Apple Watch isn’t just growing in sales — it’s about to grow in size, too. At least, that’s the prediction of an analyst with long track record for accuracy.
A larger display would make room for a bigger battery. Apple likely will build new health features into its updated wearable as well.
KGI Securities’ Ming-Chi Kuo predicts the 2018 Apple Watch display will be 15 percent larger than the current one. That would give it a 1.9-inch screen.
2018 Apple Watch: Bigger display and battery
“A bigger display will enhance the display of more information on screen and accommodate a bigger battery capacity for longer battery life,” said Kou in a note to investors obtained by StreetInsider. The extra battery would be significant, as 4G LTE in the Series 3 Apple Watch really cuts into the time between recharges.
In addition, the KGI analyst said: “We also see Apple (US) seeking to improve the health monitoring functions of Apple Watch.”
He didn’t give any details, but strong possibilities include blood pressure monitoring and watching for an irregular heart beat.
The 2018 Apple Watch models are expected to launch between July and September. That’s roughly a year after Series 3 debuted.
Apple Watch LTE selling like hot cakes
Clearly, adding LTE to Apple Watch was the right move. Kuo said in his note this morning that 60 percent to 70 percent of all Apple wearables sold last year included built-in 4G.
This is part of an overall surge in sales. Apple now sits at the top of the wearables category, outselling all rivals (including Fitbit) last quarter.
The KGI analyst sees the good times continuing. Kuo predicts that Apple Watch shipments for 2018 will rise 20 percent to 30 percent over last year. He says shipments could reach 40 million to 50 million units in 2020, up from 18.5 million last year.
