The next Apple Watch might gain more independence and include a FaceTime camera
- jun
- 18
Apple is reportedly planning several major enhancements for the second-generation Apple Watch.
Not even two months after its release, rumblings are already surfacing about the supposed second generation of the Apple Watch. The device is said to currently include a FaceTime camera for video calls, though this is apparently still in flux, and may not end up on the final product. What seems more likely, however is an increase in the watch's independence from the iPhone. The next Apple Watch could adopt a new Wi-Fi chip in order to facilitate increased functionality away from your phone, according to Mark Gurman of 9to5Mac:
In order to make the next-generation Apple Watch more capable without a connected iPhone, Apple intends to integrate a new and more dynamic wireless chipset into the wearable. Although the Apple Watch 2 will likely continue to require an iPhone for heavy data transfers, including software upgrades and the synchronization of media files, basic communication tasks could be handled without iPhone assistance. The new Wi-Fi chip will also enable the Find my Watch feature we reported on earlier this year, as Apple will be able to track Apple Watches using Wi-Fi router triangulation technology instead of GPS.
Turning to battery life, Apple is apparently aiming to get the same amount of usage time out of the Apple Watch's battery while letting customers do more with the watch. Apple currently says that the watch's battery should last around 18 hours with mixed use.
Finally, Apple is said to be planning more models of the watch, evidently looking to price models between the most expensive stainless steel watch at $1,099 and the $10,000 gold Edition. It's unclear at the moment what materials or other differentiating factors Apple would use in these new watches.
Keep in mind that all of this could change between now and the launch of the second Apple Watch. While much of this does at least seem likely, remember that nothing is official until Apple announces it. Apple is reportedly targeting some point 2016 for the launch of the second watch.
Source: 9to5Mac
