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

Sunday August 7, 2016 9:01 pm PDT by Joe Rossignol
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.

Related Roundups: Apple Watch, watchOS 5
Tags: KGI Securities, Ming-Chi Kuo
Buyer's Guide: Apple Watch (Neutral)
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Schwyz
34 months ago
Who cares, I want a new Mac Pro.
Rating: 26 Votes
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Christoffee
34 months ago
I think Macrumors should do a sources roundup. Each place that rumours come from, and how often that source is correct.
Rating: 18 Votes
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dannyyankou
34 months ago
I hope they let you buy just the watch casing by itself if you already have a band.
Rating: 11 Votes
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__dontpanic__
34 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...
Rating: 11 Votes
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thedeejay
34 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.
Rating: 8 Votes
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Michael Goff
34 months ago

This is the New Apple.... things can get a lot worse.. A lot if Tim isn't ousted ASAP!


Oh joy, pointless Cook hate.
Rating: 7 Votes
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DakotaGuy
34 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.
Rating: 7 Votes
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JesterJJZ
34 months ago

Who cares, I want a new Mac Pro.


I could post that reply in every single thread on Macrumors and it would be completely appropriate.
Rating: 6 Votes
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Soccertess
34 months ago

Well...if they are start making annual apple watches....maybe.


From the company that brought you the iPhone 5s reboot: the iPhone SE... Comes the revolutionary Apple Watch 2: featuring the Apple Watch 1 with some improved stuff...

Tickets to the unveiling selling fast!


This is the New Apple.... things can get a lot worse.. A lot if Tim isn't ousted ASAP!
Rating: 5 Votes
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PBRsg
34 months ago
Introducing the Apple redux package: the iPhone 7 (which is an iPhone 6SS) and an upgraded Apple Watch 1.
Rating: 4 Votes

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