The next Apple Watch will use new materials, making the logic board thinner

According to supply chain sources cited by Taiwanese website DigiTimes, at least one next-generation Apple Watch model will start using a new material, plastic-coated copper.

As the name suggests, resin-coated copper is a thin layer of copper foil coated with epoxy resin. While using this material will bring many benefits to future Apple Watch logic boards, such as improved durability and water resistance, the main advantage is that it allows the logic board to thinner, thereby providing more space for other components and sensors in the Apple Watch.

Any additional space freed up in the Apple Watch is extremely valuable as health features continue to be added to the device. For example, the next Apple Watch models due later this year are said to have a blood pressure measurement feature. Some sources say Apple is researching non-invasive blood sugar monitoring technology in a long-term project.

There's still a lot of uncertainty surrounding the next Apple Watch line, as it's unclear whether the redesigned "Apple Watch X" will launch this year or next. There are also rumors that there may not be an Apple Watch Ultra 3 this year. A new Apple Watch SE could appear this year if Apple maintains its familiar 2-year release cycle.

Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo said last year that iPhone 17 Pro models could also use plastic-coated copper for the logic board next year, so this is a scalable change. to many devices in Apple's product line over the next few years.

Lesley Montoya

Update 25 April 2024