In his July 10 weekend newsletter, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman predicts that the Apple Watch will receive “Pro” branding this fall when the rumored extreme sports edition of the device launches.
This is exactly what we concluded when we evaluated possible names in our roundup of Apple Watch Pro rumors.
Gurman confirms our own conclusion that Apple Watch Pro is the most likely name for the new watch. We wrote: “Pro is a brand that Apple uses to emphasize the pro features of its Macs and iPhones and iPads, so it would make sense for it to come to the Watch. Apparently Apple has called the Apple Watch Pro in the past. considered.”
Likewise, Gurman writes, “I think the company will probably go for the Apple Watch Pro name and marketing.”
There are of course other possible names for the device, which we also discuss in our article, but Gurman leans towards the theory that Apple is “set to give the Apple Watch its ‘Pro’ level.” Which he says “follows a long history of Apple expanding its product portfolio to include pro models.”
Gurman reiterates his prediction that this new, more expensive Apple Watch will offer the following pro features:
Larger and more shatter-resistant screen
Improved walk and swim tracking
Longer battery life
A heavier and more robust housing
Gurman believes this housing will be made from a non-aluminum metal. “Probably titanium,” he explains, “since it’s much more durable than steel.”
He makes a price prediction based on the current price for the Apple Watch Edition, an Apple Watch Series 7 in a titanium case that starts at $849. He thinks Apple will price the new watch even higher, based on the larger screen ( allegedly 50mm), additional sensors and better materials. “I wouldn’t be surprised if it starts closer to $900 to $999,” he writes.
Gurman also notes that the introduction of the Apple Watch Pro will likely mark the end of the Apple Watch Edition.
In separate articles you can read about the Apple Watch Series 8 and the new Apple Watch SE, which are expected to appear alongside the Apple Watch Pro this fall.