Apple Watch 2 Not Likely to See March Debut [Updated]

[Rogifan]

seeing how you drank the cool aid and went out and bought one how do you know what every consumer is doing. You dont have a clue. show me where you got that information that it is the reason others havent bought one. I know its not my reason why I didnt buy one. It has nothing to do with wait and see. It has to do with my phone already doing what 99% of what the watch can do and do it better.

My phone does 99.9% of what my iPad does but I still use my iPad every day. When I'm at work my phone is in my handbag in a desk drawer. When I get a notification or a phone call I get a slight tap on the wrist. It's so easy to just raise my wrist and quickly see what the notification was and if I don't need to deals with it at that moment, move on. The activity ring complication on my watch face has made me exercise more as I get annoyed when I don't fill my rings. When I'm cooking in the kitchen I tell Siri to set a timer and when the timer goes off I'm gently buzzed on the wrist. Of course I could set the timer on my stove but if I'm upstairs doing laundry I might not hear the timer but I'll feel the buzz on my wrist. I sleep with my watch on and use it as a silent alarm. Once there are better sleep tracking apps I'll use it for sleep tracking too. For me it's not one big thing or one "killer app" but a lot of little things. No, the watch isn't as important to me as my phone is but so what? A lot of things aren't.

New bands are a much better idea than new tech.

The profit margins on all of them are absolutely enormous. Apple are also encouraging users to buy multiple bands for different occasions or uses or fashion statements. They can keep churning out new styles and colours for a few years until they update the actual unit, and people will keep buying them.

In a way Apple is - or should be employing the razor/blade sales model with this product.

I agree except that the watch is still incredibly slow. If that was just a software issue you'd think watchOS 2 would have fixed it. Which makes me think it's a hardware issue. I think a lot of people's impressions about the watch would be different if there was no latency. I have a feeling the watch might follow the iPad path with the second gen being like iPad 2 - a significant enough upgrade hardware wise (internal not external) to last several years.

 

[MrUNIMOG]

There are some improvements that I would like to see however. Those include the ability to pair more than one watch with a singular iPhone

Coming with iOS 9.3 and watchOS 2.2

 

[Bazooka-joe]

These are just rumours about no AW2 as yet....much the sane as the rumour 4 days ago that Quanta was starting production of the new watch at the end of this month

 

[MrUNIMOG]

Without an Apple Watch 2 there will be NO March/April event!

What are they gonna introduce? An new 4" iPhone with outdated internals (rumors say A8), and a "catch up" iPad Air 3. Even if they have incredible MacBook Pro updates it won't save the event.

They've had Mac-only events in the past. Actually last years March event was basically Mac-only, as there where merely updates on the Watch.

If they have radically redesigned MacBook Pros with Skylake and Thunderbolt 3 / USB-C in the works, that alone will do for a massive event. Plus perhaps a new 5K Thunderbolt Display, maybe Skylake-updated 12" MacBook and refreshed MacBook Air, there won't be any need for a 4" iPhone even to make it a big event, let alone a new Apple Watch. They might even announce new accessories, bands or partnerships for the current Watch, but don't need to.

 

[CFreymarc]

I'm glad that my $1,950,000 Gold Apple Watch is not obsolete yet.

Actually those Apple Watch Editons are already appreciating in value.

 

[sracer]

The thing is most people don't want one, no one I know cares, they have an iPhone but don't want a Watch.

Thank you. You have supported my response. Assuming that you and your circle of acquaintances accurately reflects the population-at-large, Apple will want to make changes to the watch to entice those people to want one. This is what companies do. Or do you think that Apple takes the position, "Oh, you don't want an Apple Watch, oh well. :shrug:"

Not everyone wanted an iPod when they were first released. Not everyone wanted an iPhone. Sales increased for those with each generation as the devices improved.

This is not even Economics 101, it's common sense.

 

[maflynn]

Good news

Bet they update it with the new iPad in october

I don't think so, in fact they may be using some of the lessons learned from the iPad. Unlike the phone, the iPads don't need an annual release and the lack of sales of the iPad seem to support this.

I expect to see a new apple watch in 2017, not 2016. As a watch owner myself, I cannot see anything that apple would do, that would cause me to sell/trade in, my current apple watch. Its an expensive luxury item, pure and simple. I really like it, don't get me wrong, but I cannot see spending a lot of money every year on one, heck, I can't see myself upgrading every other year either.

 

[The Game 161]

I don't think so, in fact they may be using some of the lessons learned from the iPad. Unlike the phone, the iPads don't need an annual release and the lack of sales of the iPad seem to support this.

I expect to see a new apple watch in 2017, not 2016. As a watch owner myself, I cannot see anything that apple would do, that would cause me to sell/trade in, my current apple watch. Its an expensive luxury item, pure and simple. I really like it, don't get me wrong, but I cannot see spending a lot of money every year on one, heck, I can't see myself upgrading every other year either.

I can't either

My watch does everything I need it to do so why update it?

 

[Aston441]

Without an Apple Watch 2 there will be NO March/April event!

What are they gonna introduce? An new 4" iPhone with outdated internals (rumors say A8), and a "catch up" iPad Air 3. Even if they have incredible MacBook Pro updates it won't save the event.

Hoverboard. They are going to introduce Apple Hoverboard. With self hovering feature. You heard it here first.

 

[Dusty1216]

I don't see the point in buying another Apple Watch unless it is untethered from my iPhone. For me , Apple Watch 2 would have to have a lte chip making it capable of being a stand alone device. I don't want to have to constantly carry my iphone around any more. A better tethered device is a waste of time.

Why do people want data plans for their watch this makes 0'sense to me I hope the Apple Watch stays (with an option to stay) tethered forever

 

[Gudi]

And the iPod was a more complicated Discman that had little or no use. And the iPad was just a big iPhone that wouldn't have much need. Guess your opinion has to be correct.

Sure, call me Cassandra of Troy. It's the curse of a scientist, to not be believed when prophesying the truth. Upto two-thirds of dissatisfied Apple Watch owners placed the device in a drawer and forgot about it after the first two weeks of use. We heard nothing like that about the iPhone and rarely about the iPad. Sometimes someone claims he hasn't touched his iPad since the days he bought it or uses it much less than anticipated. But than again the iPad sales peaked after three years and haven't yet turned around. While for example the Mac is still growing in 2015 after how many years? So yes, for many people the iPad is just a big iPhone they don't have much need for. And the irony doesn't escape me, I'm writing this on an iPad and it is my only iOS device.

 

[Chupa Chupa]

I can't find the location of my phone with my phone when....my phone is missing - the ability to ping that alone in one swipe and press saves me at least a valuable hour a month.

I don't get the work out rings on my phone (and I don't carry it with me everywhere to track exercise either)

I can't get my heart rate with my phone.

Now technically I can use Siri to the turn the lights on/off, turn the TV on/off, open the blinds and set home automation scenes on my phone, however its a lot more convenient to do it on the watch by just raising my arm, and it is to check certain notifications and to do multiple things with your hands full. I mean you could argue that you can do them on the phone but then I could argue that you can do everything the iPad can do with the phone (which you can, literally, there isn't a single feature missing the sole only difference is screen size) but i'd have to agree the form factor is better on an iPad than a phone for certain things, which is the situation here.

So i'm afraid you're wrong really, there's actually more the AW can do that you can't on the iPhone than an iPad can do that you can't on an iPhone.

yes, you can find your iPhone by going online to iCloud.
yes, you can get your heart rate with your iPhone. There is a plethora of apps that use the iPhone's flash to get your heart rate.
And, exactly, as you state it's... "a lot more convenient to do it on the watch." Again, that is what a "luxury" is. No one "needs" an AW, it just makes certain tasks easier or less of a PITA.

 

[sracer]

I don't think so, in fact they may be using some of the lessons learned from the iPad. Unlike the phone, the iPads don't need an annual release and the lack of sales of the iPad seem to support this.

I expect to see a new apple watch in 2017, not 2016. As a watch owner myself, I cannot see anything that apple would do, that would cause me to sell/trade in, my current apple watch. Its an expensive luxury item, pure and simple. I really like it, don't get me wrong, but I cannot see spending a lot of money every year on one, heck, I can't see myself upgrading every other year either.

That assumes that there is an expectation that existing owners would replace their current Apple Watch with the newer model. Unlike iPads, the Apple Watch hasn't reached saturation levels of ownership. The first 3-4 years of iPad sales rose significantly. It was only AFTER those who wanted an iPad, owned one, did things level off.

If the Apple Watch levels off within the year of its debut, then it shows just how niche it really is and overly expensive if they needed to recoup the bulk of the investment in R&D and manufacturing costs within the first year.

I don't believe that. I think that Apple has improvements in the works that will make the Watch more desirable for those of us who have held off buying one.

 

[mingoglia]

It really saddens me that someone would think that Apple releasing yearly updates to products means that Apple thinks people would buy a new version of any product every year.

Does it also sadden you that Apple has released a new iPhone every year, a new (9.7") iPad almost every year, a new MBP almost every year?

Different people think different ways. The product lifecycle is one of the things that holds me up. If I'm not buying at the "right" time, I have a hard time committing. I just got a Apple Watch for my birthday last week because of wanting to wait until the second one came out. Only reason I got it was my wife wanted to get it for me as a gift. Since she found the $100 at Best Buy I gave in thinking I can sell it and take a very small loss, due to buying it for $100 off. If the product lifecycle was more like 2 years, I would have likely bought it a few months ago when I was originally interested. To each his own. Oh, and yeah, the same product lifecycles keep me from upgrading my iPhone as much as I would if their were longer lifecycles in between. When I bought my six, it annoyed me knowing a 6s was inevitable within months. All comes down to how expensive these devices are, and how quickly they become obsolete.

 

[Gudi]

I don't think so, in fact they may be using some of the lessons learned from the iPad. Unlike the phone, the iPads don't need an annual release and the lack of sales of the iPad seem to support this.

The iPad mini 3 was only a very minor upgrade and there was no new iPad Air 3 the following year at all. So maybe Apple already begun a biannual cycle with the iPad, alternating between the year of the mini and the year of the Air.

Certainly Apple will not update every variant of the watch every year, while the watch bands might even be renewed twice a year, summer and winter. After all it's a fashion item and a technology item in one. Maybe they made a mistake introducing all those different finishes at once. They should start every keynote and every press conference with one cool new thing for Apple Watch.

 

[sbrhwkp3]

More than okay with this. I'm not ready to pony up for an upgrade just yet.

 

[ghost187]

I know your speaking for yourself! As a Music producer our studio is budgeted for the Skylake MacPro as well as a personal MBP (Skylake) for myself as well as my peers! That's About $15,000 to start for the two! So, for use ( and Apple) its a delay ( Intel 2 years) we're hoping ends with the long over due upgrades! Professionals get excited with professional equipment that makes our life easier and makes us money ! (And that's to buy non essential items like Apple Watchs and iPads !!

I'm in the market for a new macbook pro myself, but without a new Apple Watch, I just don't see the need for an event. Also, if the MacBook Pro does get a redesign, prepare to be disappointed. Mag safe may get axed along with all the other ports in favor of a couple of (maybe 3) USB type C ports.
[doublepost=1453047262][/doublepost]

They've had Mac-only events in the past. Actually last years March event was basically Mac-only, as there where merely updates on the Watch.

If they have radically redesigned MacBook Pros with Skylake and Thunderbolt 3 / USB-C in the works, that alone will do for a massive event. Plus perhaps a new 5K Thunderbolt Display, maybe Skylake-updated 12" MacBook and refreshed MacBook Air, there won't be any need for a 4" iPhone even to make it a big event, let alone a new Apple Watch. They might even announce new accessories, bands or partnerships for the current Watch, but don't need to.

I'm not against an updated MacBook Pro, I actually want one myself, but an event is not necessary. Maybe they can announce it during earnings.
[doublepost=1453047372][/doublepost]

Hoverboard. They are going to introduce Apple Hoverboard. With self hovering feature. You heard it here first.

If you have the CAD drawings, let's make a case for it and be the first to market!

 

[cdm283813]

I'm going off the top of my head but I think Oculus Rift delayed their Mac software development for the time being. Hope not for your sake. Also seems dumb because Apple owners would seem to be the perfect sales demographic. On the other hand, more Windows users for sure.

I think Oculus delayed/avoided Rift for Mac just because it's a poor gaming platform for many reasons (Apple tax, video card selection, game development, accessories and just the lack of OS X users in general). You have people complaining about spending $1000 for a Oculus Rift ready PC. A Apple made Oculus ready Mac will not sale anywhere near $1000.
If Apple does not jump on the VR train within a year or two their going to get left behind. I spent over $1200 on upgrading my computer and not one penny of that went to Apple. Today I have no reason to own a Mac. There maybe a glimmer of hope if they bring something to iPhone's but I doubt it. If Samsung would get their act together with software updates I would still be using them. Their Gear VR is very nice and Samsung pay is superior to Apple pay. Samsung messes up the experience with their software policy.

 

[jonnysods]

I love second gen apple products. So much more robust! I always wait until the next revision, let others beta test!

 

[demodave]

A December rumor pointed towards a possible March 2016 event to unveil a next-generation Apple Watch, but information shared today by TechCrunch's Matthew Panzarino suggests a redesigned second-generation Apple Watch will not be coming so early in the year. That conflicts with some recent rumors suggesting trial production on the Apple Watch 2 is set to begin soon.

(Snip)

As further evidence that an Apple Watch 2 might not come until later in 2016, we have not seen any concrete rumors about features that might included in a second-generation device and there have been no schematics or part leaks that we might expect to see just a few months ahead of the launch of an updated device.

Article Link: Apple Watch 2 Not Likely to See March Debut

This is actually becoming moderately formulaic. First-run ever is introduced in spring to allow time to develope manufacturing capability in time for Christmas. Once stable, releases can be made in fall and still be adequately supplied in time for Christmas.

 

[ibbumpin]

I hope they take their time on v2.0 to make it amazing - I don't feel the pressing need to upgrade yet

 

[wigby]

I really saddens me that Apple thinks someone would buy a new watch every year. They've updated the Thunderbolt display with variants without calling it Thunderbolt display 2, 3, 4, etc. Why can't they do the same for the Apple Watch.

Apple has hundreds of millions of iPhones out there and only about 10 million watches. Why on earth would you assume they want watch owners to buy a watch every year when there are hundreds of millions of non-watch owners ready to buy? I buy a new iPhone every year so should I be complaining to Apple for "forcing" me to buy a new iPhone every year?
[doublepost=1453055640][/doublepost]

I don't see the point in buying another Apple Watch unless it is untethered from my iPhone. For me , Apple Watch 2 would have to have a lte chip making it capable of being a stand alone device. I don't want to have to constantly carry my iphone around any more. A better tethered device is a waste of time.

So you're willing to pay another data fee for LTE on another device? Or you want to turn your phone into an iPod touch and only carry the watch around with you? You must not use your phone for anything if you think you can replace it with a 2" screen for all apps, maps, communications, browsing, emails, etc.

 

[WLS]

I think a refresh is needed to expand the market. They got the early adopters and now they need to pull in those on the fence like me who passed on a first gen device. I want a 14nm processor and I am convinced Apple has one. Waiting till Fall would be a terrible strategy if they want to increase market share.

 

[dannys1]

yes, you can find your iPhone by going online to iCloud.
yes, you can get your heart rate with your iPhone. There is a plethora of apps that use the iPhone's flash to get your heart rate.
And, exactly, as you state it's... "a lot more convenient to do it on the watch." Again, that is what a "luxury" is. No one "needs" an AW, it just makes certain tasks easier or less of a PITA.

1. I don't mean find its general location, I mean be able to flick up and make the iPhone ping so I can see what room its in. Once again you seem totally ignorant to what the Watch can actually do and have no idea because you've never used one, you've decided because you don't want one you bizarrely hate it (itself of just ignoring it exists) and are willing to waste your time with a owner who likes there's to try and convince them there's no point. How about just applaud Apple for making multiple devices in multiple areas.

And really, comparing the apps which use the LED flash for heart rate monitoring to an actual heart rate monitor? Wow - scraping the barrel now.

Going by your exact description the iPad is also a total luxury. I'm glad Apple make these total luxury devices that millions of people buy and no body actually needs to be honest, I love them all.
[doublepost=1453061541][/doublepost]

seeing how you drank the cool aid and went out and bought one how do you know what every consumer is doing. You dont have a clue. show me where you got that information that it is the reason others havent bought one. I know its not my reason why I didnt buy one. It has nothing to do with wait and see. It has to do with my phone already doing what 99% of what the watch can do and do it better.

But my Macbook does 99% of what my iPad can do and does it better. Should we just get rid of all the devices you don't want?

I do think anyone should be banned from the forum for using the imbecilic term "drink the cool aid" along with "fanboys" it instantly makes you look about 16 years old.

 

[Squid7085]

I was going to be upset with the March upgrade, but then I got a nasty scratch on my current watch. Now I am in the limbo of it being too soon to the new one to pay for a repair, but I still have to deal with the scratch for awhile.

I know, I know, First world problems.