The Apple Watch's new features may not be enough

The rumor turbines in no way slow in relation to Apple's products, but they do have a tendency to ramp up as September tactics. this is the time when Apple typically updates its cellular gadgets, and while it is expected to launch new variations of its Apple Watch as well.  

yes, I said versions, inside an "s". in line with a new investor notice despatched out via KGI Securities analyst Ming-chi Kuo, Apple will unveil  new variations of its Apple Watch this yr.  

Kuo has a pretty solid track report for Apple predictions, so you can take these rumors a bit more significantly than many of the others that generally tend to pop up around Apple gadgets.  

In his word, Kuo stated that the first new edition of the Apple Watch 2 can have GPS capability and a barometer sensor, both of which can be absent within the present day version of the Apple Watch. 

This model may also recreation a larger battery, progressed water-proofing, a thinner display (though the tool thickness will stay the same) and encompass a quicker 16 nanometer processor. 

If true, the addition of GPS and a barometer would be widespread improvements over the modern-day Apple Watch. A faster processor is also welcome. but notably lacking is a redesign of the device that debuted nearly two years in the past. 

perhaps Apple will provide its wearable tech longer design cycles than it does its iPhones (which it redesigns each two years), or perhaps Kuo is inaccurate and we're going to absolutely see an Apple Watch redesign this year. some thing's possible at this point.  

the second model of the Apple Watch Kuo cited will essentially be a barely stronger version of Apple's present day smartwatch. do not expect GPS or a barometer on this one, however do count on a few stage of extended water-proofing and a 16 nanometer processor as well. 

additionally, Kuo expects a few sort of fee cut for the tool, though it's nevertheless doubtful how. Apple would possibly cut the present Apple Watch fee again, or it could sell the marginally progressed Apple Watch 2 at a decrease price. either way, it sounds like clients might be able to get their fingers on an Apple watch for at the least a little bit less expensive than the present day $299 fee tag.  

Will these rumored improvements be sufficient? 

At face cost, i'm a bit skeptical that those changes will persuade clients who're currently sitting on their wallets to open them up. right here's why: 

Apple is the No. 1 selling smartwatch proper now, but income have fallen 55% seeing that its preliminary release, in keeping with IDC. worldwide smartwatch shipments are down 32% 12 months-over-12 months for the first time ever. that would be due to the fact people are awaiting the Apple Watch 2 to pop out, or it could imply that almost absolutely everyone who needs an Apple Watch already has one.  

Apple is always pushing thinner and lighter iPhones to searching for what you offer every  years, and i suppose clients may push back if Apple is not providing the same element for its Apple Watch (that's already a chunk too thick). some rumors do advise the new Apple Watch could be up to forty% thinner. in that case, then I suppose Apple has a miles better danger at getting its smartwatches to fly off the cabinets once more. 

moreover, Kuo doesn't say that either Apple Watch 2 model may have its own mobile connection. because of this, of direction, that the tool will nevertheless be dependent on the iPhone. I think that would maintain customers faraway from the tool as well as they anticipate the next upgrade.  

we are still at the beginning ranges of the smartwatch marketplace, so there's no longer without a doubt any beyond purchaser sentiment we can cross on for what people anticipate out of recent smartwatches, and the way frequently those adjustments ought to come. It appears Apple, as usual, is taking the conservative direction and issuing incremental modifications at this factor.  

Apple has the capacity to take it sluggish right now, as its nearest smartwatch rival, Samsung, shipped 1 million fewer smartwatches within the most latest region.    

however I think this sluggish pace, if true, can also backfire if Apple doesn't provide sufficient new hardware functions. Smartwatches still are not a must-have product for the majority -- and including GPS and a barometer, with out a full redecorate, might not be sufficient to restoration that.