Apple Watch 2, slated for release next month, is rumored to have new display technology along with a lighter feel and a thinner look.
According to sources, the new Apple Watch will sport what is called a One Glass Solution (OGS) as opposed to the Glass-on-Glass (G/G) on the older model. This will give it a much thinner profile than the current Apple Watch, as well as making it lighter.
Another major change could be the Micro LED display that replaces the older AMOLED, but that’s not likely to be introduced in the Apple Watch family until 2017. The new display will allow for greater resolution and better color clarity as well.
The smartwatch may also feature a Facetime camera, a GPS (for fitness tracking), an S2 processor and LTE capability for faster mobile internet connectivity. And of course, the device itself will run on the new Watch OS3.
In terms of pricing, the Apple Watch 2 may well launch at $199 instead of the $249 that Apple Watch 1 was launched at before Black Friday discounts and a subsequent announcement from the company officially made it $199. At this price point, there’s a much larger market for the Apple Watch, which it sorely needs.
With iPhone and iPad sales dropping over the past two quarters, Apple really needs some affordable models that can give it a wider market. The iPhone SE was so successful that supply is unable to meet demand, and I think Apple has found a new market for their products.
Until now, only premium buyers have been supporting their products. Now, with a cheaper Apple Watch and the iPhone SE, sales and revenues are likely to grow. At a time when Apple’s market respect as the most valuable company in the world is losing its shine, they need a much larger presence. The problem is: if they lower their prices too much, they’ll start stepping into Samsung’s high-end market. The Korean company isn’t going to sit by and watch their market share be eroded, so this will be a good battle to watch if that ever happens.
For now, diehard Apple-buyers are eagerly waiting for the launch of the new Apple Watch 2 and the iPhone 7, both of which are slated for a September 2016 launch.
