While we expect regular improvements such as the cutting-edge Apple Watch and Samsung Galaxy Watch, 2022 could also mark a few significant milestones. For example, Google is expected to ship its first Pixel Watch in the spring or fall. Fitbit may also release its first Wear OS-enabled watch.
According to a Pew Research Report from 2020, one in every five Americans owns a smartwatch or fitness tracker, and according to Counterpoint Research, the smartwatch industry will grow by 24% year over year in 2021. With that in mind, it wouldn't be surprising to see Apple, Google, Samsung, and others expand their wearable tech ambitions this year.
Here's a look at some of the most intriguing speculated smartwatches we're expecting to see this year.
Apple could introduce the Explorer Edition, a new rugged to its smartwatch lineup this year. According to the rumor, this would be a more rugged version of the Apple Watch aimed at people who engage in outdoor activities and wild games.
According to the report, the watch is occasionally referred to as the "Traveler Edition" within Apple, but it's unclear if the item can go by that name.
Whereas the rumored Apple Watch Collection 8 is expected to draw a lot of attention this fall, the Apple Watch SE is expected to make a splash as well. The primary distinctions between Apple's flagship watches and the SE typically include subtle well-being monitoring options - comparable to blood oxygen saturation and the ability to take an ECG. These options include exercise tracking, fall detection, irregular heart rate notifications, Apple Pay assistance, and iPhone notifications.
Meanwhile, the Galaxy Watch 5 will be more of a polish of the Watch 4 than a significant upgrade. But I'm alright with that because the Galaxy Watch 4 already does a lot of things well, from its smooth performance and brilliant screen to its vast range of health features.
Google owns Fitbit and develops software for Android-friendly smartwatches, but it does not have its smartwatch. Details on the watch are scarce, but Prosser shared purportedly leaked marketing materials indicating around design. It's not surprising given that other Wear OS watches are also round.
Fitbit is developing a new premium smartwatch that will be powered by Google and Samsung's new Wear OS software. It will almost certainly have high-end features, possibly even an upgrade from the Fitbit Sense, the company's most expensive watch, as well as cellular connectivity and Google's apps.
Only Apple, Samsung, and Fitbit are aware of what products are in their pipelines. Whatever their objectives, well-being monitoring appears to be a major emphasis for the smartwatch trade at large.
