Apple Watch 2 Said to Enter Mass Production in Mid 2016

[Trian]

Macs, iPhones and iPods have never been cheap compared to the competition. Why do people think the Apple Watch would suddenly be priced low.

As somebody who has owned pretty much one of everything from Apple's product range in the last 6 years, except for the Watch, I have no trouble understanding that good quality comes at a price. And granting Apple the fact that their products were mostly reasonably (over)priced, up till 2015. If they were overpriced, it was an overpricing you could swallow, given the quality.

But the feeling I got from Apple's product pricing in 2015 is that they got greedy and tried to cash in on the appeal their products have.

I've seen some very beautiful and very high quality bracelets from respected 3rd party manufacturers that made me drool, and they were all below $100. One example among dozens:
http://www.burkleycase.com/burkley-...-band-for-apple-watch-42mm-in-antique-coffee/

Then, you mentioned Boss. I'm sorry but to my knowledge their products aren't known to have a good value/money ratio (or, more precisely: build quality/money), just like Sony's products are. I hope Apple isn't trying to imitate them, but I fear this is EXACTLY what they're doing - not by lowering quality, but by overpricing stuff.

 

[Benjamin Frost]

I know apple has been quiet with the numbers which some people are concluding that the numbers are not as stellar as Apple had hoped for. Yet with that said, they have eaten up a large portion of the marketshare.

I suspect (my totally uneducated and unscientific opinion) that apple might have misjudged the market for smart watches, and partly caused expectations to be out of line to what was actually delivered.

I'm happy with my apple watch, but I can't see buying another one for a while. Its a nice luxury item, but unlike a phone or a computer, it cannot be construed as a must have device.

Alas, I share your pessimistic outlook, along with most here, I suspect.

(Good Lord, I just raised my head and spotted a Steve Jobs look-a-like.)

It's clear that the Apple Watch sales have been very poor, due to the large discounts, unheard of from Apple normally, and no sales figures. I just don't think there's a killer use case for it. I can see why Tim Cook was so keen on it, because as a businessman with endless meetings and flights, he would find the notifications handy. But for most of us, we don't need such a demanding butler on our wrist. And if you're that rich and busy, surely a real person would be preferable (see: the Queen).

Before it came out, I thought what would be compelling, and came up with:

A lock for your devices. When you move in and out of range, it locks your devices as needed. Problem is, Bluetooth is too flaky and battery-sapping.

Integration with third party devices. Eg, a way to unlock your car or house. So much depending on so many factors, that's the problem.

My gut feeling is that Apple should focus on fewer features, but make them much stronger.

 

[maflynn]

I've got no doubt it was the top selling smartwatch last year, it just seems odd there were so many offers available during the period where you would expect the strongest sales.

I agree with you, people don't discount items that are selling very well.

On a related topic, I'm a frequent DisneyWorld visitor, and people on the forums I frequent complain that Disney is cutting back on the incentives. Additionally you see threads about how crowded the parks are, and the resorts are quickly sold out (or the dinner reservations are gone in a heart beat). My point is that its in Disney's best interest not to offer discounts, because they're profit margins benefit, since people are selling out the place without the incentives.

Back to the apple watch, we see little if any discounts on the their iPhones and again why discount something that will sell anyways.

The issue for Apple is get a version 2 out the doors, and have a watch that will offer something that the older version didn't have, so those who opted not buy the current watch will take the plunge. Apple won't be rolling out a new watch for early adopters like me but rather trying to target those who chose not to buy it last time.

 

[Flow39]

I'm actually kind of happy about this news. My Apple Watch is going to be current gen for a little while longer

 

[maflynn]

It's clear that the Apple Watch sales have been very poor,

I wouldn't say the sales were very poor, but rather they failed to meet Apple's expectations. Given how much marketshare apple grabbed in a short period of time, shows that sales were decent. It all depends on the measuring rod being used.

 

[AFEPPL]

The AW came from the work they did with disney, surprised it's not got a magic band app yet.

 

[cardfan]

If I did upgrade, I don't think I'd bother with stainless steel version again. Depends on the launch. The first one was easy to get a couple and sell and got me a free one basically.

 

[Flow39]

It seems Apple's marketing and pricing genii are finally waking up to the fact that people still do possess common sense.

The watch itself is way overpriced. Especially the two higher editions. Then it's the bracelets: You can't release a $450 link bracelet. $450!!! You're not Cartier, mate, or another well-established fashion brand. It's electronics you sell. That's sheer theft, when a decent third-party equivalent (from a respected vendor) costs $50-60. Or you can't charge $150-250 for the other "premium" bracelets.

Hopefully this year Apple will:
- apply a more reasonable pricing model to the Watch and its bracelets
- give it a much needed battery boost. Other smartwear can last two days or more, which a) makes them practical for sleep tracking and most importantly, b) makes them forgiving in case you forget to charge them overnight. Not so the  Watch. You forgot to charge it overnight, it very likely stays at home for the day.

For sure. Apple needs to stop trying to position themselves as a fashion brand, it won't lead them anywhere good in the long run. This "luxury" pricing needs to stop and the Edition line of Watches needs to be cut. What purpose does it serve, other than making the general public think that the Watch starts at $10k? I've had so many people ask if Watch cost over $1,000 even though it's a Sport. This can't be helping Apple's public image.

 

[Keane16]

As somebody who has owned pretty much one of everything from Apple's product range in the last 6 years, except for the Watch, I have no trouble understanding that good quality comes at a price. And granting Apple the fact that their products were mostly reasonably (over)priced, up till 2015. If they were overpriced, it was an overpricing you could swallow, given the quality.

But the feeling I got from Apple's product pricing in 2015 is that they got greedy and tried to cash in on the appeal their products have.

What changed? As far as I can recall Apple prices stayed much the same in 2015 as they were in 2014?

As someone who has used Apple products since before Steve returned, their prices now are more approachable than ever. People forget how expensive the original iPod was, the original iPhone. The original iPad actually surprised people with it's low price. And with the Apple Watch - for the materials and functionality it's about the right ball park IMO (even Samsung's flagship the Gear S2 is RRP at £250).

I've seen some very beautiful and very high quality bracelets from respected 3rd party manufacturers that made me drool, and they were all below $100. One example among dozens:
http://www.burkleycase.com/burkley-...-band-for-apple-watch-42mm-in-antique-coffee/

I don't know anything about this brand so can't comment.

But there is no harm in buying 3rd party straps. Nobody is forced to buy Apple accessories.

I tried a few 3rd party Link Bracelets. In the end I just bought Apple's version as it was superior. I also picked up some cheap plastic 3rd party sport bands, and for the gym they're fine and way cheaper than Apple.

Then, you mentioned Boss. I'm sorry but to my knowledge their products aren't known to have a good value/money ratio (or, more precisely: build quality/money)

I never meant to imply Hugo Boss are quality or value for money. It was just my real world example. The watch though is a good example of a regular fashion watch - both in price and build quality. Compared to that the Apple Watch Sport is cheap.

 

[tkukoc]

Not a chance I'll upgrade from Watch 1 within the first 2 years. There's zero reason to add a camera to a device like this and speed isn't a factor either considering hardly any applications are good for this. Apple released OS2 nearly right out of the gate but since then there's been hardly any movement with the device. Therefore I don't see it changing much at all with Watch 2. This seems to be like Apple TV when it started. There was hype and then it died quickly.. only years later does Apple go.. hmm.. maybe we should add more to this device and support it. Not to mention a watch isn't something to update yearly or every 2 years.. so again easy easy pass for me. I don't see any new Apple products on my radar in 2016, nothing exciting this year. Maybe next year.

 

[SteveJobs2.0]

Apple Watch is not a bad watch, as far as first generation products go, but Apple have generally failed to persuade the market that this product is comparable to high-priced jewellery. As a result, the outrageous price of Apple Watch bands is not sustainable.

If I was in charge, I would change the advertising philosophy behind this product to match that of other iOS devices whereby the focus is on the usability and features rather than the fashion aspects. I would also push the watch os team to develop "must have" features that truly make a business case for owning this product. At the moment, there are no standout features on the watch that are not paralleled on the more readily available iOS devices.

 

[maflynn]

The AW came from the work they did with disney, surprise its not got a magic band app yet.

That actually would be cool, but then my kids and wife don't have apple watches (nor will they). I think that is a good idea however

 

[0098386]

Will we finally see a decent smart watch that has a round case without the "flat tire" nonsense?

The most disappointing smart watch thus far has to be the Moto 360. Such a gorgeous looking smart watch, only to be ruined by limited features and its horrible looking flat tire screen.

The Apple Watch is so ugly that I can't even bring myself to care about it yet.

In all honesty, I don't understand why people are buying these things already. Smart watches just aren't worth their $300+ price tag yet.

I've never seen a post mention FLAT TYRE so much (tire?), and I fail to see how it looks like one. Care to explain?

(I don't have a Moto 360)

 

[Jax44]

But will it have gps?

No

 

[512ke]

I really want Apple to succeed with the watch. But if I have to carry my phone in my pocket to achieve full functionality then what is the point of having a watch?

I would love to see long battery life, gps, independent functionality beyond the phone, more health tracking features, etc. Make the watch an indespensable running/hiking/backpacking tool.

Or make it some other really useful tool. make it do more stuff independently of, and in addition to, my phone.

I can't function without my phone. The watch should aspire to that somehow.

Just one more person's opinion.

 

[OllyW]

I've never seen a post mention FLAT TYRE so much (tire?), and I fail to see how it looks like one. Care to explain?

(I don't have a Moto 360)

There's a bit missing at the bottom of the Moto 360 display that gives it the flat tyre look.

 

[macguru212]

Two updates in a single year? That doesn't seem like a great plan...

People were already worried about how the Watches would quickly lose their status as latest and greatest when they thought updates would only come once a year. Updating twice a year will only make people more hesitant to ever buy a non-Sport model, I think.

I know one person with an Apple Watch so far. I'm watching him closely and asking him about it, but it's not seeming particularly useful to me.

I know about 8 people - in IT or advertising industry - they find it indispensable for receiving notifications without being rude (no more iPhone in hand!)
Personally I think the watch is a little too big and the battery life is abysmal, but if the battery life was extended to 2+ days I would get one. Even a small update to simply fix the battery would be great.

 

[AFEPPL]

There's a bit missing at the bottom of the Moto 360 display that gives it the flat tyre look.

I like that...

 

[Jakexb]

There's a bit missing at the bottom of the Moto 360 display that gives it the flat tyre look.

Also, that is an incredibly "flattering" photo. The screen looks much worse in person. And without a wrist, you can't tell that the 360 is comically large.

 

[OllyW]

Also, that is an incredibly "flattering" photo. The screen looks much worse in person. And without a wrist, you can't tell that the 360 is comically large.

It is a bit of a beast but I think they also do a smaller one now which doesn't look so ridiculous.

 

[Mad Mac Maniac]

Two updates in a single year? That doesn't seem like a great plan...

Yeah I can't see a tweaked AW in March followed by a second gen three months later. That would be like offering the iPhone 7 three months after the 6s

There are rumours Apple will release a revised version of the Apple Watch in March/April (with a FaceTime camera) and then Apple Watch 2 later in the year.

Yeah, you guys make me go back and double/triple read the article trying to figure out where it stated that two models would be released this year. The article is pretty clear that this is talking about the 2nd generation Apple Watch. The latest rumors point to March/April being new bands and nothing more (similar to what Apple did in the fall). IF there were still strong rumors of an updated Apple Watch in March and this were to be considered an additional update, I can assure you that the article would explicitly identify that (at least as a possibility) and call this the potential Apple Watch 3.

 

[Costino1]

How many people are going to drop another $400+ on another iteration of this?

I think everyone that really wanted a Watch, got theirs and won't enter a yearly upgrade cycle like many do (me included) with the iPhone.

What % of current owners are going to upgrade a year later? 10%? How many people that really want a watch already own one? 90%?

 

[ghost187]

I know this is off topic a bit but, one feature that would revolutionize Apple watch is if they copied Samsung for once with Apple Pay, and it worked with every credit card terminal. Call it Apple Pay 2.0, now accepted everywhere!

 

[maflynn]

But will it have gps?

unless they solve the battery drain problem of the GPU circuity, no.

For instance, the Fitbit surge has a battery rated for about a week under normal usage. Turn on the GPS, and you can only run that 10 hours before the battery drains. Now fast forward to the Apple watch who's battery lasts 19 hours (or there abouts), clearly the GPS would suck the life out of the battery well before you finish your medium length run.

 

[macduke]

Yeah I can't see a tweaked AW in March followed by a second gen three months later. That would be like offering the iPhone 7 three months after the 6s

I mean, on the one hand they did something like that with the iPad before. But the third gen iPad was a joke with a retina display shoehorned onto iPad 2 internals with only a faster graphics chip that could barely handle that display. They haven't done that again and doubt they ever will.

I've always thought an 18-24 month cycle made me sense for the watch. I think it's more sustainable going forward. Normal people upgrade their phones every 2-3 years. Normal people upgrade their iPads every 3-4 years. Normal people upgrade their Macs every 3-6 years. A watch? That's a big unknown. I can't really see myself upgrading so soon unless they offer some really compelling health sensing features. But even so I've finally got my blood pressure under control now and I don't have any issues with blood sugar levels, so it would have to be pretty amazing to convince me.

I think the big money maker for Apple will be watch accessories. If they unveiled a completely new line of accessories every year—that would be pretty awesome and I could see myself picking up some more bands as long as they don't cost as much as Hermes or the Link Bracelet. Or even accessories that use that access port, such as health tracking sensors built into bands. I'd also like to pick up a leather band, but am not a fan of the current options. The Leather Loop is too weird looking, and the classic is too boring. I'd like one in a nice rich darker brown.