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Home / News / Apple Watch 2 and smart health bands both reportedly slated for 2016

Apple Watch 2 and smart health bands both reportedly slated for 2016

Yes, Apple plans to enhance its current devices, but a new model may also be on the way

Will Apple release annual smartwatch hardware revisions the same way it does with phones and tablets? A report that emerged before the weekend suggested that Apple might avoid that route, and instead introduce smart bands for the Apple Watch.

The health-focussed bands would reportedly link into the existing device, allowing it greater health-tracking functionality (Pebble is already investing in the tech). The Apple Watch already has a small diagnostic port accessible underneath where the band links in, plus an attached band could work via Bluetooth. However, 9to5Mac now claims that’s not all.

The oft-reliable site for Apple rumours checked with its own sources, who affirmed that smart bands are indeed being developed for the Apple Watch. However, Apple reportedly also plans to introduce a totally new model of the watch next week alongside the bands, perhaps testing its customers’ willingness to upgrade wearable tech on a regular basis.

9to5Mac suggests that Apple’s prototypes for the next watch include a camera for FaceTime, which sounds like something that’ll be used more for creepshots than meaningful video conversations. But maybe Apple sees more prospective use of a wearable wrist camera than we can at the moment.

Granted, all of this could still be a ways off, but there’s reason for Apple Watch owners (and would-be owners) to be excited this autumn, thanks to the impending release of WatchOS 2. The second-gen OS adds a lot of features that seemed like omissions in the first release (like deeper watch face customisation), and adds the ability to natively install apps, which should cut a lot of slowdown.

[Source: 9to5Mac]

Profile image of Andrew Hayward Andrew Hayward Freelance Writer

About

Andrew writes features, news stories, reviews, and other pieces, often when the UK home team is off-duty or asleep. I'm based in Chicago with my lovely wife, amazing son, and silly cats, and my writing about games, gadgets, esports, apps, and plenty more has appeared in more than 75 publications since 2006.

Areas of expertise

Video games, gadgets, apps, smart home