Apple Watch 2 Display and Battery Components Measured Against Original Model in New Video

[MacRumors]

After sharing photos and a video of the thin display and larger battery for the Apple Watch 2, Byte today posted a video focused on comparing the measurements of the new and old Apple Watch generations. As expected, the measurements for the Apple Watch 2 represent an overall slightly thinner display than the original model, while its battery is noticeably thicker.

Thanks to the detailed measurements, Byte was able to confirm that the Apple Watch 2's display is 2.86 mm at its thickest location and 2.12 at its thinnest, compared to 3.57 mm and 2.99 mm, respectively, for the original Apple Watch.

The thickest point of the Apple Watch display (left) vs thickest point of the Apple Watch 2 display (right)​

The Apple Watch 2's slightly different measurements continued in the height and width of its display (appearing to be a 42mm model), which measured 39.47 mm tall and 33.43 mm wide. The first generation Apple Watch came in at 38.74 mm tall and 32.65 mm wide, so while the Apple Watch 2 is slightly taller and longer, the overall difference appears to be similarly negligible as iPhone generations that jump between the main models and an "S" generation.

Byte also measured the thickness, length, and width of each generation of Apple Watch battery, with the first measuring 3.95 mm thick, 27.46 long, and 18.42 mm wide. Comparatively, the upcoming second generation Apple Watch battery measured 5.11 mm thick, 27.50 mm long, and 18.71 mm wide, falling in line with previous rumors that the Apple Watch 2 would have a larger battery to fuel speedier performance and improve its recharge life.

The battery for the 42mm Apple Watch 2 was investigated in a video last week, and was rated for 1.28 watt-hours. If proved true, this means that the 42mm Apple Watch 2 will have a 334 mAh battery that is 35.7% larger than the 246 mAh battery in the original 42mm model. Last week's video also showed Apple Watch 2 components like the Force Touch gasket, but the piece wasn't measured due to the similar size between each generation.

Byte also shared a circular gasket component of the Apple Watch 2, speculating its potential involvement in providing further water resistance to the unit, particularly its appropriate size for the heart rate sensor.

Apple is expected to announce the Apple Watch 2 during tomorrow's media event, along with the debut of the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus. Despite the slight differences in the measurement of its display and battery, the new generation of Apple Watch will still keep the external design of the current model.

Article Link: Apple Watch 2 Display and Battery Components Measured Against Original Model in New Video

 

[gsmornot]

If the overall watch is the same size as the current model, the size of the individual parts is less important.

 

[keysofanxiety]

If the overall watch is the same size as the current model, the size of the individual parts is less important.

On the contrary: if the overall watch is the same size as the current model, but the size of the individual parts are smaller, then it will likely have a bigger battery and better battery life! So good news if this is the case.

 

[Elijen]

OMG it's thinner!!! Just like EVERYBODY was requesting!


(not)

 

[gsmornot]

On the contrary: if the overall watch is the same size as the current model, but the size of the individual parts are smaller, then it will likely have a bigger battery and better battery life! So good news if this is the case.

I charge nightly and so far don't have any issues getting through the day.

 

[keysofanxiety]

I charge nightly and so far don't have any issues getting through the day.

Regardless, more battery life is always better!
[doublepost=1473169528][/doublepost]

OMG it's thinner!!! Just like EVERYBODY was requesting!

You joke, but the Apple Watch is one of the few Apple products that people wouldn't mind being thinner. If you had picked literally any other product, you'd be right on the money. Unlucky.

 

[iClone]

Very excited to finally get a Apple Watch!

 

[Mac Fly (film)]

The really take the piss Byte should have added a separate video for each video for each measurement. Did I mention they were called Byte.

 

[neilw]

Regardless, more battery life is always better!

If the new larger battery enables an "always-on" watch face, then that is literally the one thing that might tempt me to upgrade mine.

Given my usage patterns, I don't need longer battery life (I wouldn't *object* to it obviously, but it hasn't been an issue for me). On the other hand, always-on watch face would be a *huge* improvement. And I could always disable it (presumably) on occasions when I want to stretch the battery.

 

[NoWayBehind]

This is the first time I actually want a thinner device from apple, and they keep it at the same thickness. Great /s

Current watch looks horrible on my small arms, it's slightly too thick.

 

[meaning-matters]

Extremely boring video! Why 8+ minutes when 2 is more than enough?

 

[Mac Fly (film)]

If the new larger battery enables an "always-on" watch face, then that is literally the one thing that might tempt me to upgrade mine.

Given my usage patterns, I don't need longer battery life.

Contradictory, no?
[doublepost=1473170364][/doublepost]

If the overall watch is the same size as the current model, the size of the individual parts is less important.

?? The battery is 30% larger and that's less important?

 

[jbachandouris]

Since I already have the watch, I'm not researching Watch 2.

In a few weeks, the market will be saturated and I wouldn't be able to see my 1st gen anyway.

I am hoping that Watch OS 3 is as good as they say it is.

 

[tkukoc]

None of this means anything unless you are measuring the overall casing size. If that's thinner, then you have a thinner device for the end user. Thinner screen, bigger battery.. no change in case size = overall same size.

 

[Mac Fly (film)]

OMG it's thinner!!! Just like EVERYBODY was requesting!

(not)

Relax, the lamenated display on AW2 makes the internal gap from the rear of the display to the inside of the watch case over 1mm larger, not thinner. The battery is 30% bigger now.

 

[yaxomoxay]

Current watch looks horrible on my small arms, it's slightly too thick.

Your arms are wrong. Replace as by Apple's instructions.

 

[smacrumon]

How did these components get into the hands of non-Apple employees if Apple is doubling down security?

 

[neilw]

Contradictory, no?

Not really. "Longer battery life" implies I need it to last longer than it does right now. I do not. I want more features with the same battery life, which is asking for something different.

 

[amro]

Apple Watch S?

 

[Mac Fly (film)]

How did these components get into the hands of non-Apple employees if Apple is doubling down security?

You try making 5 million of something and see how it goes.

 

[MaulRx]

None of this means anything unless you are measuring the overall casing size. If that's thinner, then you have a thinner device for the end user. Thinner screen, bigger battery.. no change in case size = overall same size.

Thank you for the geometry update Euclid

 

[Mac Fly (film)]

Not really. "Longer battery life" implies I need it to last longer than it does right now.

You're speaking in semantics. A longer battery life measured in mAh (h = hours) is required for an always-on display. You said it yourself if you wanted some more usage time you'd switch off the feature. That is longer battery life.

 

[Dilster3k]

It's shocking to know that this was announced exactly two years ago... And it's still going to keep the same design???

 

[Mac Fly (film)]

Apple Watch S?

No way.
[doublepost=1473171399][/doublepost]

It's shocking to know that this was announced exactly two years ago... And it's still going to keep the same design???

Even more shocking would be the design where your old Watch straps wouldn't fit. Rounded rec a good design for gestures, reading and scrolling the display. Only change it if you can improve it. Aerobee thought us that one. I see them only ever adding a round Watch as an additional model way down the line if they feel the need, but rec is better.

 

[convergent]

Of all the features that I want to see in an AW 2, longer battery life is not even on the list, unless a) it enabled an always on display at the current battery life, or b) it was substantially longer... like 7 days. Otherwise, a marginal difference in the battery life with the same functionality is useless (to ME).

Everyone's clamoring about it being a "bigger" battery. That does not mean it will have longer "battery life". If they up the processor speed and add additional components, then the battery life may be shorter.