There are always rumors on next generation products for popular Apple devices. This time around there is an internal buzz about a new Apple Watch that would be made for rugged use and could probably be used for extreme sports. Bloomberg has reported that they have heard chatter from internal sources who wish to remain anonymous about the matter.

Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman has written about this new type of watch and said that could be launched later this year or in early 2022. As usual, not many specific details are available as Apple has not officially shared them but speculations are rife. There is also some speculation that a rugged watch might not be launched. More often than not new Apple products are launched in September.

The internal discussion is said to have focused on the exterior to make it ready for “rugged use.” Sportspersons have often been seen sporting watches and ones that are durable enough to handle extreme sports and tough conditions will definitely become popular. Many non-sportspersons also like to wear such watches even if they don’t indulge in such sports.

The new rugged Apple watch would most probably have a rubberized exterior. Rubber is an extremely versatile and durable material and is scratch resistant unlike aluminum which is commonly used in watch exteriors for its elegance as well as lightweight and other features.

Apple watches already offer water-resistance up to 50 meters and are customized for exercise-tracking. However, these watches are unsuitable for extreme sports. If the Cupertino based company adds shock and scratch resistant features it could regain the sizeable share of the customers of extreme sports who use watches from its competitors like Garmin, Casio, Fossil and Suunto.

There is a sizeable market among surfers, skaters, rock climbers, skiers and more. Sports like parkour, bungee jumping, mountain biking and more are also roughshod sports and sportspersons would definitely welcome an Apple Watch that is made for rugged use.