The Future of Smartwatches Trends and Predictions

Wearable tech 2024: Predictions, devices and themes

The dawning of a new year is upon us so fresh and full of opportunity. The decoratiions are down at Wareable towers and the serious business of CES 2024 is upon us.

But the path for 2024 is already becoming clear.

Come with us on a journey through 2024 and what to expect in the world of wearables.

The devices

Movano Evie Ring

We wont have long to wait for overdue Evie Ring, which will land on fingers in 2024. The female-focussed smart ring is out to challenge Oura, which itself has gone big on womens health insights in the past 12 months.

But first and foremost, the Evie Ring needs to actually be a good wearable. The company has brilliant ideas about medical grade sensors and FDA approval, but its a rookie organisation building its first device.

Were keen to put it through its paces and will do so at CES.

Apple Watch X

Wareable

All the rumours are pointing to a special Apple Watch release in 2024, which will be the 10th anniversary of the smartwatch.

A major design change is being touted, as well as new sensors for sleep apnea and blood pressure.

Apple will also need to overcome its patent battle with Masimo.

Away from a specific device launch were also expecting to see something of a step change from Apple in terms of wellness tracking.

Its focused on big health metrics, but we do feel it lags as a wellness device, especially when you look at where Whoop, Oura and now Garmin have taken things. Expect a rebalancing this year.

Whoop 5.0

It also seems likely that we will see a revised Whoop in 2024 even if there are little rumors around this to date.

The current Whoop 4.0 landed in 2021, so its overdue an update. As a simple vehicle for sensors, the hardware is relatively unimportant.

However, wed love to see an upgrade of the heart rate sensor, and a boost in battery life.

Oura Ring Gen 4

Likewise, the Oura Ring Gen 3 has also been out since 2021.

In that time, it hasn't sat still, and brought out the Oura Ring Gen 3 Horizon, an upgraded look.

While Oura is still the leader of the smart ring space, the incumbent is now being challenged by the likes of the Evie Ring, Circular Ring Slim and Ultrahuman Ring Air.

Those improvements only bring rivals to Oura's level of slimness and design.

But if Oura wants to stay one step ahead of the competition, it could do with slimming down its ring even further. It's still very chunky to wear, and not especially female-friendly. We'd love to see that change in 2024.

Samsung Galaxy Ring

The smart ring market is one of the most interesting wearable tech sub-categories, but so far a major player hasnt made a meaningful contribution.

Samsung has been dropping regular patents and trademarks for its own smart ring, and it feels like 2024 could be the year it's made official.

While it seems unlikely that Samsung could hugely drive the category forward in terms of raw innovation a wearable behemoth going in on smart rings would bring the category to the mainstream.

Apple Vision Pro

Wareable

Remember that huge 'spatial computing' headset that Apple launched at WWDC? You know, the one with the virtual eyes and makes your laptop screen the size of a room? Well, thats going to be coming out this year.

While its a niche product, it will be interesting to see the splash, if any, this makes.

And it will be equally interesting to see the effect it has on the rest of the AR/XR industry. If this sgement is going to break into the consumer conscioiusness, it probably should happen now.

The themes

Blood pressure

The world of wearables and smartwatches has been waiting for a big new sensor to arrive and it feels that blood pressure is the most likely for 2024.

Samsung has an existing solution on the Galaxy Watch that must be verified with a cuff and only works if you also have a Samsung Galaxy smartphone, so its appeal is limited.

Smartwatches that can detect high/low blood pressure, and bring awareness out there to the millions of hypertension suffers, would be a huge force for good.

Its been touted for the Apple Watch X, but the technology is also being worked on across the wearables world. So it will be interesting who can bring the functionality, and also implement a helpful and insightful feature onto watches.

It will also mean navigating regulatory bodies to get sign off for use so there are some big hurdles to navigate.

Sleep apnea

Sleep apnea got the limelight a few years ago, and Fitbit and Withings offer oxygen variation readings during sleep. However, the devices stop short of talking about sleep apnea, due to limitations of not being medical devices.

Wed expect to see this area move forward, with more prescriptive detection of sleep apnea issues, on mainstream devices.

It's another feature that's been touted for the Apple Watch X, and we'd be surprised if it wasn't a major talking point of Samsung and Pixel Watch releases in 2024.

Blood glucose

Wareable

It seems highly unlikely that we will see non-invasive blood glucose monitoring on devices this year. But we will certainly be closer by the time 2024 is over.

Theres a host of companies with solutions that show promise, such as UK-based Afon, Movanos RF sensor, as well as Singapore-based Actxa.

While a solution for type 1 diabetics might be unrealistic for now, something that could detect spikes, or unhealthy blood sugar levels for pre-diabetics, could have huge societal benefits.

So expect to see some meaningful progress this year.

AI and wearables

Wareable

2023 was truly the year of AI, and its unlikely to change in 2024. However, we may see a move from impressive yet ultimately useless proof of concepts (such as ChatGPT dont @ me) to meaningful implementations.

And the wearables industry will be a key area for that.

The potential of AI is to take all the disparate data points from our wearables and make something genuinely unique from them.

That could mean analyzing long-term heart rate trends, mixing in long term sleep data and lifestyle inputs, to tell you something you didnt know about yourself.

Thats a big goal and fraught with regulatory challenges. But expect to see the first seeds of that this year, probably led by Apples Quartz platform.

Patent war 2.0

It seems we are back to the era of the patent wars of the early wearables age and there are plenty to keep tabs on.

Apple vs Masimo is clearly a hot topic, but Apple vs AliveCor is also ongoing.

Then theres Oura vs. Ultrahuman and Circular.

Watch this space for the full ramifications.

6 major smartwatch trends for 2022: larger screens and more advanced health tracking

This year has been great for wearable fans as we've been treated to a number of stellar smartwatch releases from Apple, Samsung, Garmin and Huawei, to name a few. Yes, despite a global pandemic, the relentless march for smartwatch perfect carries on.

Whether you're looking for a device to simply count your steps or to keep track of every single health metric imaginable, or control your smart home, there has never been more choice for consumers our best smartwatch guide is evidence of that.

Now the year is coming to an end, we've been looking at the smartwatch trends that appeared this year and are trying to predict what we can look forward to in 2022. From larger screens to generally being more useful, here are T3's top predictions.

Trend #1: Larger displays, same case size

Perhaps the biggest smartwatch launch in 2021 was the Apple Watch Series 7, complete with a smartphone-like display that stretches right to the edges of the case.

This bezel-less design has been popular on smartphones for a few years now, and it makes a lot of sense when it comes to smartwatches as people don't necessarily want larger smartwatches but they do want the UI to be easier to navigate. It would also make small text easier to read. Expanding the display by a few millimetres could mean a big difference.

This large display allowed Apple to add a few extra features, chief among which is a QWEERTY keyboard.

Of course, now that Apple has pushed its smartwatch screen size to the limit we're expecting to see a few similar designs in 2022 from other companies.

Trend #2: Do more things

As the chips in our smartwatches get more and more powerful they'll start to be able to do more things. This year Apple announced Apple CarKey as part of watchOS and iOS. The system offers support for digital car keys, with the ability to unlock your car using your Apple Watch.

At the moment it's limited to just a few select cars (mainly BMWs) but we expect to see more automotive manufacturers added in the coming years.

We're also going to go out on a limb and say that Google Watch OS users will be getting this feature soon too. Google recently announced that Android Auto is going to be getting a Digital car key feature. At the moment it's limited to BMW's (again) and the Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro or Samsung Galaxy S21 phones, but we'd hope to see this list get some smartwatches added soon maybe the Google Pixel Watch?

Trend #3: A smartwatch with a camera?

We recently saw that Samsung filed a patent for a smartwatch with a foldable screen and camera, now, I'm not saying that the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 will definitely have those features, but I do think that a smaller smartwatch manufacturer might try adding a camera to stand out from the crowd.

It could not only be used for taking a super quick snap, but could also be used for face unlock security.

I know it wouldn't be the first smartwatch that includes a camera, but it could be the first smartwatch where the camera is actually good and useful.

Trend #4: Improved health and fitness tracking

Okay, this is where the true smartwatch development battleground really is. In the past few years we've seen smartwatches gone from tracking basic heart rate to capable of taking taking ECGs, measuring blood pressure, blood oxygen, sleep monitoring, and heart rhythm.

The next big breakthrough for smartwatches will be non-invasive glucose readings. It could be life changing for people with diabetes.

The sensors could also help detect prediabetes in millions more users a precursor to type 2 diabetes as well as help provide health information for those looking to make better food choices. Glucose levels often spike (even in non-diabetics) after eating certain foods, which can cause weight gain. These spikes depend in the person, so monitoring them could help a user lose weight, or just stay healthy.

Could we see this holy grail of health tracking achieved in 2022? Time will tell

Trend #5: More options for Android users

Many Android users have been jealous of the Apple Watch since it was first released, and some argue that Android needs a similar flagship smartwatch.

Well, if recent rumours are to be believed then we could see a Google Pixel Watch released in 2022.

Of course, Google has had its own smartwatch operating system, Wear OS, since 2014, but the hardware group is now working on a physical device. It will serve a similar role to the Pixel phones acting as an example of what Googles software is truly capable of when given the right hardware.

Trend #6: Longer battery life

One of the most frequent criticisms of smartwatches is that the battery life doesn't last very long. This complaint has been around since the very first smartwatches were released as smartwatch battery life tends to range between a day and a week.

We have a feeling, based on nothing, that smartwatch battery life will be a focus in 2022. It could be achieved in multiple ways, whether it's through more efficient chips or a larger battery.

What do you think of our predictions? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter.

11 Top Upcoming Future Smartwatches [2024] (updated)

We are all different. We wear different clothes, we do different things yet all of us have phones that pretty much have the same features. And now you are probably thinking about getting a new smartwatch or may even already own one.

Are we all going to end up wearing the same watch as well? Its not only the style of your smartwatch that matters but how do you use it that counts. Whether you are looking to enhance your style, track your fitness, or simply sample the coolest wearables of the moment.

Smartwatches offer a lot more than just tell time. They can run apps, make calls, display notifications, and monitor your heart rate to name a few. In this progressive world, we had to find a way to enhance our past with technology features. But with so many options out there, its not always easy to figure out which is best.

So if you are searching for a suitable upcoming smartwatch, then these are some of the best in the business. Go through the description below to see all the upcoming products and their features.

1# Apple Watch Series 9

Apple is the worlds highest-selling smartwatch brand. So, it has to remain in the list of best upcoming smartwatches of 2023.

In year 2022 Apple has surprized everyone with its brand new Apple Watch 8 and Apple watch ultra model. The Apple Watch Series 8 is Temperature-sensor wearables so you can also check your body temp just by wearing this latest watch by Apple.

The Apple Watch 9 will be the most anticipated watch of 2023, already a lot of rumors and leaked images have started coming in the market of this futurist watch.

The new Apple Watch Series 9 may comes with a flat edged design. It will have a better processor and few upgrades from its predecessor. Although Apple has already incorporated many useful health related sensors like Spo2, ECG, Temp sensor in its Series 8 watch, still there are some features which can be seen in this new watch like the blood glucose sensor!

Yes, if sources are to be believed, then through Apple Watch 9 you can monitor your blood glucose level 24*7.

Its case will also be available in aluminum, titanium and stainless material. This time you can also expect many colors in its stainless steel variant.

The watch is expected to support a 5G with a calling facility along with many major hardware upgrades. It may include a handwashing sensor also. Based on its sensor and microphone, it will automatically detect hand washing and starts a 20-sec timer.

There will be an option to share watch faces that you have created by texting, emailing, or posting a link online.

2# Facebook Smartwatch

Yes, you heard it right! Facebook is coming up with its own smartwatch. These next-generation smartwatches have a detachable display. You will also get a dual-camera setup in a Facebook smartwatch.

You can send and receive text easily from this smartwatch. It is mainly focused on the easy integration of different social media apps in one place.

Apps like Facebook, Instagram, Whatsup can be easily used in this amazing smartwatch.

As per the reports, this smartwatch is said to be launched in the mid-year of 2024.

3# Google Pixel Watch

As you might know, most of the smartwatches run on Wear OS which is developed by Google. So, it is evident that sooner or later Google will boast its in-home OS at its best with the Google Pixel watch. Where we will notice wear OS performing at its very best. After buying Fitbit Google is all set to mark its debut in the smartwatch market. Google is keen to show users what Wear OS is actually capable of.

And with this smartwatch, they will achieve just what they did with the Pixel smartphones. Rumors suggest that we might see this watch featured along with the upcoming google pixel smartphone which will provide it with immense hype.

This watch will be priced to compete with the mid to high-tier devices. This watch will come with a circular dial with different color variants. Images suggest that there will be only slight bezels wrapping its curved display. This watch will offer many features like multiple exercise modes, along with health and motion tracking.

4# Fitbit Versa 5

The next big release in the section of smartwatches is the Fitbit Versa 5 Watch. After releasing Versa 4, now the premium watchmaker is going to launch this amazing smartwatch. The expectations are surely going to be much higher. Coming to the features, the Versa 4 will likely be powered by the Qualcomm Wear Snapdragon 3100 CPU and android OS will provide the software brains.

It will bewaterproofto 5 ATMs or 50 meters. This smartwatch will have both Amazon Alexa and Google assistant. The watch will come with a 1.61-inch color AMOLED display with a square design. It will have all the fitness features like a heart rate monitor, sp02, calorie count, step count, and sleep monitor. Similar to Fitbit Sense, We can also expect a body temperature sensor in this smartwatch.

As you people know that Fitbit has removed storage space in Versa 4, so we hope Fitbit will again provide this facility in its upcoming smartwatches.

5# XIAOMI Mi Watch 3

The next smartwatch which is Xiaomi Mi watch 3 is full of surprises. It is reported that Xiaomi Mi watch 3 will be equipped with Qualcomms flagship watch processor. It will sport a 1.65 inch AMOLED Gorilla Glass 3 display.

The watch will provide two memory versions of 2GB + 16GB and 3GB and 32GB. A planar sensor is installed on the backside of the watch. This sensor is mainly used for heart rate and blood oxygen detection and can provide real-time data performance.

It is expected to be equipped with 5G e-sim card function and will also support the NFC function. The watch is expected to be waterproof to 50 meters and will run on a 220 mAh battery with 14 days running time.

6# Garmin Fenix 8

The next watch on our list of best upcoming smartwatches in 2023 is the Garmin Fenix 8. This rugged smartwatch will have two sensors that you wont find in every smartwatch. One sensor is for ECG (electrocardiogram) to give you a better thorough picture of your heart and another for heart rate monitoring.

It may come with a touch display with 1GB of RAM and 4 GB of ROM. With a Pulse OX sensor for blood oxygen levels, in-built GPS, and an altimeter, the Fenix8 has all the features required to give you a full idea of your fitness habits.

Similar to the previous Fenix 7 versions, it is quite possible that this watch will also be launched with various editions like Fenix8, Fenix 8X & Fenix 8 Solar.

This watch can also be used during swimming as it is waterproofed to 50 meters. It runs on an impressive 14 days of battery life. Other features include a pedometer, calorie count, sleep monitor, and step count.

7# OnePlus Watch 2

OnePlus watch has become a hit for the company and one plus is ready to lanunch another powerful smartwatch in this year. The Oneplus Watch 2 is another great smartwatch you should look out for. This time company may adopt square dial for its smartwatch design.It will come with a 1.4 inch TFT touch screen which can deliver 350-nits of brightness.

This Oneplus watch 2 will be powered by a 230mAh battery which will last up to 9 days in normal usage. Weighing around 32g this watch will come with a silicone strap.

It will also offer 5ATM water resistance along with many promising features like GPS and GLONASS. Equipped with sensors like PPG, and motion tracking this watch will become a complete package for budget users. The Redmi watch also features multiple modes, with unique sports modes like cricket, etc.

8# Amazfit GTR 4

Designed and manufactured by Amazfit which is one of the most respected brands in this segment the Amazfit GTR 2 is all set to hit the markets very soon. It comes with an AMOLED 1.39 inch 3D curved bezel-less dial that looks exquisite.

This GTR watch comes with a water resistance of up to 50 meters. But, thats not all you also get interesting sports modes ranging up to 12 including cycling, treadmill swimming, skiing, etc.

It is powered by a massive 470mAh battery that has enough juice to last up to 14 days. It comes pre-equipped with all the useful trackers and sensors you can probably think of. And with a total space of 3 GB, this watch will provide you with more than enough multimedia benefits.

9# Nubia Alpha (Launched)

The Nubia Alpha watch offers us a glimpse into the future of wearables. This futuristic smartwatch features a touchscreen flexible curved AMOLED display that measures in at 4.01 inches long. It wraps around 180 degrees around the wrist. The display can be flexed without worrying about breaking it. The display is made of plastic.

The OS is powered by a Snapdragon 2100 chip with 1 GB of RAM and 8 GB of ROM. It has a 500mAh battery and a standby time of 2 days. This Nubia watch supports 3g and 4g and also has a 5mp front-facing camera with the feature of video recording.

This can also support Bluetooth calling paired with your smartphone. Other features include heart rate sensors, workout app, and weather.

10# AmazFit X (Launched)

The next watch on our list is the Amazfit X which comes with a revolutionary design capable of disrupting the current market. This watch comes with a 2.7 inch AMOLED display. Curved at 92^o the display offers HD resolutions of up to 326ppi and 400 nits.

Designed with a futuristic approach the Amazfit X uses a very unique 6-step bending process for achieving that curved fit. This watch is said to offer an almost double screen-to-body ratio when compared to other smartwatches. There are no buttons in this watch, it only comes with a pressure-sensitive external button which makes it look more esthetic.

Other noticeable features you will see are magnetic charging, great battery life, continuous heart-rate, and blood oxygen monitoring, multi-sport modes, 5ATM certification, and whatnot. This watch is all set to become the next game-changer in the smartwatch segment.

FAQ

Conclusion:

These were some of the most anticipated best upcoming smartwatches of 2023 that will be launched in the coming months. Most of these smartwatches have created enough hype for themselves. And some of them are extremely futuristic which might even change the way we use smartwatches in the coming years. So, if you want to get your hands down on any of the above smartwatches, dont forget to keep a track of each so that you dont miss out on it in the future.