Individuals involved in developing new Apple Watch models told Gurman that the existing band system takes up a large amount of space that could be better utilized for bigger batteries or other internal components. As such, Apple is apparently considering a magnetic band attachment system, but it is currently unclear if this specific method will be present on the Apple Watch X or if the company will choose something else.
Changing the band connector would be would be a disappointment. One of the great things about the Apple Watch today is the wide selection of watch bands available. The stability of the connector has created a thriving band ecosystem. If a new connector is introduced the variety of bands will take ages to catch back up, and old designs could be forever lost. If one of the reasons to change the connector is to integrate electronics into the bands that will also stifle band availability, as manufacturing them will become more complex and expensive.
Hardly a great environmental choice either to have all of those old bands thrown away. There’s enough waste being generated already by the Lightning to USB-C transition, although at least USB-C provides benefits of better cross compatibility with devices in the future.
A magnetic band connector also doesn’t sound a great idea for durability. Compared to a locking connector, it’s hard to see how that would hold up during rigorous activity, and also seems like it would be easier for thieves to yank off of a wrist.