If the latest rumors are to be believed, then the second generation of the Apple Watch will likely come out with Apple’s upcoming flagship phone, the iPhone 7, this September.
It’s been more than a year since the company debuted its Apple Watch and the rumor mill has been abuzz about what the new version of the smart wearable from the American tech giant has in store.
There were rumors that the wearable device will be launched at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2016 slated next week in California but developers reportedly encountered certain technical difficulties, therefore, postponing the launch to enable the team to tweak the model.
Apple has not yet given out invitations for their annual media event but fans can expect it to happen on either September 9 or September 16. The Times of India reports that the Apple Watch 2 and the iPhone 7 will be launched both in the US and the UK on the same date.
The iPhone 7 is expected to ship in a wide range of RAM and internal storage variants powered by an A10 system on a chip (SoC).
The device is rumored to be manufactured with a thickness of 6mm integrated with new features such as the Apple wireless charging.
The upcoming flagship device will provide support for 2K display, front facing speakers, and an 8MP front-facing camera including a strong non-metallic waterproof frame.
According to Apple analyst Brian White, who works for the Wall Street firm Drexel Hamilton, the Apple Watch 2 could probably be 20%-40% thinner than its predecessor. Also, he pegs the watch to bear a larger display loaded with WatchOS 3 and will have an improved battery life.
However, a contrasting report from Ming-Chi Kou suggests that users should not expect a major overhaul for the Apple Watch 2. Kou says that the Apple Watch series will follow the pattern of the iPhone range, and only reboot the concept every two years.
The analyst adds that the newest version of the smartwatch will feature minor design changes and that major alterations will be incorporated to its third-generation instead.
Kou anticipates the spec upgrades in order to ensure that the wearable device runs more smoothly than its predecessor, but expects that the design of the original Apple Watch will be retained.
There are unconfirmed reports that the tech giant will integrate Samsung’s Foundry 14FF manufacturing process to design the wearable device’s chipset.
Using the Foundry 14FF technology can reduce the amount of heat generated by the smartwatch and also enhances its performance.
As far as upgrades are concerned, tech enthusiasts can expect the integration of FaceTime camera in the top bezel which will be capable of FHD video recording.
For data transfer, reports say that the Apple Watch 2 will render 90% improvement from its predecessor and will also provide more accurate location services.
Another interesting upgrade consumers are expecting is the battery of the Apple Watch 2. One of the major complaints with 2015’s Apple Watch was the relatively paltry lifecycle of the device.
The company could equip the device with a larger battery or a slimmer display. There are also reports that the Apple Watch 2 will have a circle design to mimic the design of classic wrist watches.
Moreover, the Cupertino-based company is planning to infuse cellular connectivity with the new watch that can provide support for both 3G and 4G.
The New York Times reports that Apple Watch 2 buyers will be able to choose from either 3G or 4G connectivity, with consumers apparently paying for a data plan in order to use the particular function.
This means that the Apple Watch 2 can become a phone as well with the ability to receive messages sans Wi-Fi connectivity. The device will also provide the capability to stream Apple Music.