Last year, the Apple Watch Series 10 was launched with a refreshed design. However, in terms of health sensors, it retained the same functionalities as its predecessor, Series 9. Curiously, a recently leaked prototype indicates that Apple might have had more ambitious plans for the Apple Watch of last year.
Prototype of Apple Watch Series 10 Indicates Potential New Health Sensors
A well-known Apple leaker and collector, “StellaFudge,” has unveiled photos of a fascinating prototype of the Apple Watch Series 10. This specific model features a “distinctive health sensor configuration” that sets it apart from the sensors found in the official Series 10 release, as well as from any previous Apple Watch models.
As per the leaker, the heart rate and blood oxygen sensors in this prototype are significantly smaller compared to the currently utilized sensors. Additionally, the back of the leaked Apple Watch Series 10 prototype showcases an unprecedented “extra light ring” located between the ECG sensor and the heart rate sensors.
Rumors suggest that Apple has been developing blood pressure and blood glucose monitoring sensors for the Apple Watch. It appears that these sensors underwent testing during the prototyping phase of Series 10 but were put on hold to prioritize the new design. The leaker speculates that this prototype was employed for internal evaluations of the new health sensors.
Regrettably, while the prototype is operational, it operates on an internal version of watchOS 11.1 that lacks the standard apps (as they can only be accessed through Apple’s internal system). This limitation hinders any exploration into whether the health applications on this Apple Watch Series 10 prototype come with novel, unreleased features.
Prototype Apple Watch Series 10 with… A very unique health sensor arrangement.
The health sensors got shrunk down a lot and there was an extra light ring around the perimeter. The watch is also running an unreleased build of watchOS11, somewhere between 11.1b5 and 11.1rc. pic.twitter.com/8n06JkQT39
— Stella – Fudge (@StellaFudge) March 31, 2025
Another notable aspect is that the internal build installed on this prototype dates back to October 2024, indicating that Apple continues to explore these new health sensors. Perhaps we will see them implemented in the upcoming generation of the Apple Watch.
Further Reading
Recommended Gadgets:
