“This year’s second-generation Apple Watch will feature improved internal components, but its external design will be largely unchanged from the first-generation model, according to well-connected insider Ming-Chi Kuo,” Neil Hughes reports for AppleInsider.
“Kuo claims that the 2016 Apple Watch will feature ‘spec improvements with limited changes to form factor design,'” Hughes reports. “Those expecting a new look for the Apple Watch, such as a thinner profile, will have to wait until the company’s anticipated 2017 upgrade, he said. This year’s model is expected to be much like the iPhone tick-tock upgrade schedule, with an ‘s’ update focusing on the internal components rather than the external design.”
“Kuo, however, did not share any further details on what he believes the improved internal components of a second-generation watch might be,” Hughes reports. “Also unknown is when the next Apple Watch might launch. Incorrect predictions had pegged it for a March launch, while others forecast a June launch that might coincide with Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference. It’s also possible the company could showcase an ‘Apple Watch 2’ alongside the anticipated “iPhone 7,” which is expected to be unveiled this September.”
Read more in the full article here.
MacDailyNews Take: Now an integral, indispensable part of our lives, we’ll be upgrading to the next-gen Apple Watch immediately upon availability.
This rumor makes a heck of a lot more sense than the previous rumor posted here suggesting a 20% – 40% thinner design.
“well-connected insider Ming-Chi Kuo”
Apparently, Kuo’s PR rep is running out of decent superlatives to heap on his boss in the press. “Well-connected” always inspires a *snicker*.
Who would have imagined that an Apple watch would have a tick-tock upgrade model?
Dripping sarcasm noted…
How is that $225 iPhone 5s selling Kuo? This Kuo analyst is consistently wrong on sales numbers and product roadmaps. For example, he states Apple sold 10 million Apple Watches, but a recent survey suggest 8% of the U.S. population has an Apple Watch. This 8% is significantly more than 10 million. Who or What should be believe? An analyst who rarely gets sales forecasts correct or a scientific survey? Gene Munster has more wins than this Kuo joker.
It’s costly, or better yet, more profitable to not have to retool for accessories every year.
I think Apple could make the watch thinner, and not upset the accessory and watch band supply chain. However, as long as there is room to grow, inside the current watch, there is no need to change its outward look.
I’m my opinion my Apple Watch is already slim and trim. It’s great the way it is.
And it gets worse. So you shell out full price for a minor watch upgrade. The the following year you have an under-featured watch that looks just like the hardly-featured watch. That is a bitter pill Mr. Cook is asking many people swallow.
That is no different than upgrading your iPhone on the S cycle year.
the next version needs to be much much faster. i like my watch but it’s too slow
Just wondering how many seconds, or possibly minutes, your losing a day? Mine keeps excellent time. 🖖