Recent rumours have pushed out the launch of the next generation Apple Watch from March to September. The latest word is that Apple Watch 2 mass production will begin sometime in Q2. Citing supply chain sources, the notoriously hit-and-miss Digitimes reports that Quanta will be the sole supplier.
We first learned back in November that Quanta, which built the original Apple Watch, would manufacture the second generation one as well when company chairman Barry Lam himself let the cat out of the bag. He also revealed that it would come with “fully upgraded hardware and software” but revealed little else.
Apple had considered placing some Apple Watch 2 orders with Foxconn Electronics (Hon Hai Precision Industry) as well. The decision to shelf this plan and make Quanta the sole supplier is reportedly due to lower than expected shipments of the current Apple Watch model. As a result, Apple lowered its 2016 forecast and orders for the next model.
The Apple Watch 2 is expected to come with a new Facetime camera and improved Wi-Fi capabilities to make it more autonomous. It could also feature a number of new features focused on health and fitness. A new version of watchOS (3.0 perhaps) is also likely.
Both Quanta and Foxconn declined to comment on the report, leaving us to take this report with the usual healthy pinch of salt.
Source : Digitimes