Apple Watch Sales Remain Steady After 15 Months Despite Lack of Next-Generation Model

[Technarchy]

Because no one is going to buy a new watch at 299.99 and up every 6 months. Even yearly is pushing it.

Bingo.

I'd expect a cycle closer to every 2 years.

Furthermore, I don't think there are enough advancements in the wearable segment to make annual changes worth the capitol expenditure on Apple's part. It's not like Samsung where they needed to completely overhaul their wearables because their 1st and 2nd generation products were god awful.

 

[MistrSynistr]

They need to make this thing operate fully functional without your phone near you.

Then it is truly a great piece of tech.

 

[Phil A.]

I run regularly and thought it would be good to be able to run without my phone and still track my route, but then I realised that I probably wouldn't want to be without my phone in case of emergencies (I sometimes run in secluded places and something as stupid as tripping over a tree route could leave me stranded!), so even if the next watch had GPS I'd still take my phone with me

 

[kilcher]

MacRumors you should update your buyer's guide. For some reason it says the Apple Watch has been updated twice already. It actually hasn't been updated at all, which you should already know since you state in this article the next watch is the so-called "Apple Watch 2".

While you're at it you should update the iPod Touch guide. New colors do not mean a new iPod (and new bands don't mean a new Apple Watch). You claim they "updated" the iPod Touch when all they really did was release a 4th gen in white. Then you claim they "updated" again when they released the 16GB 5th gen. This is misleading as it makes it look like they are still on a yearly refresh cycle when in reality the 4th gen came out in 2010, 6 years ago. During that 6 years they have only updated the iPod Touch twice although in your buyer's guide it says they've updated 6 times! It says Don't Buy Updates Soon even though they just released the 6th gen last year. At the rate they're going it will be at least another year or more before we get a 7th generation. That doesn't sound very "soon" to me.

End of rant. Didn't really know where to say this so I guess it ended up here. If there's a better place to put this please point me in the right direction.

Gonna go out on a limb and say this might be what you're looking for...

https://forums.macrumors.com/forums/site-and-forum-feedback.66/

 

[zed1291]

I have one. Bought it on launch day.
To me, it's just clunky.

As a fitness watch, it's not waterproof and it feels fragile enough that doing 'active sport stuff' is really limited (for me) to just gym workouts (boring), biking (meh..heart rate sensor stops working after a while), tennis and running. Again the heart rate sensor is 50/50. It's not continuous and often gives a bad reading when you're actually active. Yes I've tried tightening and moving it up my arm.

As a watch, it looks cool but not in the same pleasing way as my other watches look. It just looks like a computer on my wrist.. I still think it's a niche look. It still feels out of place in my opinion.

As a smartwatch, I've yet to find a compelling app for it. Everything on it for now just seems tacked on. Like it does not do anything better than my iPhone, and it never feels actually more convenient to use those apps vs. pulling out my phone and using the real app.
I do like the notifications and the hey siri features. But that's a small feature list for a $500 expense.


I won't buy version 2, though I'll keep version 1 in rotation. Maybe watchOS3 will make me like it more.

Just cause Apple doesn't market it as waterproof doesn't mean it isn't. I have had mine (Stainless Steel Apple Watch with Milanese Loop) since day 1 and I wear it in the shower every day, wear it while washing dishes (used to work at a restaurant) wear it in the pool, and even wear it in the ocean. I have had 0 issues.

 

[UltimaKilo]

I am one of those that has been waiting for the 2nd generation Apple Watch. I mostly want it for exercise purposes and it's not currently accurate enough for me. If I wasn't a shareholder, I would purchase the Microsoft Band 2 right now.

I bet there are a lot of people like myself waiting for the 2nd generation. Like many of you, I see a lot fo people with the Apple Watch as it is.

 

[ibookg409]

If the next one has GPS and Cellular capabilities I'll be on the preorder list!!

Not me. I'll stick with the original until it's dead.

 

[lkrupp]

And these are based on speculation.

Tim Cook has never revealed sales figures, supposedly for competitive reasons.

We all know the real reason.

Using Your logic we can then extrapolate Samsung’s sales to be dismal at best since they don’t release sales figures for their smartphone business either. So Apple’s Watch is a failure but Samsung’s entire mobile business is an Epic Fail! Right?

 

[Pufichek]

Just cause Apple doesn't market it as waterproof doesn't mean it isn't. I have had mine (Stainless Steel Apple Watch with Milanese Loop) since day 1 and I wear it in the shower every day, wear it while washing dishes (used to work at a restaurant) wear it in the pool, and even wear it in the ocean. I have had 0 issues.

I agree with you. My Stainless Steel Apple Watch has been waterproof for me, I have been swimming in the pool with it and in the ocean at least 100 times and no problem at all. It works fine, calculates fitness activity, gives the time. The only thing which you can't really do is press the screen while in the water but if you just raise your watch out of the water and wait a couple seconds you'll be able to press it and see how many calories you've burned. I guess Apple has not advertised it to be totally waterproof because of the fact it's tough to press the screen underwater, but at least it does not break when swimming, that's great for me.

 

[elmaco]

I'm just curious what is the point of GPS in a watch?

Have you seen people running with an iPhone on their arm?

If they had an AW with GPS they wouldn't need to do that.

 

[nurban1992]

And these are based on speculation.

Tim Cook has never revealed sales figures, supposedly for competitive reasons.

We all know the real reason.

I see Apple Watches in the wild all the time. I don't think it's because of poor sales. I'm betting that it's actually for competitive reasons.

 

[satchmo]

If the next one has power-hungry gps and cellular capabilities, you will be restricted to two lifts (each for one millisecond) to check the time each day.

FWIW, friend has Sony Smartwatch3 with GPS.
He gets 4 hrs with pure GPS tracking and one day when paired to phone. Surely Apple can do better than that.

 

[John Mcgregor]

I like having the data (I'm a scientist, which has something to do with it too). With GPS I know where and how far I ran (I live near woods with a number of trails and don't always run the same route), how fast I was at different segments of a run, and so forth. It is really helpful when I want to run, bike, or walk a particular distance - I can just go and not have to plan route before. This makes things more interesting. Maybe it's just my short attention span.

From your other comments I can tell you don't see the need. That's fine. I use GPS tracking (and heart rate, sleep tracking, etc.) to improve my health activities. I have a large database with much of my health-related data (exercise, sleep, weight, calorie expenditure, heart rates, estimated VO2 Max...) in it for the past year (and counting). Is it necessary? No. It is useful and interesting to me? Yes. Is broader collection and analysis of these data going to be useful from a public health standpoint? Yes, within the next decade. Am I a data geek? Yes.

You liking to have data has o impact on your health. Running impacts health, not running with a watch that has GPS.
[doublepost=1468976681][/doublepost]

You're too cool for school. I got that much.

These devices that do this sell in the millions. "Yuge" numbers. People are getting instant feedback on things that they'd normally only get once a year at a physical - if they even go to the doctor - probably something else you're too cool for.

In summary: tens of millions of people are using these things that are assisting them in making a greater effort to be fit and healthy... And you're arguing about it. What's that say about you?

It's simple. I don't like stupid rationalisations. When you can get past them then we can talk.

 

[BlueMoon63]

Sounds like a solution in search of a problem. Do you need a smart cup to know if you drink enough water too?

This just doesn't make any sense. GPS is one of the most asked for feature for a fitness device.

 

[dampfnudel]

Still they sold tens of millions probably.

But apparently not good enough for Tim to announce. Well, maybe the next version will sell well enough for Tim to announce.

 

[Someyoungguy]

Battery wouldn't last. An iPhone lasts 3 hours when using the GPS alone.

My garmin forerunner lasts 10 hours on GPS. It's only on during your run or ride. Maybe Garmin engineers should hold classes for Apple engineers.
[doublepost=1468986418][/doublepost]

You liking to have data has o impact on your health. Running impacts health, not running with a watch that has GPS.
[doublepost=1468976681][/doublepost]

It's simple. I don't like stupid rationalisations. When you can get past them then we can talk.

That showed'em. Winning!

 

[Zirel]

And these are based on speculation.

Tim Cook has never revealed sales figures, supposedly for competitive reasons.

We all know the real reason.

Samsung doesn't posts sales numbers for phones, because nobody buys the S/Note models, and they sell much less phones than the "figures based of speculation" say.

 

[MikeyMike01]

Yes, but not at that price.

I consider myself unfit to buy it and monitor my weight by pant size
and belt holes.

If size 38/40 gets tight it's time to stop eating.

If you're size 38/40 the time to stop eating is way past due

 

[Mac 128]

Because no one is going to buy a new watch at 299.99 and up every 6 months. Even yearly is pushing it.

What kind of logic is this? Apple has likely sold less than $12 million units in its first year, out of a potential market of over half a billion compatible iPhones.

So you really think Apple got into the smart watch market to sell watches to the same 20 million customers, over and over again, only as soon as they could afford it?

Just because one customer paid $299 six months ago, doesn't mean that another customer won't pay $299 for a newer model six months to a year later, even if the old customer doesn't.

It's just ridiculous to think this is why Apple won't offer a new watch within 6 months to a year. In fact, Apple has already offered new watches in different metals 6 months after the introduction. So there goes that theory.

 

[44267547]

I bought one, it is cool but isn't at all necessary. I bought an Apple Watch 42mm Sport for $299 on sale. Last week I tried to sell it and couldn't get more than $150. I decided to just keep it.

There is no doubt the resale value has fallen off dramatically. Even new in the box 42 MM stainless steel models are selling for less than $450.00 with a sport band, at least from past eBay sales. If someone wanted a deal on one now, you would not have to look very hard.

 

[iZac]

It's good to see it continues to roll on, despite the poor hardware, reviews and lack of a killer app. Maybe that much derided Spring line of straps did the job!

My traditional watch collection is dwindling fast. Bizarrely the straps on four of my seven watches have failed over the last year, with another one looking a bit frayed. Perhaps the the next Apple watch will prove tempting enough.

 

[44267547]

I have one. Bought it on launch day.
To me, it's just clunky.

As a fitness watch, it's not waterproof and it feels fragile enough that doing 'active sport stuff' is really limited (for me) to just gym workouts (boring), biking (meh..heart rate sensor stops working after a while), tennis and running. Again the heart rate sensor is 50/50. It's not continuous and often gives a bad reading when you're actually active. Yes I've tried tightening and moving it up my arm.

As a watch, it looks cool but not in the same pleasing way as my other watches look. It just looks like a computer on my wrist.. I still think it's a niche look. It still feels out of place in my opinion.

As a smartwatch, I've yet to find a compelling app for it. Everything on it for now just seems tacked on. Like it does not do anything better than my iPhone, and it never feels actually more convenient to use those apps vs. pulling out my phone and using the real app.
I do like the notifications and the hey siri features. But that's a small feature list for a $500 expense.


I won't buy version 2, though I'll keep version 1 in rotation. Maybe watchOS3 will make me like it more.

I definitely think the Apple Watch suits different people on different levels. It does take some time to figure exactly what and where you appreciate its functions. For me, paired with my stainless steel link bracelet, it looks amazing. Truthfully, I use my Watch for the notifications, E-Mails, and well...just as a Watch. I love the Watch just as much as the day I received it. It's not for everyone, but I am looking forward to see what Apple does with version 2.

Watch OS 3 hopefully will re-ignite the passion for the those who lost it, because it really is a quality piece in hardware and software is progressively improving.
[doublepost=1468996177][/doublepost]

Finding an AppleWatch in the wild used to be like spotting a Sasquatch. Now, I see AppleWatches everywhere.

I was shooting a press event for a jewellery chain when one after the other, every single reporter coming in was wearing an AppleWatch. I had mentioned to the CEO earlier how they'd have a big hit if they sold AppleWatch bracelets and he dismissed the idea saying that he hasn't seen many people who owned them. It was pretty funny then how as he went to put on a $40,000 watch on each reporter, every single one was wearing an AppleWatch and we'd look at each other and I'd give him a smirk.

It's now becoming apparent to me that the AppleWatch will reach a critical mass once the second generation is released. When people start noticing them everywhere, this thing is going to catch on fire just like white earbuds did with the iPod.

Same here. It used to be where I was the only one who had an Apple Watch. I live next to a large Mall and I must have noticed at least 50 plus people the other day in under five minutes when I was their wearing one. It will continue to grow with the right enhancements.
[doublepost=1468996663][/doublepost]

I see some every day, I hardly ever see anyone actually using them tho - and smart watches as a whole are pretty dismal right now, as if the fad has worn off within those 2 years it was a thing.

Then I believe it depends where you are, because they are everywhere where I live. I reside in a heavily populated metropolitan area and there is rarely a day where I don't see one.

And smart watches are becoming more of a lifestyle then a fad, due to fitness and personal schedules. Ultimately, the smart watch is what you, the user, make of it. It's tailored specifically to you, that's what separates the Watch from everything else. I definitely don't see this dropping off any time soon.

 

[Sajal]

-Not water proof
-Needs daily recharge
-Black screen always, unless you turn it on..

Fix these problems please to see a high profitability.. For the time being Pebble fits in quite nicely

 

[44267547]

I see them every day and from the looks of it, an updated version is not coming any time soon. I mean, look at all the leaks for the iPhone 7. We have been seeing them for months. Nothing about the next gen watch. I find it hard to believe that apple will keep a constant pace of selling the first gen apple watch. Eventually, the market will be saturated (if not already) with them, hence the low price for resell we are already seeing. I have been holding out for the next gen, but I really like my Citizens Eco-Drive Skyhawk watch. Time will tell if a second gen apple watch will come out any time soon, maybe next year?

Agreed. I have not seen any leaks on Watch 2, and here we are almost to August. I would think by now, we would have seen something. The last rumor was reported back in early June about how version 2 could be 30/40% thinner, which was contributed by Brian White, an analyst. If anything, version 2 could be announced in September and debut somewhat later, like how they released the iPad Pro 12.9 Version last year in November. It could be a small hardware release for September.
[doublepost=1468997982][/doublepost]

MacRumors you should update your buyer's guide. For some reason it says the Apple Watch has been updated twice already. It actually hasn't been updated at all, which you should already know since you state in this article the next watch is the so-called "Apple Watch 2".

While you're at it you should update the iPod Touch guide. New colors do not mean a new iPod (and new bands don't mean a new Apple Watch). You claim they "updated" the iPod Touch when all they really did was release a 4th gen in white. Then you claim they "updated" again when they released the 16GB 5th gen. This is misleading as it makes it look like they are still on a yearly refresh cycle when in reality the 4th gen came out in 2010, 6 years ago. During that 6 years they have only updated the iPod Touch twice although in your buyer's guide it says they've updated 6 times! It says Don't Buy Updates Soon even though they just released the 6th gen last year. At the rate they're going it will be at least another year or more before we get a 7th generation. That doesn't sound very "soon" to me.

End of rant. Didn't really know where to say this so I guess it ended up here. If there's a better place to put this please point me in the right direction.

For future reference, try E-mailing the Editirs/authors in the main home page. It lists their contact information on the bottom of the page.

 

[Phil A.]

FWIW, friend has Sony Smartwatch3 with GPS.
He gets 4 hrs with pure GPS tracking and one day when paired to phone. Surely Apple can do better than that.

The Sony doesn't have a heart rate sensor which is also a big battery drainer - combine the two and you'd need a pretty big battery to get decent battery life when running