“All-New” Apple Watch 2 Coming This Fall; Original to Get Upgrade: KGI

KGI Securities analyst, Ming-Chi Kuo, has deep connections within the Apple supply chain, allowing him to issue relatively accurate research notes on the iPhone maker’s future product plans.

In his latest note, obtained by MacRumors, Kuo sheds more light on what we can expect with Apple Watch 2, predicted to launch in the latter half of 2016.

Here’s what’s going to be included in this “all-new” second generation Apple Watch, according to his sources:

  • Faster processor made by TSMC
  • GPS
  • Barometer
  • ‘Superior’ waterproofing
  • Larger capacity battery
  • No LTE support until 2017

The screen sizes are expected to remain the same, along with the thickness of the device and overall form factor. Despite the next-gen Apple Watch is expected to include thinner display technology, no major design changes are expected. The extra room from a thinner display may be dedicated to increasing battery life.

Earlier rumours from Asian publication Digitimes have also claimed Apple Watch 2 is said to arrive sometime this fall.

Apple Watch Set to Get Minor Upgrade

Kuo also shed more light on the original Apple Watch, which he says will get a faster TSMC-made processor upgrade and also ‘superior’ waterproofing, also set to launch in the latter half of 2016 (via MacRumors)

Overall, the original Apple Watch will still retain its original design and other features, but just get a processor upgrade, unlike the GPS, barometer and other new features set for the Apple Watch 2.

The original Apple Watch has been criticized for having poor performance (slow loading apps; poor Siri performance, etc), but upcoming watchOS 3 is set to change that. If the first generation Apple Watch gets a processor upgrade and a price drop—expect them to sell like hotcakes during the holiday quarter.

What’s on your wish list for Apple Watch 2?

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