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Can Apple Watch be updated?
- Thread starter Sirious
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Arran
macrumors 603
Software updates should be possible. I can't see why not.
What I'd like is the ability to update the electronics module inside the phone. Particularly if you've bought one of the expensive gold models.
Maybe they'll offer that as a Genius Bar service in a few years time? Or maybe offer generous "trade-in" terms? Otherwise I see a lot of old tech being in the field in, say, ten years time - along with all the support issues that entails.
Can't remember the last time I saw an original iPhone. People expect watches to last MUCH longer than phones.
What I'd like is the ability to update the electronics module inside the phone. Particularly if you've bought one of the expensive gold models.
Maybe they'll offer that as a Genius Bar service in a few years time? Or maybe offer generous "trade-in" terms? Otherwise I see a lot of old tech being in the field in, say, ten years time - along with all the support issues that entails.
Can't remember the last time I saw an original iPhone. People expect watches to last MUCH longer than phones.
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Julien
macrumors G4
Of course Apple will be able to and almost certainly will offer updates on a similar frequency and path to OS X and iOS.
Piggie
macrumors G3
Generous "trade-in" terms 😀
You know Apple and Tim Cook, Directly and continually tell everyone that they make their money from selling hardware.
iPods, iPads, iPhone, year after year after year.
I don't know where people are getting this imaginary view of a loving Apple that, for just a few dollars will swap your old device for a new one from, or upgrade it for you.
We're talking about new watch devices that are cheaper than iPads, and iPhones which Apple expect customers to throw away and buy a new one each year.
Julien
macrumors G4
Piggie
macrumors G3
Oh yes, I know, and recall reading about this service.
People on these very forums were moaning about the very low prices Apple were willing to give back for devices, compared to what they could sell them for on the open market.
So a quick way to dispose of your old item if you are not worried about getting a good price for it was the general thought I got.
A bit like taking your car to a dealer to sell, as opposed to selling it yourself I guess. Quick and easy if you don't mind not getting a good price.
Don't get me wrong, I like the concept, trade up etc etc.
It all depends how much they give you vs how much you can sell it for.
If it's only a few dollars less then sure, if we are talking $100 type amounts less, then that's different.
Perhaps some people who have looked into this service can post their findings on prices.
matrix07
macrumors G3
That's true in general term. But Tim Cook already did many things people don't expect from Apple. If
Watch Edition is as expensive as what people speculated, then being able to upgrade the internal is one way to help selling it. Of course the price for upgrading will be irrelevant for most buyers anyway since it probably will be more expensive than buying the cheapest one, or just about. (Disclaimer: everything I wrote is also my speculation. 😛)
Rogifan
macrumors Penryn
When did Tim Cook or anyone else at Apple say they expect consumers to throw away existing products and buy new ones every year? And with respect to Watch, we don't even know if Apple will be updating it every year like they do with iOS devices. The only thing we know about the device (besides what it looks like) is the cheapest model will be $350.
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That's true in general term. But Tim Cook already did many things people don't expect from Apple. If
At this point we don't know if Watch is going to be refreshed every year. But assuming it is, I can't imagine Apple will expect people who shell out thousands of dollars for an Edition watch to be buying a new one every year. So perhaps they'll offer a trade in program or certain components will be upgradeable. Or neither and this device was designed for multiple OS upgrades so at least people can be current with new software.
Piggie
macrumors G3
Ok, I should correct what I said.
Tim Cook and Apple does not publicly say they want you to get rid of last years Apple product and buy this years model.
Of course, they would never say it that direct in open public.
Also of course, that is exactly what they want you to do as that is how they they make more money and the only reason they are working at Apple. To make money for themselves.
Yes, you are correct, us outside Apple don't know what their plan is regards new models.
One thing is for sure, the competition are not going to just sit around for 2 or 3 years doing nothing whilst Apple sits on a 2 or 3 year watch lifecycle.
Apple's watch could be incredibly out of date and an utter joke after 2 or 3 years against other top electronics companies.
Likewise, Apple's 1st watch only being an iPhone accessory is going to leave the gates wide open for a year, or more for other brands to come forward with watches that will cater for the larger market that don't own iPhones.
Apple know this, they're not dumb. I don't expect they want their watch to be that old 3 year out of date iPhone accessory.
Hence why I don't feel that's a realistic scenario.
Likewise, they want MORE money from you. The waves that want the Watch will come and go quite quick I'd imagine. There will be an initial OMG must have it wave, but I'd guess, and it's just a guess this wave will die a LOT faster than one for the iPhone or the iPad, simply as it IS just an iPhone accessory, and you still have to convince people it's worth messing with, when they need to have their iPhone on them anyway for the watch to do much.
I'd imagine even Apple don't know if this is going to be an utter dead duck after the initial excitement wears off, and why they are busting themselves and throwing money at getting it out there to be seen and models being paid to wear it for photo's.
I'd be very surprised of any upgrade plan for low end models. Hey they are cheaper than an iPhone or iPad, so why would there be.
Other than perhaps, as was said Apple may give you $100 for it after a year towards your $400 new one. If it was a year. They make money from another sale of course.
I agree, they could put together a special plan/deal if they do intend to ask silly money for one in a thin gold case. That would be a way to hold onto the people 'THAT MATTER' They don't care about you or my with our $350 model, but they REALLY care to make sure the person with the gold one, keeps being seen with it on, as that can drive sales and keep the popularity going.
So yes, I can indeed see the rational behind a Gold one for a high price and a special trade in deal.
I don't like the idea of upgrade the chip, as that means the design won't improve, the screen won't improve etc.
Sure. Keep the straps. I can easy see them keeping the strap mounts the same, it would be crazy to change those, so the mounts and straps will stay.
I could see the outer shell staying the same for a while, but would you bother swapping a screen over and the rest of it?
My easy way would be to go to the Apple store, or some special place for GOLD customers!!! You unclip your old watch from the straps, hand them the old one. They relieve you of some cash, and give you the new model to clip back onto your strap.
That sounds totally realistic.
Of course, all the above could be wrong! 😀
Just trying to think level headed and how it could rationally work.
Tim Cook and Apple does not publicly say they want you to get rid of last years Apple product and buy this years model.
Of course, they would never say it that direct in open public.
Also of course, that is exactly what they want you to do as that is how they they make more money and the only reason they are working at Apple. To make money for themselves.
Yes, you are correct, us outside Apple don't know what their plan is regards new models.
One thing is for sure, the competition are not going to just sit around for 2 or 3 years doing nothing whilst Apple sits on a 2 or 3 year watch lifecycle.
Apple's watch could be incredibly out of date and an utter joke after 2 or 3 years against other top electronics companies.
Likewise, Apple's 1st watch only being an iPhone accessory is going to leave the gates wide open for a year, or more for other brands to come forward with watches that will cater for the larger market that don't own iPhones.
Apple know this, they're not dumb. I don't expect they want their watch to be that old 3 year out of date iPhone accessory.
Hence why I don't feel that's a realistic scenario.
Likewise, they want MORE money from you. The waves that want the Watch will come and go quite quick I'd imagine. There will be an initial OMG must have it wave, but I'd guess, and it's just a guess this wave will die a LOT faster than one for the iPhone or the iPad, simply as it IS just an iPhone accessory, and you still have to convince people it's worth messing with, when they need to have their iPhone on them anyway for the watch to do much.
I'd imagine even Apple don't know if this is going to be an utter dead duck after the initial excitement wears off, and why they are busting themselves and throwing money at getting it out there to be seen and models being paid to wear it for photo's.
I'd be very surprised of any upgrade plan for low end models. Hey they are cheaper than an iPhone or iPad, so why would there be.
Other than perhaps, as was said Apple may give you $100 for it after a year towards your $400 new one. If it was a year. They make money from another sale of course.
I agree, they could put together a special plan/deal if they do intend to ask silly money for one in a thin gold case. That would be a way to hold onto the people 'THAT MATTER' They don't care about you or my with our $350 model, but they REALLY care to make sure the person with the gold one, keeps being seen with it on, as that can drive sales and keep the popularity going.
So yes, I can indeed see the rational behind a Gold one for a high price and a special trade in deal.
I don't like the idea of upgrade the chip, as that means the design won't improve, the screen won't improve etc.
Sure. Keep the straps. I can easy see them keeping the strap mounts the same, it would be crazy to change those, so the mounts and straps will stay.
I could see the outer shell staying the same for a while, but would you bother swapping a screen over and the rest of it?
My easy way would be to go to the Apple store, or some special place for GOLD customers!!! You unclip your old watch from the straps, hand them the old one. They relieve you of some cash, and give you the new model to clip back onto your strap.
That sounds totally realistic.
Of course, all the above could be wrong! 😀
Just trying to think level headed and how it could rationally work.
cmChimera
macrumors 601
It definitely will. Technically, "we don't know." But the answer is an obvious yes.
Arran
macrumors 603
Agreed. It would have to be a whole electronics module swap: Crack open the case, tip out the old electronics module (screen, battery & circuitry), pop in a new module, snap the back on the case, done.
Are you trying to start some sort of new trend on here? 😀
jafingi
macrumors 65816
Yep, it'll be possible to update. It will probably need an update for every major iOS version to support the new features of the iPhone.
Would be nice if it automatically would update OTA. So you don't have to think about clicking "Update" on your watch.. Seems like Apple is really being true to old-school watches.
Would be nice if it automatically would update OTA. So you don't have to think about clicking "Update" on your watch.. Seems like Apple is really being true to old-school watches.
Piggie
macrumors G3
You sure you want anything Apple auto updating to the latest OS ?
Really? 😱
On that note: I think there should be a legal requirement for Apple, or anyone else, to have to, by law, allow you to undo an update.
If your device is made worse by an update you should have the right to go back.
Software updates obviously. I absolutely think the aWatch and Edition models will be hardware upgradeable too.
They have spent more time and money on the cases/bands than they have on the electronics on the highest end models. It seems obvious to me that the only way they think they can sell higher cost models is to guarantee hardware upgrades throughout the years. Nobody wants to drop $5k on a watch that will be outdated in a few years. However, as a platform that will allow for upgrades down the years, a much larger market would consider this. Traditional watch owners pay for maintenance and oiling of their timepieces, and Apple is looking to emulate the watch market, not the smart watch market. Apple markets to the masses. To market a $1k-$5k watch that will last a few years is not going after the masses. To market a $1k-$5k, that can be hardware upgraded for a few hundred dollars and be worn for decades is marketing for the masses.
The high level of refinement of unique product designs will be what makes the aWatch successful. The usability of the watch will continue to increase, just like the laptop, tablet and phone. Eventually, so many of us will have them.
They have spent more time and money on the cases/bands than they have on the electronics on the highest end models. It seems obvious to me that the only way they think they can sell higher cost models is to guarantee hardware upgrades throughout the years. Nobody wants to drop $5k on a watch that will be outdated in a few years. However, as a platform that will allow for upgrades down the years, a much larger market would consider this. Traditional watch owners pay for maintenance and oiling of their timepieces, and Apple is looking to emulate the watch market, not the smart watch market. Apple markets to the masses. To market a $1k-$5k watch that will last a few years is not going after the masses. To market a $1k-$5k, that can be hardware upgraded for a few hundred dollars and be worn for decades is marketing for the masses.
The high level of refinement of unique product designs will be what makes the aWatch successful. The usability of the watch will continue to increase, just like the laptop, tablet and phone. Eventually, so many of us will have them.
jafingi
macrumors 65816
They don't currently allow downgrading om iOS even though your 3 year old phone is useless after the latest upgrade. Can't see it happening with the watch.. It's Apple's way of forcing the users to get the latest and greatest.
