Apple Watch 2 A huge summary of what you want to know is here

August 15, 2024

In the two years since the first Apple Watch was released in September 2014, Apple has made two major updates to the watchOS operating system in September 2015 and June 2016 respectively (watchOS second and third generations respectively). Recently, the test version of watchOS 3 has been continuously improved, but the hardware update has not been seen. According to Cook repeatedly emphasized that "everyone will see better and better Apple Watch", it is obviously impossible to do this only through software upgrades. Therefore, it is widely expected in the industry that at the upcoming Apple new product launch conference in September, along with the official version of watchOS 3, the second generation of Apple Watch hardware will be unveiled.

However, as the conference time approaches, there are more and more news about Apple Watch 2. In the face of these dazzling rumors, Lei Feng network (search "Lei Feng network" public concern) here to make a summary to see what new Apple Watch will get what hardware upgrades.

Large capacity battery:

Recently, microblogging sources have exposed a battery component diagram suspected of Apple Watch 2. According to this picture, the next-generation Apple Watch will still maintain a square design, and its battery capacity has been significantly improved.

The battery capacity shown in this exposure photograph is 334 mAh, while the current Apple Watch battery with a 42 mm dial is 246 mAh, and the 38 mm dial is only 205 mAh, compared to the next generation, which increases 35.7%. .

In fact, Apple Watch is currently using only three or four hours of heavy use, and normal use of only one day of battery life has been one of the biggest obstacles for users to buy. In contrast, the Huawei Watch's battery life can reach 2 days, Sony SmartWatch 2 can even exceed 3 days, and Pebble smart watches and GEAK Watch II and other brands of products lasted up to a week. In view of this, it is indeed time for the Apple Watch to upgrade the watch life.

Micro-LED display:

Since Apple had previously acquired LuxVue Inc., which specializes in research and development of low-power micro-LED technology, the industry has been speculating that the new Apple Watch 2 will use Micro-LED display panels instead of AMOLEDs in display technology, which will significantly reduce power consumption. While also increasing manufacturing costs, it is expected that the price of the new Apple Watch should also be more expensive.

At the same time, according to reports from Apple's touch panel supplier TPK Holding, Apple Watch 2 is likely to adopt the technology of One Glass Solution (that is, the integration of touch sensor and cover glass). ), so will reserve more space for the battery life, plus watchOS 3 software optimization, we can determine the second generation Apple Watch in the overall life time will be a significant increase. This news coincided with the above increase in battery capacity.

Independent communication module:

According to Bloomberg News, citing the latest information from people familiar with the matter, Apple has been trying to make Apple Watch 2 independent of the iPhone to achieve wireless cellular network connection, but encountered significant technical challenges in the development process, the problem can not be resolved.

There was also a similar news before this, which seems to prove the authenticity of this news. Earlier, according to an insider, Apple had discussed with the operators of the United States and Europe earlier this year the topic of connecting the wireless cellular network module in the Apple Watch, and he believed that Apple would not adopt the physical SIM card. The GSM module is built into the watch and communicates with the virtual SIM card.

However, it seems that this new feature may not be visible on the new watch in September, but analyst Guo Mingchi predicts that this feature will most likely appear on the future Apple Watch.

In addition, according to foreign media 9to5Mac reported in June, the new watch will likely be built-in GPS positioning module, in addition to a new sports tracking app.

Previously in the first generation Apple Watch, it was rumored that there was no built-in GPS chip because of the overall power consumption of the watch. However, with the improvement of running performance and battery capacity in the second-generation products, it seems that the GPS independent positioning module necessary for joining sports wearable devices has become the default upgrade that everyone must do. At the same time, combined with the use of sports tracking and HealthKit health framework, Apple's second-generation watches will play a greater role in the health field, which is consistent with Apple's continuous efforts to develop the overall pace of sports health.

Add camera and operation buttons:

According to two other Apple patents that were exposed in June, the Apple Watch 2 will be equipped with a camera and an additional operation button.

The patent description stated that the camera will be integrated into the top border of the Apple Watch 2, allowing the user to scan codes for payment and inquiry, self-timer, and video recording. More importantly, Face Time video calls can be performed at any time.

The second patent shows that Apple will add new buttons to the new Apple Watch. The current Apple Watch has only one button (and one knob) under the crown on the right side. As the above patent shows, Apple will add a pair of buttons to the left side of the new Apple Watch.

Newly designed strap:

According to the foreign media The Verge report, another patent applied by Apple shows that the company has been developing a modular and replaceable smart watchband for the Apple Watch. In the future, the bottom of the Apple Watch body will be changed to a diagnostic interface. Users can purchase smart wristbands with various functions to replace them, so as to achieve various functions including battery superposition, blood pressure sensing, and sweat detection. Make Apple Watch a wearable open platform for health testing and management.

However, the research and development of this feature is not yet clear, but it is certain that the future of Apple Watch will not be limited to the extension of the iPhone. Apple is trying to make it an independent product platform.

In addition, Apple has obtained a new patent for a magnetic strap that can increase the flexibility of traditional straps. Like the Milanese strap, this strap has a built-in magnet that can be worn with a fixed Apple Watch body and wrapped around the body to protect the display when it is removed. At the same time, it can also become a stand to support the watch.

New body material:

The famous analyst Guo Mingchi had previously issued a report saying that in the forthcoming new Apple Watch, the case material will likely have other different options besides the current aluminum, stainless steel and 18k gold. Guo Mingchi believes that Apple Watch will be the same as previous Apple products. Based on the first generation, it will â€œput emphasis on identifying the userâ€™s behavior and business model is correct.â€ So it is likely to explore previously known platinum, titanium or ceramics And other materials. At the same time, it is also able to reach consumer groups between $1,000 and $10,000, thereby increasing Apple Watch's user coverage.

Other upgrades:

According to Guo Mingchiâ€™s prediction, the new Apple Watch that Apple will release in September will have two models.

One of them is the configuration upgrade of the existing Apple Watch generation. The new integrated SOC Apple Watch S2 will be equipped with the 16nm technology of TSMC. The operating speed will be faster and the energy consumption will be lower. At the same time, it will significantly increase the waterproof performance of the new watch.

Relatively speaking, the upgrade rate of another model may be greater. Guo Mingchi predicts that the second Apple Watch will have a built-in barometer, a large-capacity battery, and a GPS module. At the same time, it will have a larger memory space than 8G, with better waterproof performance, and the processor will be a more advanced S2.

In addition, some media broke the news that Apple is building a fitness app for Apple Watch 2 that can track the user's swimming situation. Similar to the Workout app, it can achieve underwater tracking. This also proves from the side that the waterproof performance of the new Apple Watch 2 will be greatly improved.

So the question comes up. There are so many new features that may appear on Apple Watch 2. Which one do you most expect?