Apple Watch series 3

[magicMac]

probably 18-24 months away but what would everyone like to see in the next Apple Watch?

For me it's just three more things to make this the best smart watch ever, last one is software

* truely wireless charging - solar and/or wrist movement kinetic recharge
* low power LTE chip that supports just the most common frequency band used across nearly all networks (less bandwidth but enough signal to see the maps and get directions without the phone).
* VoLTE and Wi-Fi calling ability from paired iPhones SIM details - good for emergencies when phone is dead.

 

[Defender2010]

Thinner, much thinner

 

[magicMac]

Thinner, much thinner

People asked for that and it got 1mm thicker!

 

[tromboneaholic]

Additional sensors in the band itself

 

[ZipZap]

Thinner, much thinner

No slightly thicker, and lets get to 50 or 54 mm.

 

[Buran]

Blood glucose sensor.

 

[noobinator]

Low powered always on option.

 

[gagatronics]

Blood glucose sensor.

Really? Blood glucose? But how? I don't think I'd want my watch pricking me now and again without me knowing it.

 

[Buran]

There's work going on in using Raman spectroscopy to non-invasively measure blood glucose levels. There were strong rumors that the first watch would do this but it sadly doesn't even a generation later.

 

[dyn]

Just continuation in improving the battery life. Having an option to let the watch regenerate some of the energy by using solar (think Citizens Ecodrive) would be really cool.

Another thing they need to focus on is the use of NFC. There are quite a few countries where this is used for public transport as well as doing payments. This also requires Apple to do a lot more marketing of Apple Pay as well as open up the NFC tech to 3rd parties.

But honestly, most of the improvements are in the software and the accessories. We need more different kinds of watch faces and bands as this is a device that has to have a lot of customisation in order to make it personal. These changes are not Watch 3 specific though.

 

[twinlight]

NFC use for transport is easily fixed. They added the felica system without much problem.

They need to go bigger. I see guys going around with huge watches everywhere and alot of people are using big garmin watches. Sure they thought it was meant for the fitness crazy people who do marathons, long hikes and so on yet they walk around all day with the watch.

If they need to go up to 52-55 mm size to add more battery, always on display, better gps with barometer, cellular connectivity and other sensors I would gladly accept it.

On the software side they can make alot of improvements in the workout app and a watchface store. Its more likely they would let developers do better workout apps for tabata, intervals and triathlon training. Heart rate zone training and so on.

 

[dyn]

No it is not fixed because Felica is a specific system that is only in use in Japan. It would have been different if it was a generic NFC implementation such as the Android devices have. Those work with many applications ranging from payment systems to access systems (doors and such) to public transport. If Apple had something like that, it would make the watch more useful but also more attractive for business use (productivity on the watch as well as being able to use it for access control).

The watch industry went big for a small time but is now going smaller again. I don't think it could harm Apple if they had a 38mm, 42mm and 50/52mm version of the Apple Watch though.

The barometer is a good one but the iFixit tear down of the Watch 2 showed there already was a barometer inside. No idea how usable it is and/or if Apple is going to be using it in the future (could be that they just need to enable it in the software, could be that the hardware is incomplete (it requires a bit more than just the chip) or that it simply doesn't do what Apple wants it to do).

 

[C5.4]

Honestly we just need a proper data cable and a good backup solution. We need the ability to plug our watch into a computer in order to troubleshoot many of the problems we run into, and we need the ability to keep Apple Watch backups separate from iPhone backups in iCloud.

How many more bricked watches does it take for apple to listen? I have sent mine in twice due to bugs on watchOS beta software that left my watch useless. With my iphone, ipad, or any other apple device I could just go into recovery mode or dfu and restore in itunes. It's painless.

 

[puckhead193]

better sleep metrics I don't know how accurate these third party apps are (sleep+ and pillow, etc are)

 

[oftheheavens]

I don't really care as long as it still uses the same bands. I would be the most upset with watch S3 if they change the adaptor because I am NOT paying for a SS black link again. I really like it but still not sure if it is worth the price tag now that there are "1:1" bands selling on amazon with growing positive reviews. The craftsman ship is amazing and I think it is completely worth it as long as I can continue to buy the newest SS and still have it fit. I would be happy if I can use my link for at least 3 generations including the current one that I bought it with.

 

[puckhead193]

I don't really care as long as it still uses the same bands. I would be the most upset with watch S3 if they change the adaptor because I am NOT paying for a SS black link again. I really like it but still not sure if it is worth the price tag now that there are "1:1" bands selling on amazon with growing positive reviews. The craftsman ship is amazing and I think it is completely worth it as long as I can continue to buy the newest SS and still have it fit. I would be happy if I can use my link for at least 3 generations including the current one that I bought it with.

i wish they would just sell the watch without the bands for upgraders

 

[Julien]

...I have sent mine in twice due to bugs on watchOS beta software that left my watch useless....

This is clearly stated in your developer TOS agreement. It is best to have an extra Watch for testing.

 

[dyn]

I don't really care as long as it still uses the same bands.

With any watch, the straps are what makes it. With Apple having talked to many in the watch industry I think Apple is very well aware of this and won't be changing anything with the bands other than bringing out new designs (like the woven nylon ones).

 

[Defender2010]

Honestly we just need a proper data cable and a good backup solution. We need the ability to plug our watch into a computer in order to troubleshoot many of the problems we run into, and we need the ability to keep Apple Watch backups separate from iPhone backups in iCloud.

How many more bricked watches does it take for apple to listen? I have sent mine in twice due to bugs on watchOS beta software that left my watch useless. With my iphone, ipad, or any other apple device I could just go into recovery mode or dfu and restore in itunes. It's painless.

Watch backups are separate from iPhone. If you install betas correctly it will not "brick" your watch. I've ran every beta since 2.0 and it's never "bricked".

 

[lordofthereef]

Everything in the OP would be enough to get me to upgrade and I just bought a series two (my first Apple Watch). I'd be happy to go on my runs without the flip phone I currently take. I don't care what anyone says. I take a phone unless I'm running immediately around my house.

 

[BarracksSi]

The most significant new tech I would find useful would be solar charging. It's the best thing about my quartz watches (that, and radio sync).

I think it's pretty unlikely for a while, though. The energy yield from a solar panel has to be a lot greater, and getting a charge via the puck (which is an excellent solution, BTW) will likely still be faster. The whole SiP-battery thing would have to become a hell of a lot more efficient, too, which I don't think will happen without some new materials technology.

I don't think a kinetic charging system would be small enough to fit inside while creating enough energy to charge the watch.

I wouldn't mind cellular connectivity, but I wonder how much it would annoy me to not have a full-sized keyboard available for better accuracy and length. I also don't see how it would happen without destroying battery life (although some yet-undeveloped solar tech would help).

 

[evoga]

I would like the next watch to have FaceTime inc. a little camera in the face so the caller can see you. And allow the watch to show videos as it would be especially useful when using my Ring video doorbell to see and talk to who is there or at least watch the recording.

Also make a much larger version as with the plus iPhone.

 

[Julien]

Kinetic is a space hog and is also mechanical. Apple doesn't do mechanical unless required.

The power requirements of the Watch are so large that you would need several sq. centimeters or sq. inches of panels to be effective. Probably 5x or more the size of the current face.

 

[magicMac]

I would like the next watch to have FaceTime inc. a little camera in the face so the caller can see you. And allow the watch to show videos as it would be especially useful when using my Ring video doorbell to see and talk to who is there or at least watch the recording.

Also make a much larger version as with the plus iPhone.

I thought about that when the Watch was first announced, like why not small 1MP FaceTime camera above the display. Then I thought... holding your arm like that for a FaceTime video call would be VERY tiring...

Holding my arm up to watch the first gen Apple Watch load apps was tiring enough, normally forgot what I was going to do in the app by the time it loaded.

 

[otozuz]

probably 18-24 months away but...

I personally believe they'll launch a new Apple Watch a year from now, together with the 10th anniversary iPhone.

Series 2 took 2 years, but I feel that from now on it'll be updated every year.

The first generation was a totally new product (and a bit controversial) and watchOS 1 just wasn't right. Now it looks like they've nailed it and that the Watch has found or is finding its place in the market, so I think they will push on the throttle now.

My 2 cents of course