The Apple Watch has only just landed in Apple Stores, and already a bevy of Apple Watch 2 rumors are basically rendering it outdated.
According to a new report, not only is a second-generation Apple Watch coming next year, but it will boast an added FaceTime camera, greater levels of iPhone independence, and extra high-end $1000+ models.
The addition of a camera in the top bezel would not only have implications for making the Apple Watch a tool for snapping pictures (something multiple recent iPhone ad campaigns have focused on), but would also enhance the Dick Tracy-like features of the smartwatch by letting users carry out full video FaceTime conversations.
Apple also wants to further separate the Apple Watch from its iPhone big brother by un-tethering it from the smartphone. By incorporating a new WiFi chipset into the Apple Watch 2, users of the second-gen wearable will have greater independence for features such as text messaging, emailing and weather data, although it’s likely that they will still require an iPhone for large data transfers like software upgrades.
In terms of new price options, Apple is reportedly looking into adding additional models costing between $1,000 — $10,000, possibly in materials such as itanium, tungsten, palladium, or platinum. Although the majority of Apple Watch models remain the lower-cost $349 models, this suggests that Apple is certainly more than happy with the sales of its higher-end devices.
Finally, it’s likely that battery life will remain much the same as with the generation one model, which means that Jawbone-style sleep tracking is unlikely to be a major feature for 2016.
Source: 9to5Mac
Luke Dormehl is a U.K.-based journalist and author, with a background working in documentary film for Channel 4 and the BBC. He is the author of The Apple Revolution and The Formula: How Algorithms Solve All Our Problems … and Create More, both published by Penguin/Random House. His tech writing has also appeared in Wired, Fast Company, Techmeme and other publications.
2 responses to “Apple Watch 2 will add FaceTime camera, better WiFi and more”
The main function of such a ludicrous rumor would be from someone who wants to slow down first-year sales of Apple Watch. There’s no way they’re putting a FaceTime camera in a watch this coming year.
And such idiotic choice of metals? Platinum? Nuts! It’s more expensive than gold! And palladium? No way. It’s way more difficult to manufacture than platinum or gold. Jewelers discourage people from choosing palladium over platinum for the price difference (the former is about half the price of the latter per ounce). The failure rate, of porosity and other factors damaging the pour, is so high that few are willing to even work with the metal. Platinum is a much better choice. But it also is way harder to work with than gold.
Oh I can just imagine how fast an AppleWatch’s battery would drain with a Facetime video camera running and the watch transmitting video to your phone for upload. Good lord, what a silly rumor.