Apple Watch 2 Rumored to Be Going Into Production This Month

As with many of Apple products, rumors regarding next-generation models hit the internet almost as soon as a device is released. The Apple Watch is no different. A recent report out of Taiwan seems to confirm earlier reports that the Apple Watch 2 may be going into trial production later this month.

Rumors of the Apple Watch 2 began circulating as far back as last April, immediately after the first generation was officially released. While early rumors were nothing more than speculation regarding enhanced features that may be present on the second-generation model, recently, more credible rumors surrounding the release date and, yes, the features of the Apple Watch 2 have begun sprouting up.

A November, 2015 report from China’s United Daily News quoted Barry Lam, chairman of Quanta Computer (the manufacturers of the first edition Apple Watch) in saying that the Apple Watch 2 would feature “fully upgraded hardware and software,” and would likely debut by the second quarter of this year.

A Digitimes report followed shortly thereafter stated that Apple was in talks with electronics manufacturers Foxconn, Inventec, and Winstron to act as supplementary manufacturers to beef up the production of the Apple Watch 2. A December report by Mark Gurman of 9to5Mac claimed that Apple was planning a March 2016 event that would see the release of the Apple Watch 2, as well as the oft-rumored 4-inch iPhone 6c (and possibly the iPad Air 3).

A report from Taiwanese publication the Commercial Times was released Monday claiming that production of the Apple Watch 2 will begin later this month. The timing would place an initial release date around March or April, which lines up well with the previous rumors of a March debut and an April release date.

The report doesn’t mention any features of the second-generation wearable, and it’s a bit surprising that none of the components have leaked yet. However, the bulk of rumors on the internet seem to agree that the Apple Watch 2 will feature a slimmer design, integrated Wi-Fi for more freedom from the iPhone, and a front-facing video camera for FaceTime calls. Some rumors place new health and sleeping sensors on the device to enhance fitness and health capabilities, as well.

[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.]