Apple Reportedly Plans Major Apple Watch Shake-Up Ahead of September iPhone Event

Apple is reportedly preparing a significant shake-up of its Apple Watch lineup as the company gets ready for its major September product event, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.

Apple is currently testing three new Apple Watch models for release this fall, including the Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4. However, the biggest change could be what is missing from the lineup: Apple reportedly does not plan to introduce a new Apple Watch SE this year.

The decision would represent a notable shift for Apple’s smartwatch strategy. The Apple Watch SE has served as the company’s more affordable option, giving consumers a lower-cost way to enter the Apple Watch ecosystem. Its absence could leave Apple without a dedicated budget smartwatch for the 2026 holiday season.

The upcoming Series 12 and Ultra 4 models are reportedly expected to receive relatively modest design changes rather than a major visual overhaul. Apple is also preparing a new chip for the watches, marking the first significant processor update for the lineup since 2023.

The Apple Watch changes are expected to be announced alongside Apple’s next-generation iPhone lineup during the company’s traditional September event. Apple has not yet officially announced the date or product lineup, but reports currently point to September 8 or September 9 for the event.

The September event is expected to focus heavily on the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, with reports also pointing to Apple’s first foldable iPhone. The standard iPhone 18 and iPhone 18e are reportedly being delayed until spring 2027, making this year’s premium iPhone launch particularly important for Apple.

Apple’s reported decision to skip a new Watch SE could signal a broader strategy of concentrating its wearable business on higher-end products. With the September event approaching, more details about the company’s 2026 Apple Watch lineup are expected to emerge before Apple makes its plans official.