It has been 23 months since Apple’s first smartwatch was officially unveiled and sixteen months since it was first released into the market. That’s an awful lot of time in the consumer technology business. A lot has changed in the smartwatch space since then. Not only have tech brands like Samsung rolled out enticing new hardware, but mechanical watch brands like Casio, Tag Heuer, and Fossil have also released smartwatches.
The Cupertino-based company is yet to announce the successor to the Apple Watch, and various reports and rumours have surfaced the Internet detailing possible specifications of the Apple Watch 2. The usually reliable MacRumors is reporting that the Apple Watch 2 is likely to stick to the same design as its predecessor, but will bring a faster processor built by TSMC, a built-in GPS, and a larger battery capacity.
The Apple Watch 2 might also add a new sensor – a barometer – and improved water-resistance. The upcoming smartwatch will still be released in 38mm and 42mm variants, but it is unlikely to gain cellular (LTE) support, at least until next year. Apple might also release an improved version of its first smartwatch later this year with improved water-resistance and further cut the price tag of the existing Apple Watch after the initial round of price cut.
The upcoming Apple Watch 2 and the refreshed Apple Watch could either be announced alongside the Apple iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus on September 6 or at a separate event later this year. The Apple iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus are reportedly gaining Force Touch home button and stereo loudspeakers, but lose out on a headphone jack as Apple is said to be moving to faster Bluetooth and Lightning port for headphones.
