Apple Watch Series 4 Expected to Gain Second Manufacturer Following 'Much Better Than Expected' Demand

[MacBH928]

I remember when Mark Wilson at Fast Company wrote this:

You Guys Realize The Apple Watch Is Going To Flop, Right?
Few analysts or writers will outright say it, but I will: the Apple Watch is going to flop. And I bet a lot of other people are thinking the same thing for many good reasons.

And this:

Why The Apple Watch Is Flopping
Will the Apple Watch recover, and sell 100 million units in two years, like the iPad, or three years, like the iPhone? There’s still time—but not at these rates. (Which, to be fair, are projections based on email receipts hoovered up by Slice, not from Apple itself.) Even with generous rounding errors, the Watch has failed to become the status quo object in wearables. And for Apple, that’s a flop.

So how did this happen? The answer may sound like heresy to those who canonize—or even merely admire—Apple’s designers. What if the Apple Watch, for all its its milled and woven metals, all its appearances on the catwalk, isn’t actually all that well-designed? So far, the Apple Watch doesn’t seem very useful, and it hasn’t proven that fashionable.

And this:

The Apple Watch Is Doing Splendidly If You Completely Lower Your Expectations For Apple
Even the worst-selling Apple product still pushes millions of units into the online and retail channel, but that doesn’t inherently mean that the Apple Watch will become a cultural phenomenon–and it forgets about the core economic principle of opportunity cost (namely, what could Apple have released if they dumped resources from the Apple Watch into a better product?). The iPhone sold 100 million units in three years. The iPad hit the same benchmark in two. The watch has another two Christmas retail seasons to reach that mark. Getting halfway would be more than respectable, but it wouldn’t equate to another Apple zeitgeist-defining moment.

Of course he’s still not done slamming Apple Watch:

The new Apple Watch 4 face is a design crime

To be fair when the Apple Watch was released it was basically at the stage of where the Nintendo Gameboy was at handheld gaming. Second Apple tried to market it as a fashion item instead of an electronic gadget.

What Apple is doing with the watch is not new, watches that could estimate your heart rate, switch VCRs on and Off, and probably listen to radio were available since the 90s. Its like a turbo-charged Casio.

 

[Abazigal]

Thats a strawman argument. Apple gets iTunes and Safari to work on multiple OSs.
Look at netflix and every other large company out there, they all get their software to work with every OS and every device. If a small company like netflix (compared to the resources of Apple) can do it Apple can do it too.

I'm also a developer and there is no technical reason for Apple not to allow the Watch to be connected to from multiple devices or OSs, its just an API. It doesn't have to play nice with multiple version of android. The watch is self sufficient and doesn't need a companion device. Or are you saying the Apple watch relies on the iPhone for all its features to work.

I don't think anyone is saying that android support for the Apple Watch is impossible, but at the same time, I do feel that accomplishing this entails massive engineering challenges that shouldn't just be hand waved away.

That Apple could focus on making the watch only work with a smartphone that they control is part of what helped them develop it into such a great product in the first place. Adding Android compatibility would mean clearly delineating the APIs, which is lots of work for Apple’s limited engineering resources and reduces future flexibility.

It may be worth it at some point as the watch software matures and stops changing at such a breakneck pace. But Apple’s product design and UX focus is so fundamentally important to their success that you can’t just gloss over those things when considering strategic decisions. “Support Spotify on the HomePod” and “make the Apple Watch work with Android phones” are easy things to say, but you have to think about what exactly those high-level dictates mean for Apple’s design and engineering processes.

Till this day, I suspect that iTunes is as bloated and messy as it is today partly due to Apple's initial decision to support windows. It was a necessary decision back at the time, but it also illustrates what I’m talking about in this thread about why Apple prefers to keep their ecosystem closed and the way opening up can hamstring them down the line.

 

[FFR]

I don’t know that the ceramic is any more ‘durable’ than the stainless, it’s just more resistance of scratches. The regular stainless did scratch easier, but the scratches could be removed with a polishing cloth. The Ceramic is also a bit lighter than the stainless as well. However, the black stainless offers the DLC coating, which is almost impervious to scratches. So I think the trade-off is there with the stainless really is fairly durable, which is still significantly cheaper than the Ceramic when it was offered for the Series 3, if someone can accept the weight difference with the stainless.

Ceramic is actually heavier than the ss and not very durable.

I know because I managed to crack mine .

 

[44267547]

Ceramic is actually heavier than the ss.

Incorrect. The stainless model outweighs the ceramic.

https://support.apple.com/kb/SP746?locale=en_US

• Stainless Steel case - 38mm
  • Case Weight: 41.9g
• Stainless Steel case - 42mm
  • Case Weight: 52.4g
• White Ceramic case - 38mm
  • Case Weight: 39.6g
• White Ceramic case - 42mm
  • Case Weight: 45.6g

 

[FFR]

Taken off is all relative...

There sold out till end of October on the apple store.

They have reached manufacturing capacity and have to add a second manufacturer.

And only on iOS, guess their strategy is working.

Android users have android wear devices and there is a Samsung version if they wanted a wearable.

 

[garyjs]

Seems my watch is on a round the world tour on its way to me!


Delivery - -

Current Event In Transit 27/09/2018 14:59 Almaty, Kazakhstan
Arrival Scan

27/09/2018 12:48 Incheon, Korea, Republic of Departure Scan
Past Event Cleared Customs 27/09/2018 3:00 -
Your parcel was released by the customs agency.

27/09/2018 8:43 Incheon, Korea, Republic of Arrival Scan
27/09/2018 6:10 Shanghai, China Departure Scan
25/09/2018 21:13 Shanghai, China Arrival Scan
25/09/2018 20:58 Suzhou, China Departure Scan
Past Event Shipped 25/09/2018 20:29 Suzhou, China
Origin Scan

Past Event Label Created 25/09/2018 17:20 China
Order Processed: Ready for UPS

 

[FFR]

Thats what Apple said about the iPod. If you want an iPod, you need to buy a Mac and sales didn't take off until it was available on windows.

Guess you weren’t a computer user back in the late 90s early 00’s.

Not that many Macs or books had a FireWire port, which was a requisite for first iPod in 2001.
Firewire capable Macs:
1999
Power Macintosh g3 b&w
Power Mac g4
2000
Power mac g4 cube
PowerBook pismo
iBook/Se- FireWire
2001
Titanium PowerBook
2002
iMac g4

iPod for windows was released with apples second generation iPod back in 2002 it was just a year after apple transitioned to Mac OS X, so they needed windows users to pick up the slack with sales.

In regards to the Apple Watch, Apple sold over a billion iPhones.
I think they are good for a couple of years.

Maybe they will one day.

But not today.

I guess that just sucks for android users that want an Apple Watch, they will need an iPhone.
Or they can get android wear or samung version of it.

 

[FFR]

Incorrect. The stainless model outweighs the ceramic.

https://support.apple.com/kb/SP746?locale=en_US

• Stainless Steel case - 38mm
  • Case Weight: 41.9g
• Stainless Steel case - 42mm
  • Case Weight: 52.4g
• White Ceramic case - 38mm
  • Case Weight: 39.6g
• White Ceramic case - 42mm
  • Case Weight: 45.6g

Your right guess it just feels heavier.

 

[spazzcat]

And it is a flop, only solid enthusiastic people like us have evolved it and brought it on its way.

Tim still counts,on health, instead on making it an independent voice assistant — long way to go for this still flop!

I have an S1 hardly use it, today its on my wrist, purposelessly

I wish I could flop as bad as Apple...

 

[tridley68]

Good

I don’t know that the ceramic is any more ‘durable’ than the stainless, it’s just more resistance of scratches. The regular stainless did scratch easier, but the scratches could be removed with a polishing cloth. The Ceramic is also a bit lighter than the stainless as well. However, the black stainless offers the DLC coating, which is almost impervious to scratches. So I think the trade-off is there with the stainless really is fairly durable, which is still significantly cheaper than the Ceramic when it was offered for the Series 3, if someone can accept the weight difference with the stainless.

Good Point.

 

[dilbert99]

There sold out till end of October on the apple store.

They have reached manufacturing capacity and have to add a second manufacturer.

And only on iOS, guess their strategy is working.

Android users have android wear devices and there is a Samsung version if they wanted a wearable.

I get the impression you'd be really upset if Apple started selling the Apple watch to Android users, not sure why I think that, can't quite put my finger on it.
[doublepost=1538053676][/doublepost]

I don't think anyone is saying that android support for the Apple Watch is impossible, but at the same time, I do feel that accomplishing this entails massive engineering challenges that shouldn't just be hand waved away.

I stopped reading there, if you knew anything about communication protocols between devices, you'd understand its not hard and is already a solved problem. There is no engineering challenge to getting a watch to speak to Android phones.

 

[Abazigal]

I stopped reading there, if you knew anything about communication protocols between devices, you'd understand its not hard and is already a solved problem. There is no engineering challenge to getting a watch to speak to Android phones.

Sure, if you just want the basic functionality that a Bluetooth tracker like pebble or Fitbit brings.

Consider the close integration between the Apple Watch and the iPhone.

Health tracking and health app
Apple Pay
Siri
Apple Music
iMessage
Actionable notifications
Maps

All of them involve proprietary apps which are confined to the Apple platform. Take them all away, and I don’t really see any reason to use an Apple Watch in tandem with an android smartphone over a wearOS or Tizen Smart Watch.

 

[FFR]

I get the impression you'd be really upset if Apple started selling the Apple watch to Android users, not sure why I think that, can't quite put my finger on it.

Not at all. I already picked up my series 4 watch, couldn’t be happier. .

Your under the impression of a lot of things it would seem, based in reality might not be one of them.

For example you are under the impression that apple watches “won’t take off” until apple offers android users Apple Watch compatibility,
Or use iPods as an example of trend.

Just correcting some misinformation, you seem rife with it when it comes to the Apple, or so it seem.

 

[dilbert99]

Not at all. I already picked up my series 4 watch, couldn’t be happier. .

Your under the impression of a lot of things it would seem, based in reality might not be one of them.

For example you are under the impression that apple watches “won’t take off” until apple offers android users Apple Watch compatibility,
Or use iPods as an example of trend.

Just correcting some misinformation, you seem rife with it when it comes to the Apple, or so it seem.

If you looked at what I wrote, its plain to see that I am a fan of the Apple watch.
I also stated that it would sell like hotcakes if it were available to be paired with Android phones.
I also did not state that it was not selling.
I also have an Apple watch.
[doublepost=1538056158][/doublepost]

Sure, if you just want the basic functionality that a Bluetooth tracker like pebble or Fitbit brings.

Consider the close integration between the Apple Watch and the iPhone.

Health tracking and health app
Apple Pay
Siri
Apple Music
iMessage
Actionable notifications
Maps

All of them involve proprietary apps which are confined to the Apple platform. Take them all away, and I don’t really see any reason to use an Apple Watch in tandem with an android smartphone over a wearOS or Tizen Smart Watch.

All those things can easily be accessed over APIs and does not need an iPhone to operate. Especially since the watch now has a sim in it. But even if it didn't the watch can still contact Apple servers via a hotspot on any phone if Apple wanted it.
Think about the health data for instance. If you wanted to send that to your doctor, you would be communicating with a non Apple device. Its really not hard to talk between devices once the comm protocols have been agreed. I do it as part of my day job.

 

[FFR]

If you looked at what I wrote, its plain to see that I am a fan of the Apple watch.

Yes, and your past posts show you want to move away from apple but still use the apple watch, I’m assuming with android.
Which currently apple does not support.

I also stated that it would sell like hotcakes if it were available to be paired with Android phones.

But your statement is wrong. Its selling beyond hot cakes without offering android phones Apple Watch compatability.

In fact it’s selling so well, that apple has to add another manufacturer to keep up with demand.
Demand outstripping supply to this extent is unheard of considering we are still in the first week of sales after the preorder, that’s simply insane.

As pointed out to you earlier with over a billion iPhone sold, apple is just scratching the surface of iPhone users getting an Apple Watch.

They don’t need android.

I also did not state that it was not selling.

No you stated it would sell better with android support and that is simply not true.

They are selling them as fast as the can make them, so they are adding a second manufacturer to increase supply. (Topic of this thread) Android support at this point time is irrelevant to apple.

I would rather they spend the time and manpower involved making the series 5 better. And not waste time on somebody else’s os, just because a poster on macrumors would like it.

I also have an Apple watch.

That’s cool. But that’s not what this thread is about nor are your claims valid any more valid because of it.

As another poster pointed out to you earlier;

Android users were unwilling to support android wear or the Samsung version that were cheaper and worked more fluidly with android than the apple watch could. Most android users don’t care about wearables or it is simply priced out of their respective budgets; an apple base series 4 Apple Watch costs 4x-5x more than androids avg selling price.

So there is that.

 

[EdT]

I program for a living but not for phones or computers but for industrial contollers, so I don’t have to deal with API’s much. From looking and reading however it seems that different “flavors” of Android do or don’t support certain apps or app capabilities, and that different phone manufacturers can have a specialized version of an OS to support products specific to that phone company.

It may be technically possible for an Apple Watch to work with Android but which version of Android? And which phone manufacturer? Part of the reason OS update rates are all over the map with Android is because every phone supplier can decide whether to offer a new Android OS and when.

And the really big Android phone makers don’t want to make their phones Apple Watch compatible, they want owners to buy their version of the Apple Watch.

It’s possible that some brand X Android manufacturers could enter into a deal so that both sides play nice and don’t do things to make the watch not work. But that means both sides must cooperate. This isn’t JUST Apple not offering the Watch to Android it’s probably also Android phone sellers not wanting to lose a potentially profitable add on line.

 

[ipponrg]

You seem to suggest in your first statement that they don't support other OSs for their hardware (which they do).
Then suggest that they do support other OSs

Sorry I phrased this wrong and I also read your original comment wrong. Ignore this

All an API is is a specification. Apple doesn't have to write the implementation of the API on other OSs.
Also if you take for instance that the watch was like a webserver, it would be easy for any device to interact with the watch.

Although technically you are correct, the problem with opening up the API to 3rd party is that it can be abused or exploited.

 

[technole]

So, if you were faced with the high probability of huge import tariffs on the goods you manufacture in the People's Republic of China in the near future, what would you do? Transfer production to the Republic of China naturally!

Apple Watch will be except from tariffs probably forever since a lot of the parts come from the US.

 

[F4C4]

Am I the only one who really, really wants a ROUND watch??

 

[Abazigal]

Am I the only one who really, really wants a ROUND watch??

You aren’t alone, but I don’t see that happening either.

Samsung does this partly because it lets their watch stand apart from the Apple Watch, and because I also suspect the rotating bezel feature pretty much locks them into a round form factor (it’s clearly not going to work with a square watch face).

With Apple, a square face seems to better suit what they set out to have the watch accomplish. So I feel square is the way to go.

 

[dannynjoni]

Screw it. Just place my order for Space Black SS. Should get here in time for my birthday next month . I'm upgrading from a SS series 2.

No way I'd want a round Apple Watch. I think round smart watches look funny and just don't make sense for a data display in many cases. But it wouldn't surprise me much if Apple designed one that would make the form factor work somehow.

I think the next big upgrade is likely to be FaceTime on the watch but I doubt I'd upgrade for that.

 

[dilbert99]

Although technically you are correct, the problem with opening up the API to 3rd party is that it can be abused or exploited.

Apple have excellent security, are big enough to handle this. Its not as if Apple is at the end of many attacks is it.
[doublepost=1538089594][/doublepost]

No you stated it would sell better with android support and that is simply not true.

With logic like that, why would I even want to read in detail or reply to your rather long post.

Bigger market = bigger sales

no point in replying to you any more.

 

[Gameboy70]

The ring is far more discrete than the red dot.

Smoking one pack a day is far more healthy than smoking three packs.

 

[mac4me]

FWIW, I ordered two non-cellular watches on Sept 15. One of them, the gold aluminum w/pink sport band, arrived today. The other, the black aluminum with black sport band, is "processing", according to Apple.

 

[Mac 128]

Am I the only one who really, really wants a ROUND watch??

I think the rounded corner design of the Series 4 is a strong indication that Apple is planning to introduce a round option in the next generation or two. It makes it very easy for the current display area to drop into a round screen without changing a thing, making all of The available apps instantly compatible until developers update them to take advantage of the larger native display area.

The shape of the watch is purely a personal preference which has some trade offs over a rectangular watch and vice versa. Eventually Apple is likely to provide this option to attract more customers and encourage more upgrades, and even multiple watch purchases, especially to those who prize fashion over optimal text presentation — choosing information organized for brief glances, rather than in depth details.