Apple Watch 2 release date, news and rumors

Apple Watch 2 release date, price, rumours and specs

Latest rumours claim smartwatch will be offered with cellular connectivity

THE FIRST-GENERATION Apple Watch quickly cemented its place as the world's best-selling smartwatch, but Apple reportedly has another up its sleeve.

We've rounded up everything we know so far about Apple's second-generation smartwatch, the so-called Apple Watch 2, including when it will be released, how much it will cost and what new functionality you can expect.

Be sure to keep this page bookmarked as we'll update it as soon as we hear more about the next Apple Watch.

Release date
Early speculation suggested that the Apple Watch 2 will be unveiled at an event in March alongside the iPhone SE and 9.7in iPad Pro. However, instead, Apple simply unveiled a new selection of band options for the first-generation model. 

9to5Mac claims that the Apple Watch 2 might not make its debut until September, alongside the iPhone 7, while a research note from Wall Street investment firm Drexel Hamilton, obtained by MacRumors, claims it will launch at WWDC in June. 

PriceUnsurprisingly, there's no word yet on prices either. If it's anything like the original model, the 38mm and 42mm Apple Watch Sport models will be available for £299 and £339 respectively, and the fancier Apple Watch model for £479, going up to £949 depending on the case and band combination.

Apple will no doubt release a flashy Edition model of its second-gen Watch. The current version is at the Apple website from £8,000, rising to £13,500 for the most expensive model.

There's talk that Apple might also introduce new versions alongside those currently available. Reports claim that Apple is looking to launch "new models that will sit between the highest-end stainless steel Apple Watch and the entry-level 18-carat gold Apple Watch Edition".

Rumours and specs
Of course, we don't yet know much about the Apple Watch 2 but rumours are starting to come through thick and fast.

The newest rumours come courtesy of the Wall Street Journal, and claim the second-gen Apple Watch will be offered with cellular connectivity. There's no more details about how this will work yet, but likely means that you'll be able to leave your phone at home while continuing to get notifications and run apps.

In terms of design, it's likely that the next-generation smartwatch will look similar to its predecessor, but analysts are predicting that it will be "20 to 40 percent thinner" than the original Apple Watch. 

Korean news outlet MK News said that it will feature the same OLED screen as its predecessor, once again using LG as the sole supplier of displays for the wearable. 

The website's sources say that Apple plans to stick with LG owing to the company's proven fast production times and high-quality products, which means it won't have to worry about panel shortages and delays.

However, fresh rumours from Korea claim that Apple has roped in LG and Samsung to produce screens for the next-generation Apple Watch. The report said that the display will have a flexible OLED, but won't change in terms of size or resolution.

There's talk that the next Apple Watch will come with a FaceTime camera.9to5Mac reported that a video camera will be integrated into the top bezel, enabling users to make and receive FaceTime calls on the move via their wrists. 

The same report claims that Apple is planning to improve the battery life of the smartwatch with a longer-lasting unit that will allow more health sensors to be added. 

On the software side, Apple is reportedly working on a new initiative called 'tetherless' which will make the Apple Watch 2 less reliant on a connected iPhone, allowing for un-tethered messaging and emailing, for example.

This functionality will come via a "more dynamic wireless chipset",9to5Mac notes, which will bring 'Find my Apple Watch' functionality.

In a bid to match the iPhone 6S and iPhone 6S Plus, there's talk that the second-generation Apple Watch will also be made available in new colours, including a cheaper rose gold flavour.