The Apple Watch debuted at the end of 2014, but didn’t officially launch until April 2015. According to a new report, Apple could be holding off on the Apple Watch 2 until 2016.
There have been rumors that Apple would replace the Apple Watch with its successor by the end of this year, but according to a new report from 9to5Mac, that won’t be the case. The report cites “multiple sources familiar with Apple’s plans,” and states the Cupertino-based company is planning to launch the “Apple Watch 2″ sometime in 2016, and that it will have some noteworthy changes on board.
The first of which is a camera-equipped model, which Apple would focus on FaceTime. This would be installed in the top bezel of the Watch, if the report pans out, and would provide a way for owners to answer and make video calls right from their wrist. Indeed, in watchOS 2 it’s possible to answer FaceTime video calls from the wrist, which are then promptly rerouted to the iPhone for the actual call itself.Apple also reportedly intends on including a far more dynamic wireless chipset into the next-generation Watch, which will make it less dependent on the iPhone moving forward. This initiative is called “tether-less” within Apple, and the goal is to give more power to the Watch, and to work independently from the iPhone. The Watch does have features that work without the iPhone now, but Apple aims to expand that functionality a great deal in the next iteration of the wearable. However, Apple will continue to use an iPhone connection for large events, including updating the Watch’s software.
Battery life was a source of contention for Apple leading up to the launch of the Watch, as many potential owners were worried about the real world impact on the device’s life away from a charger. However, the report indicates that Apple has conducted market research to find that many Watch owners are perfectly happy with charging their wearable every night. As a result, Apple’s hardware priorities for the next version of the Apple Watch have shifted away from improving the Watch’s battery in any meaningful way, with the report indicating it will be “similar” to this version.“According to a source, Apple’s research indicates that average consumers finish each day with between 30% and 40% charge remaining on their Apple Watches, enabling the company’s engineers to change their hardware priorities for future Apple Watch models.“
Add to the mix, Apple reportedly intends on including even more variations of the Watch 2 at price points between $1,000 and $10,000. However, while Apple is apparently considering this option, there’s no information on whether or not this means cheaper gold variants, or more expensive steel models.
Another option for more price options with the Watch 2 could be different case materials altogether, with a report surfacing in March that suggested Apple would introduce new options, including carbon fiber, ceramic, and even titanium. That report indicated Apple would introduce these materials later in 2015, but a 2016 introduction would make more sense.
Finally, the report states that Apple intends on launching the Apple Watch 2 in 2016. Before that happens, though, Apple will hold over Watch owners with the release of watchOS 2, which brings a plethora of new features to the wearable, including native app support.
If you skipped the original Apple Watch, do you plan on picking up an Apple Watch 2?
[via 9to5Mac]
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