Apple is exploring the idea of a rugged Apple Watch for “extreme environments”

Enlarge / The Solo loop and Sport band with the Apple Watch Series 6. (credit: Corey Gaskin)

Apple is “considering” releasing a new model of Apple Watch with a rugged design intended to protect the device “in more extreme environments,” according to a new report.

Citing “people familiar with the matter,” Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman writes that Apple has been exploring the idea of introducing a rugged Apple Watch for years—since at least the launch of the original Apple Watch in 2015.

The design would target athletes, hikers, and others who may spend time in conditions the current Apple Watch is not designed to endure.