Faster Apple Watch 2 With GPS, Barometer, Larger Battery, and Same Thickness to Launch Later This Year

[MacRumors]

KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo issued a research note to investors today in which he predicts an all-new Apple Watch 2 will likely launch in the second half of 2016 with a faster TSMC-built processor, GPS, barometer, superior waterproofing, and a higher capacity battery.

Kuo, well connected within the supply chain, believes the second-generation Apple Watch will retain the same screen sizes and thickness as existing models, with a similar form factor overall, despite adopting thinner display technology. However, while the Apple Watch 2 was once rumored to include cellular connectivity, Kuo does not expect LTE support until 2017.

The analyst also predicted that upgraded first-generation Apple Watch models will debut in the second half of 2016 with similar processor and waterproofing upgrades, but likely without the Apple Watch 2's most significant additions like a GPS and barometer. Kuo expects another Apple Watch price cut once the new models are launched, but remains conservative about prospective shipments in 2017.

Apple Watch shipments could rise further between 2018 and 2020, pending significant form factor changes, FDA approvals supporting more medical and health applications, and 5G network commercialization, according to Kuo.

Apple has been pushing iPhone and Apple Watch sales together, so updated models of each device launching in tandem would be appropriate. The tentatively named iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus are rumored to launch on September 16, with pre-orders possibly starting a week earlier on September 9, so all-new Apple Watch 2 and upgraded Apple Watch 1 models could debut around those dates.

Kuo did not confirm if the Apple Watch 2 will have a FaceTime camera and expanded Wi-Fi capabilities as previously rumored.

Article Link: Faster Apple Watch 2 With GPS, Barometer, Larger Battery, and Same Thickness to Launch Later This Year

 

[DTphonehome]

GPS is critical. Makes it much more useful for fitness. Barometer too. Coupled with waterproofing, would make for a great diving watch.

 

[bopajuice]

KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo issued a research note to investors today in which he predicts an all-new Apple Watch 2 will likely launch in the second half of 2016 with a faster TSMC-built under-16nm processor, GPS, barometer, and a higher capacity battery.

Kuo, well connected within the supply chain, believes the second-generation Apple Watch will retain the same screen sizes and thickness as existing models, with a similar form factor overall, despite adopting thinner display technology. While the Apple Watch 2 was rumored to include cellular connectivity, however, Kuo does not expect LTE support until 2017.

The analyst also predicted that upgraded first-generation Apple Watch models will debut alongside the Apple Watch 2 in the second half of 2016, possibly without faster processors and with lesser waterproofing. Kuo expects another Apple Watch price cut once the new models are launched, but nevertheless remains conservative about prospective Apple Watch shipments in 2017.

Article Link: Faster Apple Watch 2 With GPS, Barometer, and Larger Battery to Launch in Late 2016

Same stuff different day. Apple has fallen so far behind it's pathetic. Just another update.

 

[B.A.T]

That sounds much better

 

[ColdShadow]

Zzzz...
Boring.

 

[Minnjo]

And same design...

 

[doelcm82]

If true, a worthy update, but I don't know if it will be worth an upgrade for me. Sort of an "S" model, which would appeal to people who don't like to buy first-generation products.

 

[Oblivious.Robot]

For someone who just bought the Apple Watch 4-5 months back, I hope that it's not too much of an amazing upgrade.. (Yeah I'm greedy lol )

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On a serious note, I simply hope the watchOS 3 will bring in the speed for the first gen.

 

[cmChimera]

Yep, I'll be buying this. Solid upgrade to my current watch.

 

[3568358]

Basically all we need. Faster processor, GPS (not exactly necessary but definitely welcomed!!) and larger battery, as well as maintaining the same form factor! Sounds perfect to me.

Im not entirely sure why they would release an upgraded 1st-Gen Apple Watch but not upgrade the processor and battery in the upgraded version, considering those are really the only things that need upgrading. And if they are releasing a new Apple Watch 2 without any INSANELY huge upgrades, then wouldnt that kind of count as an upgraded Apple Watch 1st-Gen?

 

[Karma*Police]

Sold, if true. This is going to be a very expensive fall if Apple releases the MBP.

 

[doelcm82]

GPS is critical. Makes it much more useful for fitness. Barometer too. Coupled with waterproofing, would make for a great diving watch.

Or just for counting flights of steps climbed.

 

[lewisd25]

Another product update I will likely pass on. Why would they update the 1st gen watch with less water-proofing? Seems illogical.

 

[3568358]

For someone who just bought the Apple Watch 4-5 months back, I hope that it's not too much of an amazing upgrade.. (Yeah I'm greedy lol )

-
On a serious note, I simply hope the watchOS 3 will bring in the speed for the first gen.

Im on the beta, I can confirm it is much much faster, although battery will die 5-15% faster. Basically they added background app refresh so apps open instantly- no loading; all depends on your settings.
[doublepost=1470627395][/doublepost]

Another product update I will likely pass on. Why would they update the 1st gen watch with less water-proofing? Seems illogical.

Very much agreed, considering its a watch, and that many swim apps exist for it. Water proofing has always been a goal- right?

 

[44267547]

GPS would be way more useful than LTE for me. With other internal enhancements, sounds like Watch 2 will be solid with a stronger battery/Processor.

 

[3568358]

I hope they have an upgrade program, though.

I feel it would help with their sales A LOT! And they would be getting much more valuable material back considering the watches are pretty thick aluminum steel or gold. I feel like there is much more material there than there is from an iPhone.

 

[Enigma01au]

My wish list is for GPS, Cellular connectivity and waterproofing so I can swim and monitor lap times. I will most likely buy this new incarnation for the GPS and battery increase.

 

[Zirel]

Zzzz...
Boring.

What were you expecting? A rocket launcher?

I'm 100% happy with my Apple Watch, but the GPS will surely boost the sales (even tough most people would never need it, the accelerometer/gyroscope tracking is more than good enough).

 

[44267547]

Sold, if true. This is going to be a very expensive fall if Apple releases the MBP.

Agreed on the expensive fall. But don't give your hopes up to high for the Skylake MacBook Pro.

 

[3568358]

GPS would be way more useful than LTE for me. With other internal enhancements, sounds like Watch 2 will be solid with a stronger battery/Processor.

I dont know why these people wanted LTE. Then they'll complain how high their bill is lmao.
A watch provides you with important things, in an a way that doesn't disrupt your life. Time, Steps, Calories burned, etc. Theres no reason to have it hooked up to a carrier, its a watch, not a phone. Silly people.

 

[Robstevo]

GPS Model to be 100 bucks extra I reckon.

 

[3568358]

And same design...

Yeah because they're going to change the design radically every release, that would make much more sense! You obviously dont like the design, so I take it you dont want an Apple Watch..? If you dont want one why are you even here commenting on this?

 

[Dammit Cubs]

Who is this guy "KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo"? I feel like all he does is scratch his ass and then write a "research note" to the public.

 

[3568358]

GPS Model to be 100 bucks extra I reckon.

Apple Watch 2 should have the base model, and then a GPS model - Rather than a cellular model.

 

[Amazing Iceman]

Finally I may consider getting one!