When does the Apple Watch 2 come out? Release date, rumours and prices for the new smartwatch
The Apple watch 2 is rumoured to be unveiled at the same time as the iPhone 7 – at an event which goes live tonight at 6pm BST
WITH all the hype surrounding the about-to-launch iPhone 7, it’s easy to forget some of Apples other possible upgrades.
The Apple watch 2 is rumoured to be unveiled at the same time as the iPhone 7 – at an event which goes live tonight at 6pm BST.
When the Apple Watch was revealed at the tail end of 2014, it quickly became the bestselling wearable ever to be released.
The rumour mill has been pretty quiet on the Apple Watch 2 front – but there have been a few leaks.
An investor note leaked from KGI Securities analyst, Ming-chi Kuo gives us a little inkling of what Apple's plans might be when it comes to their latest smartwatch.
New specs
The main features you can expect to see in the Apple Watch 2 are a faster processor, a barometer that will measure atmospheric pressure, in-built GPS, better waterproofing, and a higher capacity battery.
The new specs seem to suggest that the new watch could be marketed as more of a sporting device – as the functionalities cater more closely to those who would want to use it while swimming, and being active.
While there has been gossip surrounding the watch including 4G connectivity, it looks like this won’t be added this time around – meaning that Apple Watch 2 will still be dependent on your iPhone.
Camera
Other rumours suggest a built in FaceTime camera for taking selfies.
The gossip stems from Apple having been granted a patent for a front-facing Watch camera embedded into the upper bezel, in addition to image sensor and picture storage software.
Display Makeover
A new screen is set to feature and will help prolong the watch’s battery life.
The updated gizmo is expected to come in the same 38mm and 42mm screen size options as the previous version.
A report from tech site DigiTimes also stuggests that Apple is swapping an OLED screen for a Micro-LED one on the new version.
While OLED screens are generally thought to produce a better picture, LED is crucial for saving the battery.
LCD screens are also thinner than OLED displays – so the new watch may be slightly sleeker.
Apple Watch S?
Rumours are flying that Apple may take a similar approach with the watch as they have done with the iPhone in the past.
This would mean launching a major model upgrade one year, followed by a less radical 'S’ update the next year.
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New buttons
A patent application reveals that two new buttons may be built into the new watch's left hand side, which could be linked to launching the camera, or various other shortcuts.
Smart straps
Another patent filing suggests "modular functional band links for wearable devices" are in the pipeline, meaning straps with inbuilt batteries.
Regardless, new rubber, fabric and metal straps are likely to be announced alongside the next Watch.
Price
It is expected that the Apple Watch will undergo a price cut once the new models are launched.
This means that the new Apple Watch 2 models will come in at the same price point the watches are currently being sold at - £299 for the 38mm sport model, and £339 for the larger 42mm one – and the older models will decrease in price.
The price is also likely to go up to £479 for the 38mm for the standard model and £479 for the 42mm option.
It is predicted that the first-generation Apple Watch models will get the same processor and waterproofing upgrades as the Apple Watch 2 and that the design will be very similar.
This means that it might be a good idea for first time buyers to opt for the older model when it comes to value.
Changes to come
The Apple Watch 2 may currently not have that many significant upgrades but 2018 is looking to be the year of a noteworthy overhaul, when it comes to the watch.
Changes expected include: 4G support, new design, 5G network commercialisation and improved apps.