“In only a few weeks, Apple is expected to reveal the next-generation Apple Watch, the first update of the device since its introduction two years ago,” Robert Lehar writes for Seeking Alpha. “There are signs that Apple is moving full steam ahead with the Watch, introducing significant changes with watchOS 3, acquiring companies and talent for its health initiatives, and working on several new products in the category.”
“KGI’s Ming-Chi Kuo, a supply chain analyst with a solid track record in predicting future Apple product plans, offers first details on the anticipated refresh of the Apple Watch,” Lehar writes. “Here’s Appleinsider: ‘Kuo believes Apple is planning to launch two new Apple Watch versions in the second half of 2016, both of which offer moderate improvements over their predecessor. The first unit will be an iterative upgrade on the original Apple Watch and is expected to sport the same aesthetics, but with improved intervals like a TSMC processor built on the 16nm process. Waterproofing should also be slightly improved. A second version, dubbed “Apple Watch 2,” is also expected to share the same general design as current models, but will include a GPS radio and barometer for improved geolocation capabilities. A higher capacity battery will be included to power the advanced components, but its size will prohibit Apple’s usual generational device slimming.'”
“If there are any product problems with the current Watch, they are certainly not related to a lack of functionality. Instead, it is performance and navigation which are often criticized by the device’s users,” Lehar writes. “Updating the original Watch with a 16nm processor and watchOS3 would then go a long way in solving these issues, and further improve on what is already considered a best-in-class product… The GPS-equipped Watch ‘2’ would then target fitness-oriented users and athletes, and push the category toward full independence on the iPhone (a big deal in terms of expanding the TAM, but something which will take some time as Apple needs to develop more power-efficient components to deliver a good battery life).”
Read more in the full article here.
MacDailyNews Take: We’re tired of carting our iPhones around on our arms in order to get GPS-tracked runs. We’ll be upgrading to Apple Watch 2 immediately regardless, but if it has GPS on board, it’ll be a Jobsend to runners, cyclists, swimmers (with improved water resistance), etc.
SEE ALSO:
Nike+ Running app update suggests Apple Watch 2 will sport GPS – August 23, 2016
Apple Watch 2 will entice the masses with built-in GPS – August 15, 2016
Faster Apple Watch 2 with onboard GPS, barometer, better battery and more water-resistance coming this year – August 8, 2016
Apple Watch 2 rumored to feature built-in GPS, swim tracking – June 27, 2016
I always cycle and walk with my iPhone in my left breast shirt pocket. So the GPS model WATCH 2 will be redundant for me. But if we can turn off the GPS, I’ll probably buy that model anyway – unless battery life is longer in the non GPS model anyway. Probably will only be a $50 hit to buy the deluxe model. We’ll have to see soon enough.😀
i hope there are some esthetic differences between the two ……
also.. my AppleWatch is pretty waterproof already….
i do a lot of different water sports… windsurfing.. kiting… swiming… on top of that shower and bikram yoga …. …… not a single problem.
the only thing that happens once in a while is when the speaker gets wet to a certain degree, it stops working… but as soon as the watch is dry it is back on again …
I’d heard AppleWatch is already a huge failure. Will consumers actually be buying a second version of something that’s being claimed as a product no one needs? That’s why there was no Pet Rock 2. I can already hear the howls of displeasure from all the critics and analysts when Apple announces the Second Coming of AppleWatch.
I still wonder why Apple chose to enter such a hated product category. Did Apple really think they could build a smartwatch most people would like? Everyone has told Apple they’re making a huge mistake by selling AppleWatch but, as usual, Apple tries to cut a path through the thick forest with a dull pen knife. What’s even worse, AppleWatch is directly chained to a product with plunging sales, the iPhone. It’s not a great scenario, for sure. No wonder Tim Cook is hated so much. He makes some really questionable decisions which seem to be sucking all the value out of Apple.
Pretty lame job of trolling and really mediocre play at concealing your Apple hate. Spend much time with your Android devices and your PC? Are you really as stupid as your comment indicates?
The stock is up something like 105% since Tim replaced Steve. What on earth are you talking about?
I heard the non-GPS version will be called the Apple Watch 1s.
🙂
Yay.. okay, now please release something. Pretty much anything at this point. No keynote needed.
awesome watch
God help me all I really care about is new bands…didn’t see that coming…hate what I’ve become. If you told me two years ago I’d own over 6 watch bands and be coordinating my watch with my clothes I’d have cussed you (at a minimum). Hell before the Watch I didn’t even match my shoes to my belt. What have you done to me!!!
Me too. It’s hell.
Predict a lot of early whiners complaining about how they had to shell out another $500 for a watch wishing 3 years.
“The GPS-equipped Watch ‘2’ would then target fitness-oriented users and athletes, and push the category toward full independence on the iPhone” Yes because athletes are the only people that care about knowing where they are. If it is sufficiently water proof this watch will kill the Motorcycle GPS device market.
Any Android, Samsung, or M$ trolls who want to cry, then just go to YouTube and type in Apple Campus 2 August and weep. And they are paying for that with pocket change. Is your company doing anything other than a floating barge??
“Tim, we’re all pretty sure that horse is dead.”
“No, no… look, I’m certain if I repeatedly whack
it with this club the horse will get up and walk.
You can count on it.”