A research note from Wall Street investment firm Drexel Hamilton, obtained by MacRumors, claims the device could be refreshed "within the next two to three months" – making the conference a likely candidate for its debut. The same note also says it "could be 20-40% thinner than the current Apple Watch". At first, rumours centred on March 2016 being a likely timeframe for the Apple Watch 2's introduction, given that the first generation went on sale in April 2015 and Apple tends to release new versions of products in yearly cycles.
Since it failed to materialist, expectations have turned to it being revealed alongside the iPhone 7 in September. Regardless of when it is unveiled, says MacRumors, Apple may have to elongate the first device's life span "to avoid consumer exhaustion", as many wearers may have only just picked up an Apple Watch in December, making a year-and-a-half refresh cycle "more appropriate". The site also lists several other sources who have also hinted at a late second-quarter reveal, including a Chinese report asserting that Apple trialled production of the Apple Watch 2 at the end of January. While the latest word only suggests a release timeline and a slimmer device, we have come across specification rumours in the past.
Slashgear lists possible additions as including better battery life, something which now seems hard to believe if the watch is going to be much thinner, as well as a FaceTime camera, expanded Wi-Fi capabilities and GPS services. A facelift should be on the cards, too, with new finishes and bands expected to accompany the device when it finally emerges.
Writer - Liam McClelland | @Liamicy