The Apple Watch 2 is rumoured to be launched at a press event in March, with a release in April, according to the latest gossip from China. Of course, this being Apple, the event could be rumoured for March 2020 and we’d still have some breathless rumours about what’ll be shown. Let’s take a look at what’s been mentioned in the blogosphere thus far!
Managing expectations
Before we get into what the Watch 2 will be, let’s be clear about what it’s not. It’s not going to be a revolution, the update that truly makes smartwatches mainstream. The second-generation Apple Watch is instead said to be an iterative upgrade over the first-gen model, with a few new features, options and refinements, but similar functions and restrictions as its predecessor, chief among them a day (but not much more) of battery life, a square display and minimal utility when it’s disconnected from an iPhone.
A beautiful concept, but we don’t expect a circular Apple Watch any time soon
Hardware upgrades
That said, there are still some exciting improvements to talk about. Probably the biggest is a front-facing camera, which will allow users to make video calls from their wrists. Considering presidential candidate Jeb Bush didn’t realise his ‘iWatch’ could make audio phone calls (until he answered a call accidentally on camera), this will be a hell of a surprise for some people. Of course, a front-facing camera also unlocks the door to #applewatchselfie, which is sure to trend at some point in April.
Sensors will also be upgraded with the Apple Watch 2, allowing activities to be tracked more accurately than before. We may also see new activities supported; I’d personally love to see sleep tracking included. GPS would be a big inclusion, as it would allow easier standalone use of the watch, but it seems an unlikely addition.
An improved processor (potentially created using a 14nm process) could also be included, which would make the watch faster and more responsive while running apps.
The Apple Watch 2 is said to be thinner and lighter than its predecessor, and cases will be offered in new materials. 9to5Mac has reported we’ll see options like palladium, tungsten, titanium and platinum, which could be pretty awesome but will also cost a whole lot.
Improved software
Of course, not all upgrades will come in hardware. Improved and refined software should be expected. My biggest hope is that we’ll see support for third-party watch faces. Apple’s developer community has long provided imaginative and great-looking apps, so why not allow it to do the same for watch faces?
Stay tuned for more
So that just about covers it. There’s plenty of areas that Apple could look to improve on their second bite of the cherry, and the company has always done well to continuously refine with each iteration.
I’m sure we’ll see more details emerge as we get closer to that rumoured March event, so stay tuned to Mobile Fun for the latest information.
Let us know in the comments below what you think of the rumours, and what you’re hoping for with the Apple Watch 2!