Apple Is Preparing a Revolution for Apple Watch: Redesigning the Digital Crown

 

Apple Is Preparing a Revolution for Apple Watch: Redesigning the Digital Crown

Apple is reportedly working on one of the most significant changes to the Apple Watch since its debut , a complete rethinking of the iconic Digital Crown. This tiny rotating dial has been the main navigation tool on every Apple Watch since the very first model. Now, nearly a decade later, Apple is preparing to reinvent it.

The next generation of Apple Watch may feature a redesigned crown that no longer relies solely on mechanical rotation. Instead, it could incorporate touch-based gestures, light sensors, or even proximity controls to recognize taps, swipes, and gestures without any physical movement. This shift would mark a major turning point in how users interact with the Apple Watch.

So why is Apple doing this? The traditional Digital Crown, while functional and tactile, is still a moving part. That means it's subject to physical wear and tear , especially on a device worn all day, exposed to sweat, dust, water, and daily bumps. By replacing or enhancing the crown with non-mechanical sensors, Apple could boost durability, improve resistance to damage, and open the door to entirely new ways of controlling the interface.

For users, this change means faster, smoother navigation. Imagine scrolling through messages or zooming into a map with a gentle swipe or a tap, rather than physically turning a dial. It would make the Apple Watch feel more fluid, more modern, and more in sync with how people use touch-based devices today. And for those who still enjoy the tactile feedback of the original crown, Apple is expected to keep some level of mechanical interaction intact , likely through a hybrid system.

This update also fits perfectly with the evolution of watchOS, which has recently shifted toward more interactive widgets, customizable faces, and app previews. A smarter crown could make accessing those features easier, with fewer clicks and more gestures , all while keeping the Watch's sleek design intact.

The redesigned crown is expected to debut with the Apple Watch Series 11, possibly launching in fall 2025. If this change lands as rumored, it won’t just be a design tweak , it’ll redefine how people think about navigating a smartwatch. Apple is once again doing what it does best: reimagining something simple, and turning it into something futuristic, functional, and undeniably Apple.