Apple Watch 2 will add FaceTime camera, better WiFi and more

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Force touch Apple Watch
The Apple Watch 2? Watch this space.
Photo: Apple

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Apple Watch has only just landed in Apple Stores, and already a bevy of Apple Watch 2 rumors are basically rendering it outdated.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

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