Upgraded Apple Watch 1 Models Said to Launch Alongside Apple Watch 2 Later This Year

In addition to predicting an all-new Apple Watch 2 with a GPS, barometer, larger battery, and more, KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo today claimed that upgraded first-generation Apple Watch models with faster TSMC-built processors and superior waterproofing will likely launch in the second half of 2016.

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Kuo said the upgraded Apple Watch 1 models will not have a GPS, barometer, or other larger additions reserved for the Apple Watch 2, nor will the waterproofing improvements be as significant, suggesting only an incremental refresh of internal hardware. The watches are said to retain a similar form factor.

The well-connected analyst expects another Apple Watch price cut once the new models are launched, but he did not specify whether the reduction will apply to existing first-generation models, upgraded first-generation models, Apple Watch 2 models, or some combination of the three lineups. Apple lowered the starting price of the Apple Watch Sport to $299 in March 2016, a savings of $50 compared to the device's initial $349 launch price in April 2015.

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Top Rated Comments

Schwyz Avatar
115 months ago
Who cares, I want a new Mac Pro.
Score: 26 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Christoffee Avatar
115 months ago
I think Macrumors should do a sources roundup. Each place that rumours come from, and how often that source is correct.
Score: 18 Votes (Like | Disagree)
__dontpanic__ Avatar
115 months ago
I might just buy one of these goddamn watches simply to watch the time goes by as I wait for MacBook Pro and Mac Pro updates...
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
dannyyankou Avatar
115 months ago
I hope they let you buy just the watch casing by itself if you already have a band.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
thedeejay Avatar
115 months ago
What ever happened to the company that wanted a simplified product line. Apple Watch 1, Apple Watch 1 SE and Apple Watch 2 along with iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus and iPhone 7 Pro. Don't forget the iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus or the iPhone SE if you're looking to save some money.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
DakotaGuy Avatar
115 months ago
Apple sure is heading back to the Sculley days when it comes to trying to sell many different versions of overlapping products. At some point the consumer just gets confused. One of the first things Jobs did when he came back was simplify the product lines. Was the Sculley or Jobs approach better? I guess we will soon find out.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)