Apple Inc. is reportedly developing a new iteration of its Apple Watch device series with display upgrades and an improved processor.

Bloomberg detailed the planned upgrades on Sunday, citing sources familiar with the matter. The new Apple Watch models are expected to debut in the spring. The iPhone maker is believed to be working on four different devices: an entry-level Apple Watch SE, two midrange editions and a refreshed version of the top-end Apple Watch Ultra.

The midrange and high-end smartwatches are expected to ship with a new iteration of Apple’s S8 wearable chip. The S8 features a central processing unit with 5.6 billion transistors, or about a quarter the number of transistors in the latest iPhone processor. The CPU is integrated with a wireless networking module that allows Apple Watch users to remotely configure their HomePod smart speakers.

The third component of Apple’s S8 chip is a four-core NPU, or neural processing unit, optimized for AI tasks. Bloomberg reported that the upgraded version of the S8 in the next-generation Apple Watch “could lay the groundwork for some AI enhancements down the road.” That suggests the upcoming chip might feature an improved NPU.

According to the report, the two midrange Apple Watch editions that the iPhone maker is developing are known as the N217 and N218 internally. They are expected to feature larger screens comparable in size to the display of the top-end Apple Watch Ultra. The latter device is not expected to receive a major design refresh.

The same may not be true for the entry-level SE edition of the Apple Watch. Bloomberg’s sources indicated that the company may swap the device’s aluminum case with one made of plastic, which might help drive down the price. Additionally, Apple is reportedly exploring the idea of using 3D printers to product certain device components.

It’s believed the iPhone maker plans to equip the upcoming Apple Watch series with a new blood pressure sensor. However, the module reportedly hasn’t “been as reliable as hoped during testing,” which may require the company to push back its launch.

A sleep apnea sensor that was likewise set to debut in this year’s Apple Watch is said to be facing delays as well. The reason is that it works by measuring the wearer’s blood oxygen saturation levels. Apple’s technology for tracking oxygen saturation is currently the focus of a patent lawsuit by medical device maker Masimo Corp., which may complicate its product development efforts. 

The new Apple Watch devices are not expect to support Apple Intelligence, a suite of AI features that the company debuted in June. The iPhone maker detailed at the time that the feature bundle will roll out next year but didn’t provide a specific launch date.

According to Bloomberg, a set of Apple Intelligence capabilities focused on enhancing Siri are likely to become available for developers in January. They are expected to move into general availability in the spring. The enhancements will reportedly enable Siri to take actions in apps, as well as take into account information on the user’s display when processing requests. 

Image: Apple