If Cupertino is looking for some ideas for its next wearable, this slick Apple Watch 2 concept would be a good place to start.
The mock-up comes from designer Eric Huismann, and he has some cool ideas for how the future of Apple’s smartwatches could look and behave. Along with some nice cosmetic changes, Huismann’s version of the device also boasts some of the features that didn’t make it into the first wave.
The first thing we notice about this concept is how Huismann has rounded down the edges to give the gadget a lower profile on your wrist. We really like this idea, and if Apple is married to the square-watch thing, we hope that the company will go for something similar. This one has us looking at our own Apple Watches and noticing, as if for the first time, how boxy they are.
Photo: Eric Heisuman
Huismann’s Apple Watch 2 also has a 1.2-megapixel camera so that you can make Facetime calls and take really oddly angled selfies, thus ushering in the wristbound future that we all thought we were getting when people first started making computers that you strap to your arm. This sounds like something Apple would actually do, so things aren’t too out there yet.
Photo: Eric Heisuman
Things get a little less likely when we look at Huismann’s band. He suggests more colors and materials, and that’s definitely going to happen, but he also includes blood-pressure and body-temperature sensors in the pin of the Sports band. Apple was talking about blood pressure in the early days of the Watch talk, but it didn’t make it into the final product.
What makes these sensors (as designed) even less likely, however, is that they would be exclusive to Sports bands, which are supposed to be the cheaper, entry-level option, and more integrated tech would only make them more expensive. Apple wouldn’t be able to use the same version with the classic buckle strap, for example, and that would split the market. Probably not the smartest idea.
And because it’s a concept that doesn’t have to actually work, this design may not even be possible to execute while keeping the watch affordable. But we suppose that’s part of why we like things like this: They let us dream a little.
While we’re at it, let’s design an Apple Watch that changes color to complement our clothes. And also it shoots lasers.
Photo: Eric Heisuman
Huismann’s final major suggestion is that Apple add a new size option, introducing a 45mm face to go alongside the extant 38- and 42mm choices. We aren’t sure how well the huge size would go over, but we had similar concerns about the iPhone 6 Plus, and those have done just fine. Maybe this Apple Watch 2 Plus could introduce a new version of the phablet. We think it should be called a phatch, or maybe a whone.
Evan Killham is a freelance writer who lives in Nebraska and isn’t interested in football, so he has plenty of time to play and think about video games. He has written for Bitmob and GamesBeat and sometimes, he even goes outside. But not too often because he’s heard there are bees out there. Occasionally, companies send free units for review. Evan subscribes to Cult of Mac’s Reviews Policy and also does not keep the items he receives for possible coverage.
15 responses to “Sleek Apple Watch 2 concept inspires hope for the future”
It needs to be round, with a face that stays on all the time, and 3rd party watch faces please!
Round would be much nicer. Sadly it will take Apple a few years to get on that train, I’m sure.
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Since owning the Apple Watch, I’m less sold b the prospect of a round watch. The square design does a better job of displaying content, and the style has really grown on me. Also,maybe I’m alone, but the always on display doesn’t particularly appeal too me. The beauty of the watch is the body (especially steel or gold). The display comes on when I need it, and can be distracting when I’m not interacting with it.
You’re so not alone :)
– Round display would not (and has not on other devices) display content that is built to be shown on a rectangular display. Pixels would be lost when cutting off the corners. Menus in apps, such as in the Instagram app, would be quite odd if they were rounded. And most apps display rectangular content anyway, so it would clash with the round display.
– Always-on display would be a waste of battery imo, especially since you’re not looking at it 24/7. I also agree that it could be a bit distracting.
Round smartwatch is a horrible idea.
Totally agree BUT wish they would have a nice selection of SQUARE watch faces…..
I don’t think it needs to be round but having a round option would be nice. I much prefer a watch that’s more traditional with fewer bells and whistles clamoring for attention. My ideal watch concept would be thinner, round, fewer goo-gaws and spaghetti-on-wall, with well-designed apps that are designed for a round surface, and enough battery life for always-on display of time and 16 hours battery life. Apple could easily strip off some of the features/sensors and create a cheaper, thinner version for those of us who don’t want a smart watch that does everything.
I think you’re way off base when it comes to the size. 45mm would be a welcome addition for larger men. I’m 6’5″ tall and weigh 270 pounds. A 42mm watch looks dainty on my wrist. Every watch I’ve ever worn was 45-52mm, and I think Apple should definitely bring this size to market.
G1 you are an exceptional physical specimen, and no doubt a beast in the gym. That said you’re also larger than 99.5% of the population. Apple does well to design thier products for “everyone”, as long that means one or two sizes. I don’t think 45-52 mm is in the cards.
This is America, man! There are plenty of big people in this country, whether they’re a beast at the gym, sit / eat too much, or were born with a thyroid condition. There are plenty of wildly successful watch brands out there – from Invicta to Diesel to Fossil – that make 45mm+ watches. I think you (and Apple) would be surprised by how many people would choose a 45mm Apple Watch over a 42mm one.
Like me, I got the 42mm Apple watch and I can barely see it most of the time. I know I need glasses but this is just silly small.
I personally believe that the watch is being used way below it’s current potential. Without wanting to be disrespectful to the App designers, all we appear to have is iPhone Apps, scaled down to work on the watch. We keep talking about the “Killer Watch App”, we need more than this, we need Apps that work well, natively on the watch free from the phone. Once we have the software ‘in the can’ we can start talking about the hardware. Oh, and third party faces please!
They need to do something about the connector. Any of the third party bands or leather straps that have that ugly space and don’t seamlessly slide into the watch itself are ugly.