We often get asked why there are so few rugged (toughened) smartwatches on sale worldwide today.

The answer is three-fold.

First, extra rugged hardware can be expensive. There is extra cost.

Second, rugged styling is not to everyone's taste. A big, chunky, heavy wristband can look unattractive or clumsy.

Third, Apple Watch. the industry giant. has chosen (for now) to focus on lighter hardware for the mass-market.

That may soon change, however. Rumors swirl that Apple will soon launch a Watch Series 7 Explorer Edition in the US and elsewhere before the end of 2022. It could have tougher glass, tougher dials, or tougher plastic casing. Some say it will be optimized for new business or consumer segments, such as construction workers, hikers, or extreme sportspeople.

There is certainly a market for these types of rugged watches. Garmin, Honor and others already have a loyal base of affluent, middle-class, weekend-sports fans. This is the type of market Apple will be looking to sell into at premium prices.