Rising Expectations for 'Apple Watch 7' September Release Amid US COVID Resurgence

CNET, Expected to Unveil at September Fall Event

Rendering image of 'Apple Watch 7' revealed by IT tipster Jon Prosser

[Asia Economy Reporter Minyoung Cha] Expectations have risen that Apple's new smartwatch, the 'Apple Watch 7,' may be unveiled at the Apple new product event estimated to take place in September.

According to U.S. IT media CNET on the 25th (local time), rumors are spreading that the new Apple Watch 7 will be revealed at Apple's fall event expected to be held in September. Last year, the event was delayed by one month, but this year it is expected to return to the usual schedule.

Earlier, IT expert Ming-Chi Kuo, an analyst at TF International Securities, also predicted that a new Apple Watch would be released in the second half of 2021.

The Apple Watch 7 is presumed to be equipped with watchOS 8, the new smartphone watch operating system (OS) unveiled at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) last June. The price is expected to be set at a level similar to its predecessor, the 'Apple Watch 6.' The previous model started at $399 for the base version, with variations depending on size and cellular connectivity.

Design-wise, it is expected to feature flat edges, but the prevailing view is that there will be many changes. IT tipster John Prosser predicted, "There will be significant design changes." Ming-Chi Kuo also forecasted a year ago that "there will be major changes in the form factor design."

Meanwhile, there is also analysis that Apple’s sales strategy in the second half of this year may change due to the resurgence of COVID-19 variants. If COVID-19 had ended as is, face-to-face events could have resumed for the first time in two years since 2019. However, as variant viruses spread in the U.S., marketing promotions centered on non-face-to-face online formats are expected to continue this year as in previous years.

Mark Gurman of Bloomberg reported, "The resurgence of COVID-19 has delayed Apple's office return plans," adding, "After Apple issued mask removal guidelines to retail employees in June, it recently ordered them to wear masks again."