Apple's September 'California Streaming' event was an excellent example of why leaks can't always be trusted, no matter how reliable the source seems. Even when multiple sources share information, and have even allegedly seen the device in question, Apple might do something that is the exact opposite of these assertions. While rumors and leaks can be useful, nothing should be assumed to be true before it is announced.
Rumors about upcoming products often begin about a year before the actual launch, and sometimes even earlier. As early as September of last year, there were rumors about the Apple Watch Series 7 that was only announced this week. Coming from a usually very reliable Apple analyst, the talk was of a significant change in its form factor. There were also predictions of changes coming to the iPhone 13 display, as well as another low-cost iPad update.
The biggest upset from the rumor mill in recent history, and described in exquisite detail, was a dramatic change to the design of the Apple Watch Series 7. Apple's new wearable was said to adopt the flat-edged look of the iPhone 12, iPad Air 4, iPad Pro, and M1 iMac. Infamous leaker Jon Prosser, website 91mobiles, and even Bloomberg's Mark Gurman all agreed. The insidious thing about this rumor was it made perfect sense. Logically, Apple might redesign the Apple Watch to match the style it was championing in all of these other products. The only problem was it didn't get flat edges. In fact, the new Apple Watch Series 7 is actually rounder. This makes even more sense when accompanied by Apple's explanation that the new smartwatch is crack-resistant.
Who Should Be Believed?
The Apple Watch Series 7 is the roundest it has ever been and that is a good thing. Just as a dome is inherently stronger than a flat roof, the rounder curve of Apple's new wearable makes it more durable than ever before. What might not be as strong going forward is faith in leakers that made very bold claims that turn out to be incorrect. There hasn't been any forensics done on how so many got it wrong, but there are a few possibilities. Apple frequently researches new designs and tests updated technology that might never become an Apple product. Perhaps Apple toyed with the concept of flat edges for the Apple Watch before dismissing the idea, or is simply holding it for release in the future when a stronger material is used that allows the flat design. Maybe Apple simply decided to have a bit of fun and leak some misinformation to throw a wrench into the rumor mill. The truth might never be known.
Something that is clear is that more accurate information comes closer to the original source and what appears on websites as leaks has a fair amount of drama added. If a CAD file or prototype is shown months before a product launch, it seems more reasonable than something that looks like a rendering of a finished product. A supply chain leak that involves an Apple partner sharing information about component orders seems more reliable than someone claiming to know intimate and exacting details of a finished product. The Apple Watch Series 7 is round and that should be enough of a reminder that leaks shouldn't always be believed.
Source: Jon Prosser/YouTube, 91mobiles, Bloomberg