The iPhone might not be the only device getting an incremental upgrade at Apple’s next keynote, which is rumored to take place March 15.
In a note to investors this morning, Apple analyst Gene Munster claims Apple Watch may get a slight hardware upgrade this spring that will include a better processor, improved battery life and other new internal components.
“Expect more of an ‘S’ version with similar design, upgraded components including processor, battery, new band styles,” Munster told clients in his note, which was obtained by Business Insider. “Unlikely to have a wireless radio, which would allow standalone (i.e. decoupled from iPhone).”
The first Apple Watch went on sale last April, so a spring update to breathe new life into the line wouldn’t be that extraordinary. An “S” model of the Apple Watch would retain its current form factor while using a new system-on-a-chip package, allowing the original production process to remain the same.
If Apple does come out with an “S” upgrade, it will be interesting to see what they name the new product, as the Apple Watch doesn’t have a number suffix yet like the iPhone.
Previous rumors regarding the supposed March 15 event suggest we’ll see new Apple Watch hardware, but only in the form of new bands. The second-generation Apple Watch may not be announced until fall alongside the iPhone 7.
Other products expected to make an appearance at the March 15 keynote include a new 4-inch iPhone, possibly dubbed the iPhone 5se, and the iPad Air 3, which will look like a mini iPad Pro.
