Quanta Reportedly Developing Next-Gen Apple Watch for 2016 Launch

WatchQuanta Computer is reportedly working with Apple on development of the next-generation Apple Watch, according to Chinese-language website United Daily News [Google Translate].

The report is based on recent comments made by Quanta Computer chairman Barry Lam, who allegedly said development of Apple's next wearable device is underway. Quanta assembles the current Apple Watch.

UDN claims the new Apple Watch will launch late in the second quarter of 2016, with volume shipments beginning in the third quarter.

If the rumored timeline is correct, the next-generation Apple Watch could launch by June 2016, with increased production towards mid- to late-2016. The current Apple Watch was announced in September 2014 and released last April.

A few months ago, Cowen and Company analyst Timothy Arcuri claimed the second-generation Apple Watch will launch in mid- to late-2016 and be thinner than current models. Few details are known about the upcoming device beyond a June report that said it will feature a FaceTime video camera and expanded Wi-Fi capabilities.

While a next-generation Apple Watch launching next year is realistic, UDN's report is questionable and should be treated with a proverbial grain of salt.

Related Roundup: Apple Watch 11
Buyer's Guide: Apple Watch (Neutral)

Popular Stories

m5 macbook pro deal

Why You Shouldn't Buy the Next MacBook Pro

Tuesday February 10, 2026 4:27 pm PST by
Apple is planning to launch new MacBook Pro models as soon as early March, but if you can, this is one generation you should skip because there's something much better in the works. We're waiting on 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, with few changes other than the processor upgrade. There won't be any tweaks to the design or the display, but later this...
maxresdefault

Apple Shows Off a Key Reason to Upgrade to the iPhone 17

Saturday February 7, 2026 9:26 am PST by
Apple today shared an ad that shows how the upgraded Center Stage front camera on the latest iPhones improves the process of taking a group selfie. "Watch how the new front facing camera on iPhone 17 Pro takes group selfies that automatically expand and rotate as more people come into frame," says Apple. While the ad is focused on the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, the regular iPhone...
iOS 26

Apple Releases iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3

Wednesday February 11, 2026 10:07 am PST by
Apple today released iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3, the latest updates to the iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 operating systems that came out in September. The new software comes almost two months after Apple released iOS 26.2 and iPadOS 26.2. The new software can be downloaded on eligible iPhones and iPads over-the-air by going to Settings > General > Software Update. According to Apple's release notes, ...
apple wallet drivers license feature iPhone 15 pro

Apple Says These 7 U.S. States Plan to Offer iPhone Driver's Licenses

Monday February 9, 2026 6:24 am PST by
In select U.S. states, residents can add their driver's license or state ID to the Apple Wallet app on the iPhone and Apple Watch, and then use it to display proof of identity or age at select airports and businesses, and in select apps. The feature is currently available in 13 U.S. states and Puerto Rico, and it is expected to launch in at least seven more in the future. To set up the...
Apple Logo Zoomed

Apple Expected to Launch These 10+ Products Over the Coming Months

Tuesday February 10, 2026 6:33 am PST by
It has been a slow start to 2026 for Apple product launches, with only a new AirTag and a special Apple Watch band released so far. We are still waiting for MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, the iPhone 17e, a lower-cost MacBook with an iPhone chip, long-rumored updates to the Apple TV and HomePod mini, and much more. Apple is expected to release/update the following products...

Top Rated Comments

jayhawk11 Avatar
134 months ago
I, for one, am very excited about FaceTime calls where the camera is pointed straight up my nostrils.
Score: 29 Votes (Like | Disagree)
134 months ago
But but... Steve would never make a watch without 2 GB of RAM.

This thing needs a file system to be productive!

This toy needs a USB port!

If it can't run OS X and full apps then it's a failure of a watch!

Am I MacRumoring right?
Score: 26 Votes (Like | Disagree)
bushido Avatar
134 months ago
please more ram or whatever so that overpriced notification center may actually become useful. by the time the apps decide to open, whatever i was trying to do is already over
Score: 17 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Chupa Chupa Avatar
134 months ago
I don't care about thinner, I care about faster. Apple needs Apps that load up instantly like on the iPhone. Otherwise not a chance in hell I'd upgrade.
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
rdlink Avatar
134 months ago
I really hope Apple adds utility and rethinks the price. I have only seen one in the wild, and current the Apple watch section in Apple stores is always dead.

I see a trend happening in Macrumors, people are becoming more critical of Tim Cook and skeptical of the path Apple is taking. If 2nd generation isn't a jaw dropper, then someone should get the boot!
Hmmm....

Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
bladerunner2000 Avatar
134 months ago
I wish Apple would put this much focus into their computers.
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)