A COROS APEX 3 or APEX 3 Pro must set itself apart from the durable NOMAD, athletic PACE, and high-end VERTIX.
COROS is gearing up to introduce a fresh addition to its collection of trail and mountain sports timepieces, likely called the APEX 3 or APEX 3 Pro. This forthcoming model is expected to be revealed on October 15, with the teaser suggesting various design updates, such as a revised button arrangement and charging port. The APEX 2 series, which debuted in November 2022, showcased titanium bezels, sapphire glass, downloadable maps, prolonged battery life, and dual-band GPS in the Pro variant.
The recent release of the NOMAD watch, targeted at hikers and adventurers, indicates that the APEX 3 will need to establish its own distinct identity. The button design of the NOMAD, featuring a bottom-left Action button for shortcuts, may inspire analogous functionalities in the APEX 3.
The teaser image discloses a familiar three-prong charging port and a silicone strap, deviating from the APEX 2’s standard nylon strap. While additional information will be available on October 15, speculation based on previous releases indicates the APEX 3 will possess attributes such as a titanium bezel, sapphire glass, dual-band GPS, offline maps, an altimeter, a gyroscope, and a minimum battery life of two weeks. The expected price range is between $350 and $500.
A significant consideration is whether COROS will incorporate AMOLED displays for the APEX series, aligning with industry trends, or maintain MIP displays for enhanced visibility and contrast. Competing mid-range timepieces, like the Garmin Forerunner 570 and Suunto Race 2, provide vibrant AMOLED displays with excellent resolution and durability.
COROS might also think about integrating popular features such as Bluetooth calling, contactless payments, music streaming applications, or a flashlight, although these are less probable. COROS’s challenge will be to differentiate the APEX series from both the NOMAD and VERTIX lines. The NOMAD is aimed at hikers and anglers, whereas the VERTIX caters to climbers. The APEX 3 or APEX 3 Pro will need to concentrate on particular “mountain sports” to make its mark.
The APEX 2 series was regarded as one of the finest running watches during its period, offering a more upscale appearance compared to the plastic-laden designs of the PACE and NOMAD. The upcoming APEX watch is expected to uphold this legacy while introducing new features to engage its target demographic.
