Apple Watch 2 Rumor Guide – What We Expect from Apple’s Next Wearable

Apple Watch 2 Rumor Guide - What We Expect from Apple's Next Wearable
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In the aftermath of months of speculation and anticipation, Apple officially unveiled that it was, in fact, working on a so called ‘Apple Watch’ back in September, 2014 — almost seven months ahead of the device’s debut the following April.

However, almost a year has passed since that highly anticipated April afternoon, and with rumors of a potential Apple Watch 2 now heating up — particularly amidst the company’s looming March 21st ‘Let us loop you in’ event — perhaps we might be in for a sweet surprise from the Cupertino, California tech-giant.

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After all, Apple is notorious for surprising us when it comes to new hardware releases, right? So perhaps the second generation Watch isn’t too irrational of a prospect to consider being just over the imminent horizon?

Of course, at the same event, Apple is all but certain to unveil the long-rumored 4-inch ‘iPhone SE’ alongside a revamped 9.7-inch ‘iPad Pro’; however, the Silicon Valley iPhone maker has also teased that “something relating to” the Apple Watch — whether it be a full-blown, second generation device, or merely just a bunch of premium wristbands — might also be thrown into the mix next Monday.

And, come on, let’s be real here, shall we? Given Apple’s eerily consistent track record when it comes to refreshing hardware on an annual basis, it’s only reasonable to assume the company will sooner or later be releasing a revamped Apple Watch 2, right?

And so, with that in mind, let’s take a look at the current slate of rumors swirling about Apple’s 2nd generation wearable — everything we currently know, thus far, about the device’s design, specifications, features, release date, and even possible pricing.

Design

While no major changes to the device’s physical design are expected, Apple has reportedly been experimenting with various body and strap materials in an effort to achieve a lower price point for the device. For example, as opposed to radical changes — such as a redesigned, circular face — Apple is said to be exploring materials such as tungsten, palladium, titanium and platinum — potentially spanning both cases and straps. 

Features

As we recently reported, a new health-related feature will supposedly use the Apple Watch’s vast array of biometric sensors and connectivity options to automatically issue alerts to 911 in the event of an accident, such as a fall or abrupt shift in heart rate. This new feature could see its way into both the Apple Watch 2 and the original, however that remains to be seen.

The recent patent application, titled “Care Event Detection and Alerts,” revealed a new invention from Apple, which uses the sensors of an Apple Watch — or another device with specific health-tracking features — to send out alerts when the wearer is in critical need of ambulatory or other medical assistance.

Specifications

As far as we know, Apple is hoping to untether the Watch 2 from iPhone, while also increasing its performance and battery life. There’s also the strong possibility that the 2nd generation Watch will feature its own FaceTime video camera for standalone video calls. For starters, Apple’s watchOS 2 already includes support for FaceTime audio calls, essentially all but solidifying the probability of this rumor being true.

Release Date & Pricing

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Several analyst reports are pointing to a Summer or Fall 2016 release, with a possible introduction at the March 21st event. It’s also expected that Apple will keep prices of the Apple Watch 2 consistent with those of the original, however the company is also said to be introducing a new collection that fills the gap between the $599 Stainless Steel Apple Watch and the $10,000 Apple Watch Edition.

Of course, we’ll be covering Apple’s ‘Let us Loop you In’ event next Monday, and will let you in on all the details, accordingly.

Learn MoreHow to Set Up and Use Apple Pay on iPhone and Apple Watch

Do you plan to pick up an Apple Watch 2 when they become available?

[The information provided in this article has NOT been confirmed by Apple and may be speculation. Provided details may not be factual. Take all rumors, tech or otherwise, with a grain of salt.]

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