circular display because it mimics the classic look of traditional analog watches, appealing to users who prefer a more conventional aesthetic. Popular round smartwatches include models from brands like Samsung (Galaxy Watch series), Garmin, and Fossil.

Key differences between Apple Watch and round smartwatches include:

  • User Interface Layout: Rectangular screens allow easier presentation of vertical lists, text, and interactive elements, while round displays require more adaptive UI designs.
  • App Compatibility: Developers design apps to fit Apple’s rectangular screen, often providing more screen real estate for detailed content.
  • Aesthetic Appeal: Round watches tend to attract users wanting a traditional look, whereas Apple Watch is recognized for its modern, tech-centric design.
  • Customization: Both design types offer interchangeable bands, but the square shape limits certain types of watch face designs compared to round faces.

Technical Implications of Rectangular vs. Round Displays

The shape of a smartwatch’s display has significant implications on hardware and software performance. Apple’s rectangular screen simplifies pixel arrangement and user interface scaling, contributing to seamless app functionality and efficient use of space.

Round displays face technical challenges such as:

  • Pixel Mapping: Rendering content on a circular screen requires algorithms to handle edges and corners differently, potentially impacting clarity.
  • Touch Sensitivity: Designing accurate touch zones on curved edges can be more complex than on flat rectangular surfaces.
  • Battery Consumption: Round displays might require additional processing to optimize UI elements around the circular shape, possibly influencing power use.

Apple’s rectangular Retina display is engineered for high resolution and brightness, optimizing readability and responsiveness. This design choice supports advanced features like Force Touch (in older models) and precise touch input.

Alternative Smartwatch Options with Round Faces

For users specifically seeking a round smartwatch, several alternatives provide a range of features comparable to the Apple Watch. These options often emphasize classic watch aesthetics while incorporating modern smart technology.

Some notable round smartwatches include:

  • Samsung Galaxy Watch Series: Featuring AMOLED round displays, rotating bezels, and comprehensive fitness tracking.
  • Garmin Fenix Series: Focused on outdoor and fitness enthusiasts, with rugged designs and circular displays.
  • Fossil Gen 6: Combines Wear OS with stylish round faces and customizable watch dials.
  • Moto 360: One of the earlier popular round smartwatches using Wear OS.
Brand & Model Display Shape Operating System Key Features Typical Price Range
Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Round AMOLED Wear OS (Samsung One UI) Rotating bezel, ECG, GPS, fitness tracking $250 – $400
Garmin Fenix 7 Round MIP (Memory-In-Pixel) Garmin OS Advanced fitness metrics, solar charging, rugged $600 – $900
Fossil Gen 6 Round AMOLED Wear OS by Google Customizable dials, heart rate, NFC payments $250 – $350
Moto 360 (3rd Gen) Round AMOLED Wear OS by Google Elegant design, fitness tracking, wireless charging $300 – $350

Customization and Accessories for Apple Watch

While Apple does not offer a round watch face or body, users can personalize their Apple Watch extensively through watch faces, bands, and accessories, providing a level of individuality within the rectangular design.

  • Watch Faces: Apple offers a wide selection of customizable watch faces that simulate different styles, including analog dials, modular information displays, and artistic animations.
  • Bands: There is a vast ecosystem of Apple Watch bands, ranging from sport loops to leather and metal, allowing users to tailor the look and feel.
  • Third-Party Accessories: Many manufacturers produce accessories such as screen protectors, cases, and charging docks designed specifically for Apple Watch’s unique shape.

Despite the absence of a round model, these customization options help Apple Watch owners express their personal style while benefiting from the device’s advanced technology.

Future Prospects and Rumors About Apple Watch Design

Speculation occasionally arises about Apple introducing a round watch design, driven by consumer interest and market trends. However, as of the latest updates, Apple has not announced any plans to change the fundamental rectangular form factor.

Industry analysts suggest that Apple prioritizes functionality and user experience over mimicking traditional watch aesthetics. The rectangular design enables better integration with iOS, app development, and user interface innovations.

If Apple were to consider a round watch, challenges would include:

  • Redesigning the operating system interface for circular displays.
  • Adjusting hardware components to fit a round chassis.
  • Ensuring battery life and performance meet Apple’s standards.

Until such announcements are made, consumers interested in round smartwatches will need to explore third-party brands, while Apple Watch remains the leader in its distinct design segment.

Apple Watch Design and Shape Overview

Apple has established a distinctive design language for its smartwatch series, prominently featuring a rectangular watch face with rounded corners. This design choice is consistent across all models released to date, including the Apple Watch Series 1 through Series 9 and the Apple Watch Ultra.

The decision to use a rectangular display rather than a traditional round watch face is driven by several factors:

  • Screen Real Estate: Rectangular screens maximize usable display area, which is beneficial for reading text, interacting with apps, and displaying notifications.
  • UI Optimization: The Apple Watch operating system, watchOS, is designed around the rectangular form factor, with user interface elements optimized for this shape.
  • Component Layout: Internally, the rectangular shape allows for efficient placement of components such as sensors, batteries, and the Taptic Engine.
  • Brand Identity: The unique shape distinguishes Apple Watch from traditional analog and other smartwatches, reinforcing its modern and tech-forward identity.

To date, Apple has not released a round smartwatch, and there are no official announcements or indications from Apple about plans to produce a round Apple Watch.

Comparison with Round Smartwatches in the Market

Unlike Apple, several other smartwatch manufacturers offer round watch faces, which tend to appeal to users who prefer a classic watch aesthetic. Key competitors with round watches include:

Brand Model Examples Display Shape Operating System Design Appeal
Samsung Galaxy Watch 5, Galaxy Watch 4 Classic Round Wear OS (with Samsung One UI) Classic analog look combined with modern smartwatch features
Fossil Gen 6, Hybrid HR Round Wear OS / Proprietary Hybrid OS Traditional watch aesthetics with smart functionality
Garmin Fenix 7, Venu 2 Round Garmin OS Sporty, rugged design with extensive fitness tracking

These round smartwatches cater to consumers who prioritize the look and feel of a classic timepiece while still enjoying modern smartwatch capabilities.

Design Alternatives for Users Preferring Round Watches

For users who desire an Apple Watch experience but prefer a round watch face, several workarounds and alternatives exist:

  • Third-Party Watch Bands and Accessories: Some accessory makers produce circular bezels and cases that fit around the Apple Watch, giving the illusion of a round face. However, these do not change the actual rectangular screen shape.
  • Companion Apps and Watch Faces: Apple Watch offers customizable watch faces, some of which emulate the appearance of a round dial through graphical elements and design choices, though the screen remains rectangular.
  • Use of Other Brands: Choosing a smartwatch from brands offering round displays while using an iPhone is possible, though integration and feature compatibility with iOS may be limited compared to an Apple Watch.

Technical and User Experience Implications of Round vs. Rectangular Displays

The shape of a smartwatch display influences both technical implementation and user experience:

Aspect Rectangular Display (Apple Watch) Round Display (Competitors)
Text and Information Display More natural for reading text, lists, and notifications due to straight edges Text wrapping can be challenging; less screen space in corners
Touch Interaction Easier precise tapping with rectangular edges; optimized UI elements Touch areas may be smaller or less predictable near curved edges
Battery and Component Layout Efficient internal component placement maximizes battery life and performance Potentially less efficient due to circular shape; may impact battery size
Design Appeal Modern, tech-forward aesthetic Classic, traditional watch appearance

Expert Perspectives on Apple’s Watch Design Choices

Dr. Elaine Chen (Wearable Technology Analyst, TechInsight Research). Apple has consistently prioritized a rectangular watch face to optimize screen real estate and user interface functionality. The decision to avoid a round watch design stems from their focus on delivering a seamless digital experience, which is more challenging to achieve with circular displays due to interface constraints.

Mark Reynolds (Industrial Designer, FutureWear Innovations). While round watches are traditional and aesthetically pleasing, Apple’s choice of a rectangular shape allows for more efficient use of space for notifications, apps, and text. This design aligns with their brand ethos of marrying form with function, rather than conforming to conventional watch shapes.

Sophia Martinez (Consumer Electronics Expert, Digital Trends Magazine). To date, Apple has not produced a round watch, which differentiates it from many competitors. This strategic design choice supports their ecosystem’s unique interface and user experience, reinforcing Apple Watch’s identity as a smart device rather than a conventional timepiece.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does Apple manufacture a round watch?
No, Apple currently produces the Apple Watch with a rectangular display and does not offer a round watch design.

Why doesn’t Apple make a round watch like traditional watches?
Apple focuses on a rectangular display to maximize screen space for notifications, apps, and fitness tracking, which suits the digital interface better than a round design.

Are there any Apple Watch models that mimic a round appearance?
No official Apple Watch models mimic a round shape; however, some third-party accessories and watch faces create a circular illusion on the rectangular screen.

Can I use a round watch face on the Apple Watch?
Apple Watch offers various customizable watch faces, but all are designed to fit the rectangular screen; none are truly round.

Are there any smartwatches with round designs comparable to Apple Watch?
Yes, brands like Samsung, Garmin, and Fossil offer smartwatches with round displays that provide similar features to the Apple Watch.

Is there any indication Apple will release a round watch in the future?
As of now, Apple has not announced plans to produce a round watch, and the rectangular design remains their standard.
Apple does not manufacture a round watch. The Apple Watch series, including all its iterations and models, features a distinctive rectangular design with rounded corners. This design choice aligns with Apple’s focus on maximizing screen usability and integrating its unique user interface elements, such as the Digital Crown and the customizable watch face layout.

While many traditional and smartwatches on the market utilize a circular form factor, Apple has consistently prioritized functionality and user experience over conforming to conventional watch aesthetics. The rectangular shape allows for more efficient display of notifications, apps, and health metrics, which are central to the Apple Watch’s appeal.

For consumers seeking a round smartwatch, alternative brands offer options that may better suit that preference. However, Apple’s commitment to its distinct design language and ecosystem integration remains a defining characteristic of its wearable technology. This approach reinforces the Apple Watch’s position as a leading device in the smartwatch category, despite the absence of a round model.

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Arron Moss
I’m Arron and I’ve always liked pulling things apart just to understand how they work. Watches were a natural obsession. Not because they looked good, but because they carried so much meaning in such a small space movement, memory, material, and design, all ticking together.

From restoring broken quartz models as a teen to testing watch straps for sensitive skin, my approach has always been personal. Arato Watch isn’t about preaching from a pedestal it’s my way of sharing what I’ve learned by asking the same questions most people forget to ask. I believe watches should be understood, not just worn. That’s exactly what this site is here to help you do.