Apple Watch 8 could rival Casio G-Shocks with new waterproofing tech
Is Apple Watch going rugged?
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Applequietly published a patent for new waterproofing tech back in April this year, which now makes sense due towatchOS9’s advanced fitness metrics and multisport capabilities.
The patent, whichwe covered at the time it was published, showcases a ‘smart water detector’ which uses a thin membrane to detect if water has entered the device. This system would be more accurate than Apple’s current water resistance technology, allowing it to safely shut down or run water-ejection programs automatically.
Apple WatchSeries 7 currently has a water resistance rating of50 meters under ISO standard 22810:2010. In theory, the new water detection systems would allow Apple Watch users to plumb even further depths, or spend even more time in the water with increased security.
Based on what we saw in watchOS9, it sounds as though Apple’s making a move into the adventure watch space, taking on the likes ofCasioG-Shock andGarmin. We’ve already written aboutApple’s move into Garmin’s spacewith its running metrics.
However, we’re now seeing the bigger picture with this mostly-forgotten about patent and the watchOS9’s new multisport option for triathletes, which would allow you to seamlessly switch between swimming, cycling and running.
Apple is also implementing a SWOLF score for swimmers, which tracks a stroke count combined with the time, in seconds, it takes to swim one length of a standard pool.
It seems as though Apple has got water on the brain this go-round, and it could be gearing up for some real rugged adventures. Of course, the biggest barrier to this is that Apple Watches are stylish, expensive and significantly less durable than the rough-and-tumble Garmins and practically indestructible G-Shocks.
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Wrapping itself in something suitably shock-absorbing with a military aesthetic would be a new direction for theApple Watch 8. Apple is no stranger to releasing limited edition watches, such as the Nike colorways for the Apple Watch SE andApple Watch 7.
A rugged Apple Watch with carbon fiber, rubber or stainless steel casing might be just the thing to continue the move in this new direction.
Matt is TechRadar’s expert on all things fitness, wellness and wearable tech. A former staffer at Men’s Health, he holds a Master’s Degree in journalism from Cardiff and has written for brands like Runner’s World, Women’s Health, Men’s Fitness, LiveScience and Fit&Well on everything fitness tech, exercise, nutrition and mental wellbeing.
Matt’s a keen runner, ex-kickboxer, not averse to the odd yoga flow, and insists everyone should stretch every morning. When he’s not training or writing about health and fitness, he can be found reading doorstop-thick fantasy books with lots of fictional maps in them.
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