The Apple Watch has yet to hit stores that rumours have already surfaced that a successor could launch later this year. While details about this Apple Watch 2.0 is dubbed are slim, Cowen & Co. analyst Timothy Arcuri suggests that it will offer full connectivity autonomously. In his reasearch note, Arcuri writes:
We got more confirmation of the likelihood of a 2.0 version of the Watch to be launched later this year that will not require iPhone tethering for full connectivity and, we think will also be the first Apple device w/OLED screen, supplied by Samsung.
As the note adds, this second generation Apple Watch could also well be the company’s first to sport an OLED display to be exclusively supplied by Samsung.
While there is little doubt that Apple is already working on a successor to the upcoming Apple Watch, the launch timelines appear to be overly optimistic. Apple has in the past typically refreshed products once a year, suggesting that we wll not see any successor until Spring 2016. Alternatively though, Apple could unveil this autonomous Apple Watch as a second model to be offered alongside the original model. If so, a launch later this year might be more plausible.
Arcuri’s note also suggests that Apple is dealing with Apple Watch supply issues. While some earlier reports had suggested that Apple would have about six million units ready for launch, this latest report suggests that Apple suppliers will not hit this milestone until June. As a result, Apple may have called upon Foxconn and unnamed suppliers in Japan to step in to improve supply.
In the meantime, the Apple Watch is expected to launch on April 24th in Canada and the U.S. as well as seven additional countries. Pre-orders are set to begin on April 10th.
Sources : Barron's // G for Games