The next Apple Watch will have everything it needs to have... right now.
The Apple Watch is a product ahead of its time, and at the time of its release, it was also ahead of the technology needed to make it truly an Apple product, and not simply an iPhone accessory. Apple is traditionally known to put a lot of thought in everything it creates, however, the amount of resources invested in the Apple Watch goes well beyond what it delivered in its first inception, and it is clearly meant to carry onto a much more features-packed and sophisticated iteration.
According to sources close to the team at work on the next version of the Apple Watch, rumored to be slated for next year, the next Apple Watch could feature a list of enhancements and technologies planned to render the device completely untethered from the iPhone, or other paired devices, on which, in its current form, it relies for connectivity, data gathering and notifications, in a very non-native fashion.
An Apple S2 on the way?
Handling the volume of data that is usually reserved to full-size devices like the iPhone or the iPad, the Apple Watch needs a better chipset, which could mean that the company may be already working on the next version of the S1 System-On-A-Chip, which is expected to be capable of 4G and Wi-Fi connectivity. More processing power will also tip the scale in favor of a larger number of apps working natively on the device, which means that Apple Watch users will be able to listen to their music, watch video and other media, as well as taking advantage of GPS tracking functionalities, without the need for a tethered iPhone.
Enhanced battery performance
While advanced features require more power, focus groups have reported that most Apple Watch users seem to be comfortable charging their devices overnight, and most users typically find their devices at the end of the day with up to 30% battery life left. By the same token, there is every indication that Apple will continue improving battery performance, especially in light of the rumors that the Apple Watch could integrate a FaceTime front-facing camera, and native FaceTime capabilities.
The latter rumor is heavily dependent on the status of Apple’s research into battery performance, which, in respect to devices like the iPhone, iPad or even Mac products, becomes far more relevant, if Apple truly plans to make this device as standalone as rumors suggest.
Intermediate models
Additional rumors point to an additional edition of the Apple Watch, which would fill a gap between the entry level Sport Edition, and the Steel Edition. The additional version is expected to be priced around $1000, and could feature a Palladium, Titanium or Tungsten body.
Release
With the launch of WatchOS 2.0 later this year, there is every indication that Apple is focusing more resources into the Apple Watch. 2016 seems like a sensible timeframe for a new iteration of the device, especially if the rumored list of features is anywhere close to accurate.