June 28, 2025, 4:05 pm | Read time: 2 minutes
A new patent suggests a potential major design change for the Apple Watch. This would primarily expand its usability without increasing the device’s size.
According to a new patent application, Apple is apparently working on a new generation of the Apple Watch with an entirely new display. The designs show a case where the screen extends beyond the edges and wraps around the sides of the watch. This could not only increase the usable area but also change the operating logic. TECHBOOK reveals what this is all about.
Curved Display for Additional Control Options
The sketches included in the patent document, published on the platform of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), suggest a concept where the display is curved downward at the side edges of the case. This is reported by the U.S. tech magazine “Xpertpick.” This way, the display area could be expanded without increasing the overall size of the smartwatch. It is also conceivable that the curved areas could offer additional input options.
Seamless Integration of Case and Display
According to the sketches in the patent document, Apple is apparently planning to move away from the previous flat screen. Instead, the display is supposed to slope downward at the sides of the case. These curved areas could offer additional control options, such as swipe gestures or virtual buttons.
Read also: Why the Apple Watch Appeared as Early as 1995
A particularly striking detail: In one of the illustrations, the case appears to be completely embedded in the curved display. This suggests a particularly seamless and modern design that is not only visually appealing but could also improve usability. However, the patent does not specify which exact functions the curved display areas might take on.
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Apple is known for regularly filing patents for new device forms or technical concepts—many of which are never implemented. This design is also purely conceptual and does not indicate an imminent market launch. Nevertheless, the document shows that Apple continues to work on innovative solutions for its wearable devices.
The idea of a curved or case-wrapped display is not new for Apple. Variants have already been presented in earlier patent applications that would allow the usable screen area on devices like the Apple Watch to be expanded. Whether the current design will ever make it to a market-ready product remains to be seen.