The Apple Watch has yet to hit retailers’ shelves, but the Apple Watch 2 rumours are already starting to flow.
According to industry analysts, the second-generation Apple wearable will debut with a design almost identical to that of the original model, albeit with bumped-up specs and a flurry of new software features.
At least that’s the opinion of Think Big Analytics analyst and data consultant, Carl Howe.
Due to production challenges, Howe has suggested that Apple will retain the Apple Watch’s existing form for a number of years to come, tweaking only the device’s internals and strap options.
“Given the challenges in ramping up the production lines for these Watches, I expect that Apple Watch 2.0 will simply be a software update to the existing core electronics with additional bands and possible another case colour.”
With more than 1 million day one Apple Watch pre-orders said to have been placed in the US alone, it is believed the company’s debut Moto 360 and LG G Watch R rival will be an instant hit with consumers.
According to Howe, it is this success which will help ensure Apple need not make radical changes to its Watch line anytime soon.
“Apple has plenty of room to refine its Watches for at least a year without changing the hardware one bit, and such an approach would amortize its production investments,” he said.
“Further, keeping the platform constant over one to two years ensures that developers have a consistent platform to create software for.”
The Apple Watch was made available for pre-order on April 10, with the first devices expected to start shipping this Friday, April 24.
Related: Apple Watch release date
Those fearing annual Apple Watch updates could be relieved. Howe has predicted that a reworked Apple Watch design might not enter the realms of reality until 2017.
“To my mind, new Apple Watch 2.0 form factors are likely to wait until 2017, and it’s possible they could take longer than that.
“If you insist on waiting for Apple Watch 2.0, though, you might try folding some Origami lobsters while you wait. They aren’t easy.”
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.