➀ Apple faces a class action lawsuit over toxic chemicals PFAS in its watch bands; ➁ A study found high levels of PFHxA, a type of PFAS, in Apple watch bands; ➂ The lawsuit claims Apple is aware of the dangers of PFAS and has misled consumers.
Recent #Smartwatch news in the semiconductor industry
➀ The Apple Watch Series 10 (42mm, GPS) is now available at an all-time low price of $329 at Best Buy (save $70). An open box model is also available for $259.99. The Series 10 offers a larger, brighter OLED display, health and fitness features, and sits between the Apple Watch SE and Apple Watch Ultra 2. ➁ Samsung Galaxy FE (40mm, LTE) is on sale for $199.99 at Amazon (save $50), offering LTE connectivity and a range of features. ➂ Additional smartwatch deals are listed, including discounts on various models from Apple and Samsung.
➀ Wearables shipments are expected to increase by 6.1% this year, reaching 538 million units, according to IDC. ➁ The growth rate is expected to slow to 3.9% in 2025 as the large markets such as the US and India approach maturity. ➂ Smartwatches are expected to decline by 4.5% in 2024, mainly due to challenges from low-cost options in the second-largest market, India, and consumer reluctance to upgrade in the US.
➀ Apple plans to add satellite communication and blood pressure monitoring to its smartwatches by 2025, targeting specific consumer upgrades.
➁ Apple will replace Intel with MediaTek as the supplier of modulator chips for some smartwatch models, recognizing MediaTek's technical strength in modulator technology.
➂ This marks MediaTek's first entry into Apple's main hardware product supply chain and is of significant importance.
➀ The Google Pixel Watch 3 is highlighted as the peak of Wear OS-based smartwatches with improved displays and comfort. ➁ The new Wear OS 5 brings better power efficiency and health tracking features. ➂ The article also mentions alternative smartwatches like Apple Watch Series 10 and Garmin Vivoactive 5.
➀ With Christmas approaching, Best Buy offers great deals on smartwatches from Apple, Samsung, and Fitbit. ➁ Apple Watch Series 9, Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic, and Fitbit Versa 4 are highlighted with discounts. ➂ Features like Fall Detection, Crash Detection, and heart rate tracking are mentioned.
➀ Wearables device shipments are forecast to grow 6.1% in 2024; ➁ Hearables ASPs face downward pressure due to increased competition; ➂ Smartwatches are expected to see a decline in 2024 followed by a rebound in 2025.
➀ Floor 84 Studio has collaborated with Taito to create a smartwatch that allows users to play Space Invaders on a 1.86-inch touchscreen display. The watch is less expensive than dedicated retro gaming consoles. ➁ The watch combines retro gaming with modern features like health and fitness tracking. ➂ The crowdfunding campaign has exceeded its goal, indicating interest in the product.
1. Ming-Chi Kuo predicts the release of Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Apple Watch SE 3 next year; 2. The new models may adopt features from the Apple Watch Series 10, such as the Wide Angle OLED screen and Sleep Apnea detection; 3. The Ultra 3 and SE 3 are expected to be upgraded versions of the current models.