Upgraded Apple Watch 1 Models Said to Launch Alongside Apple Watch 2 Later This Year

[MacRumors]

In addition to predicting an all-new Apple Watch 2 with a GPS, barometer, larger battery, and more, KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo today claimed that upgraded first-generation Apple Watch models with faster TSMC-built processors and superior waterproofing will likely launch in the second half of 2016.

Kuo said the upgraded Apple Watch 1 models will not have a GPS, barometer, or other larger additions reserved for the Apple Watch 2, nor will the waterproofing improvements be as significant, suggesting only an incremental refresh of internal hardware. The watches are said to retain a similar form factor.

The well-connected analyst expects another Apple Watch price cut once the new models are launched, but he did not specify whether the reduction will apply to existing first-generation models, upgraded first-generation models, Apple Watch 2 models, or some combination of the three lineups. Apple lowered the starting price of the Apple Watch Sport to $299 in March 2016, a savings of $50 compared to the device's initial $349 launch price in April 2015.

Article Link: Upgraded Apple Watch 1 Models Said to Launch Alongside Apple Watch 2 Later This Year

 

[ToroidalZeus]

I wish they'd release Apple Watch sales.

 

[dannyyankou]

I hope they let you buy just the watch casing by itself if you already have a band.

 

[kwikdeth]

I wonder how resale value is gonna work on older high end models with exotic materials.

 

[PBRsg]

Introducing the Apple redux package: the iPhone 7 (which is an iPhone 6SS) and an upgraded Apple Watch 1.

 

[citysnaps]

Makes a lot of sense. That's how iPhones have worked.

 

[pat500000]

Hmm...apple watch SE vs Apple watch 2.....hmm.....hmm....hmm....hmm...hmm...
To Editor: please send me Kuo's phone number....i need a word with him.

EDIT: this trend that I'm noticing from Apple: it's like...80s famous movie in blue ray disc...and sequels of those movies.

Interesting....

EDIT: meh...slow news.

 

[Schwyz]

Who cares, I want a new Mac Pro.

 

[pat500000]

Who cares, I demand a new Mac Pro.

Love your sig.

 

[44267547]

This is interesting. At least it's gives the Customer the option of what they Want in the Watch in terms of improvements. What a Keynote this will be.

 

[Zirel]

This doesn't sound reasonable at all.

Again, he also said the Apple Watch was going to release in 2014, and 2014 would also have an Apple TV refresh, so...

 

[Schwyz]

- Apple Watch: nearly useless without your iPhone.
- Android Wear: bulky/ugly/buggy take your pick.

Smart watches are improving, I only wish it'd happen faster rate.

 

[pat500000]

- Apple Watch: nearly useless without your iPhone.
- Android Wear: bulky/ugly/buggy take your pick.

Smart watches are improving, I only wish it'd happen faster rate.

NOOOOO........
if that was the case...I can only imagine people posting threads "Is it safe to buy it now or later" more often.

 

[SeaFox]

I hope they let you buy just the watch casing by itself if you already have a band.

If you can't afford to waste money on an unneeded band you are not in Apple's target audience.

 

[Schwyz]

NOOOOO........
if that was the case...I can only imagine people posting threads "Is it safe to buy it now or later" more often.

It couldn't possibly be any worse than our annual iPhone releases!

 

[Rettun1]

This is interesting, and quite strange.

Since I'm looking to get an Apple Watch before the years end, I hope that the 'improved first gen' model will see a price reduction. I don't need gps or a barometer. The only thing I would get gen 2 for would be the waterproofing and if the battery life was significantly better. This is just so strange...

 

[macs4nw]

This is interesting. At least it's gives the Customer the option of what they Want in the Watch in terms of improvements.....

You mean Apple no longer knows what we want, before we ourselves do?
I hate making decisions and, I'm sooo disappointed.....

 

[Appleaker]

This makes a lot of sense since they can reduce the price further on the original
I'm glad that they will be fixing it's biggest problem (speed) at the same time.

 

[Christoffee]

I think Macrumors should do a sources roundup. Each place that rumours come from, and how often that source is correct.

 

[LukasValine]

Here's my prediction: Apple won't introduce an all new Apple Watch 2. Instead, they will introduce new Apple Watch Collections, such as the Explorer collection with gps and cellular. The older collections like the Sport will receive a price drop. Other collections like the Edition will be retired.

 

[pat500000]

It couldn't possibly be any worse than our annual iPhone releases!

Well...if they are start making annual apple watches....maybe.

 

[Schwyz]

From the company that brought you the iPhone 5s reboot: the iPhone SE... Comes the revolutionary Apple Watch 2: featuring the Apple Watch 1 with some improved stuff...

Tickets to the unveiling selling fast!

 

[pat500000]

You mean Apple no longer knows what we want, before we ourselves do?
I hate making decisions and, I'm sooo disappointed.....

Not even Siri can respond to our limbo....
"Hey Siri...what do you recommend??"
-siri shuts down the watch and iphones.-

 

[Soccertess]

Well...if they are start making annual apple watches....maybe.

From the company that brought you the iPhone 5s reboot: the iPhone SE... Comes the revolutionary Apple Watch 2: featuring the Apple Watch 1 with some improved stuff...

Tickets to the unveiling selling fast!

This is the New Apple.... things can get a lot worse.. A lot if Tim isn't ousted ASAP!

 

[navaira]

I cannot wait for it to be called Apple Watch Pro! For the people who use their watches professionally, such as, um, time keepers I guess...

My analyst knowledge predicts that Pro bands will be 1) incompatible with Watch 1 bands and 2) sold at premium. Or possibly Watch Pro will go bandless and connect to your body via Bluetooth.