Apple Watch 2 With GPS for Improved Navigation, Fitness Tracking Coming This Fall

[MacRumors]

Apple plans to announce new Apple Watch models this fall with improved health tracking and GPS chips, according to a new Bloomberg report that confirms previous rumors we've heard about the Apple Watch 2.

The upcoming Apple Watch 2 will not, however, feature cellular connectivity to make it less dependent on the iPhone, as Apple has not been able to compensate for the extra battery life that a cellular connection consumes.

Apple had been in talks this year with mobile phone carriers in the U.S. and Europe to add cellular connectivity to the watch, according to people familiar with the talks. A cellular chip would have theoretically allowed the product to download sports score alerts, e-mail and mapping information while out of an iPhone's reach.

During the discussions, Apple executives expressed concern that the cellular models may not be ready for release this year and that the feature may be pushed back to a later generation, according to the people. Apple warned that, even on an aggressive schedule, the earliest possible shipment time-frame for cellular models would have been this December, one of the people said.

Apple is researching low-power cellular chips for future versions of the Apple Watch, but has been unable to make it work for 2016. The company's "ultimate goal" for the Apple Watch is to decouple it from the iPhone, but technology will need to improve before it is able to do so. LTE connectivity and significant Apple Watch design changes are not expected before 2017.

The addition of a GPS chip, something planned for the next-generation Apple Watch, will allow the device to more accurately determine a user's location for better fitness and health tracking capabilities along with improved navigation. Previous reports have also suggested the Apple Watch 2 will include a barometer, a higher capacity battery, and improved waterproofing techniques.

Bloomberg's report does not give a specific launch date for the next-generation Apple Watch beyond "fall," but it is possible Apple plans to launch new Apple Watch models alongside the iPhone 7, which is expected to be unveiled at an event that will take place on September 7.

A previous rumor from KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has suggested we will see both a second-generation Apple Watch with the aforementioned new features and an upgraded first-generation Apple Watch with an improved processor and superior waterproofing.

Article Link: Apple Watch 2 With GPS for Improved Navigation, Fitness Tracking Coming This Fall

 

[sniffies]

One of the very few Apple products that I couldn't care less about. But I do care about this post though.

 

[SMIDG3T]

I'm glad they aren't adding cellular independence. That's just another data plan for pay for. GPS though is a must and it looks like we'll get it.

 

[jdillings]

What about the bands?

 

[Sunday Ironfoot]

GPS would be handy, I can finally leave my iPhone at home when I go out jogging, and use bluetooth headphones to listen to music/podcasts.

 

[Moorepheus]

I might get this one, will have to see.

 

[pnoyblazed]

drats! I wanted a facetime camera on it! Wishful thinking...

 

[Sunday Ironfoot]

drats! I wanted a facetime camera on it! Wishful thinking...

Your Dick Tracy fantasies will have to wait until 2017

 

[smacrumon]

Camera is essential!
Not buying until has camera and can operate independent of my phone.
For capturing all sorts of photos on the go when you're without your phone.

 

[Persicuta]

No thanks. Ill keep my original apple watch

 

[Kaibelf]

Camera is essential!

For what? Ultra low-res selfies that you wouldn't be able to post without the phone on hand anyway?

 

[SHNXX]

Depending on the fitness functions, I might have to upgrade mine.

 

[LordQ]

I hope it gets a bit thinner though.

 

[MrGimper]

Camera is essential!

Except it isn't

 

[CarpalMac]

I reckon the 3rd/4th gen could be quite a tempting proposition. Less about fashion and more about health and functionality.

Can't ever see it making Apple the same amount of $$$'s any of its other product lines do. Though they are doing their best to get the Macs below it.

 

[smacrumon]

For what? Ultra low-res selfies that you wouldn't be able to post without the phone on hand anyway?

For capturing all sorts of photos on the go when you're without your phone.

 

[arubinst]

Apple is researching low-power cellular chips for future versions of the Apple Watch, but has been unable to make it work for 2016. The company's "ultimate goal" for the Apple Watch is to decouple it from the iPhone, but technology will need to improve before it is able to do so. LTE connectivity and significant Apple Watch design changes are not expected before 2017.

Or... because that way, there's a new feature to add to the Apple Watch 3

 

[enthusiastic]

Thinking of getting this one. Hopefully the "2" in its name will help it pull an iPad 2 or an iPad Air 2 in terms of longevity.

 

[DotCom2]

Lack of iPhone independence is a deal breaker for me.
I so wanted one though.
3rd gen I hope.

 

[Pbrutto]

I just want a massive speed boost, something in the neighborhood of 50% more would be enough for me to upgrade. Battery is fine, I don't work out enough to care about GPS but I don't mind its inclusion. I don't mind heavier waterproofing. WHY oh WHY has nobody been clamoring for a Digital Crown that doesn't stick when it gets a drop of water on it? That would be a GREAT improvement!

 

[smacrumon]

Except it isn't

Got vision?

 

[MrGimper]

For capturing all sorts of photos on the go when you're without your phone.

Sure they'll look great

 

[Born Again]

cool - while i wouldn't recommend these watches for a serious athlete it will be a much more enticing product for others.

As a garmin fenix user - it's vital to have GPS on board. I don't run with my phone especially during races.

 

[44267547]

OMG. This fall is going to be expensive. iPhone 7, Apple Watch 2 with GPS! And maybe, just maybe a refreshed MacBook Pro (Hoping!).

 

[Boatboy24]

GPS would be a nice addition. That, plus better waterproofing would be a solid argument for me to upgrade.