Apple Watch 2 Rumored to Include Cellular Connectivity Amid Push for iPhone Independency

[MacRumors]

In a new article centered on the first-year sales of the Apple Watch, The Wall Street Journal reports that Apple is working on including cellular network connectivity and a faster processor in the so-called Apple Watch 2.

There are relatively easy fixes for some concerns. Apple is working on adding cell-network connectivity and a faster processor to its next-generation Watch, according to people familiar with the matter.

The addition of standalone cell-network connectivity onto the wrist-worn device could bring some benefits to users, particularly those who are frustrated with the current generation's heavy reliance on a tethered iPhone to provide basic iMessage and phone call functionality. Although such a feature would undoubtedly require an additional data plan, on top of one they might already have for both the iPhone and iPad, benefits like using GPS, making phone calls, and streaming Apple Music without an iPhone nearby could outweigh the cons for some users.

The new hints given for the next-generation Apple Watch come on the heels of a collection of rumors that point to the upcoming version of Apple's wearable gaining much-requested independence from the iPhone. Apple began implementing a third-party push for iPhone independency by announcing that all watchOS apps submitted to the App Store after June 1, 2016 will be required to be native applications.

Such updates to watchOS, which Apple introduced in watchOS 2, allow the wearable device to open apps more quickly and provide a smoother experience to users, instead of having to transmit data back and forth between a Bluetooth-connected iPhone. The mention of "a faster processor" in today's report is something largely expected from a product update cycle by Apple, but it should compound the company's efforts to introduce an all-around faster UI for the Apple Watch 2.

Using speculative analyst analysis, The Wall Street Journal also compared the first year of the Apple Watch to the first year sales run of the iPhone, from 2007 to 2008. The analyst estimate puts Apple Watch sales at 12 million units from its launch on April 24, 2015 to the same day in 2016. That number is double the original iPhone's sales of 6 million units in its first year.

The latest rumors for the Apple Watch 2 conflict somewhat in regards to upgrade stats and release dates. One report has suggested that the new wearable will be 40 percent thinner and launch as soon as June, while a more recent research note from KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo points to only minor form factor changes and a heavier focus on internal improvements. Kuo predicted the Apple Watch 2 will launch in the fall, alongside the iPhone 7.

Article Link: Apple Watch 2 Rumored to Include Cellular Connectivity Amid Push for iPhone Independency

 

[bushido]

it would have to go hand in hand with better specs cuz i would never use any of those apps independent from my iPhone anyway. way too slow

 

[TurboPGT!]

That doesn't make it independent, and it doesn't need to be anyway.

The only thing the Apple Watch needs is to be faster. And maybe, in a future model, larger.

 

[John Mcgregor]

I buy 3 on the spot if its round.

 

[japanime]

Hello. Can you hear me now? (Speaking awkwardly into watch face.)

 

[irfuel]

Maybe they could include a battery that lasts longer than 1.5 days ...

Bought a Pebble a couple of weeks ago. It does 90% of what the Apple Watch does, costs a fraction and has a battery that lasts a week. And they don't exclude devs from accessing all the features.

 

[Bug-Creator]

Although such a feature would undoubtedly require an additional data plan,

Or maybe not as there are allready offers available that share one data plan over 2 devices.
Perfect solution would be 2 devices on just 1 celluar number, so one would get calls on the watch if the phone isn't near.

 

[DotCom2]

All these data plans and subscriptions are going to drive me to drink!

 

[R3k]

Good developments. Im sure many people would sometime like to leave their phones at home and still have connectivity when they go out, say for a coffee.

Grab keys and walk out.

That said, personally, im still not interested in the device.

 

[RedOrchestra]

Hello. Can you hear me now?

Too funny.

 

[Gawjuz]

The heavy dependence on the iPhone makes me think the Watch really wasn't ready for the real world when it came out :/

 

[djcerla]

Maybe they could include a battery that lasts longer than 1.5 days ...

Bought a Pebble a couple of weeks ago. It does 90% of what the Apple Watch does, costs a fraction and has a battery that lasts a week. And they don't exclude devs from accessing all the features.

Nowhere near 90%, and nowhere near as nicely.

The analyst estimate puts Apple Watch sales at 12 million units from its launch on April 24, 2015 to the same day in 2016. That number is double the original iPhone's sales of 6 million units in its first year.

And yet, in the twisted imagination of forum commenters and pundits, the Apple Watch is a flop. Far from that. It's version 1.0, go have a coffee and imagine v. 4.

 

[DZakDad]

The battery required for adding a GPS/cellular connection will be the limiting factor. Can't see it happening for a few years yet. They may be working on it, but not yet. Jony Ive probably has a wearable battery pack that is truly stunning to go along with it.

 

[Tech198]

hehe... speaking clearly

George Jetson reality hour. Users will see the battery drop faster than a led balloon. The watch gets a day (or so) now,,, isn't that the original reason, and probably still stands, as Apple *didn't* do any of this ?

So, what has changed dramatically ?

 

[iZac]

Faster, better battery, cellular capable.

I would love, but doubt we'll get all three.

 

[dbc34]

I just want a true GPS, and a way to play apple music playlists that don't include songs that I have paid for in the old itunes model(you may be able to do this and I just don't know it yet).

EDIT: Decided to look up how to do it...DONE!

 

[rp2011]

I'm not sure the technology and battery life are there for a good cellular Apple watch yet. I would be happy to be proven wrong, but I don't see this happening any time soon. Unless Apple has a great surprise advancements up it's sleave technology-wise.

I would definitely buy one and leave my phone at home for many activities.

 

[nburwell]

If the AW2 requires an additional data plan, I still better be able to piggyback off of the 15GB w/rollover plan I currently have with AT&T. No way am I paying an additional fee to have my AW added to my plan along with the two iPhone's currently on it.

I know it's too early to speculate, but I'll hold on to my AW if this is the case.

 

[Cyberpower678]

I can see the benefits to an independent watch, but that would mean a need for a faster processor, and the ability to download apps independent of an iPhone. Apple Watch App Store?? Theoretically the processors are pretty fast, probably comparable to iPhone/iPad class processors, but they are severely underpowered to prevent any heat exhaust. Unless, people like getting circles burned into their wrists nowadays. I could be behind the times here.

What I'm wondering is if the data service will be something like the kindle, that is free LTE for the watch, or if it will become it's own phone, in which case a SIM is required.

What really needs to happen is that the apple watch needs to be pair-able with Android. (Yes, I just said that) If they are working to make the watch more independent, then there's no need to make it incompatible with Android. Sure there won't be as much symbiotic integration as with iOS, but you know...you can make an App for that. That would definitely go a long way to make the watch much more sellable, if android users, who like and want one, to actually be able to use one.

 

[tasset]

After wearing the Watch for a year now, the only things that could make me upgrade to v2 is faster speed AND iPhone independence over cellular. I'll pay the likely $10/month data add-on. I expect receiving calls would work like a cellular iPad, for FaceTime audio calls or if your carrier supports NumberSync. Just pair it with a Bluetooth.

 

[Rogifan]

The heavy dependence on the iPhone makes me think the Watch really wasn't ready for the real world when it came out :/

How many smart watches/other wearable devices support cellular? And of the ones that do how thick are they and what's the battery life like?

 

[RedOrchestra]

And yet, in the twisted imagination of forum commenters and pundits, the Apple Watch is a flop. Far from that.

You passed right over this part "The analyst estimate..."

 

[John Mcgregor]

Hello. Can you hear me now? (Speaking awkwardly into watch face.)

Energize

 

[djcerla]

I buy 3 on the spot if its round.

A round smartwatch makes as much sense as a round smartphone.

 

[John Mcgregor]

A round smartwatch makes as much sense as a round smartphone.

It's a watch.