The Apple Watch 2 rumour mill was fuelled at the end of last week following reports that smart straps, containing sensors, could be arriving for the Cupertino smartwatch sequel – rather than dedicated new hardware for the device itself.
However, trusted Apple-centric blog 9to5Mac has dismissed these claims, instead stating that Apple will follow its iPhone and iPad release cycle pattern by regularly updating its hardware.
The smart straps in question are a possibility though, the current Apple Watch does indeed feature a diagnostic port and, according to 9to5Mac’s sources, this can be used to receive health data from connected straps.
Back in May, Apple announced its Made for Apple Watch program - a list of requirements for devs and engineers to meet before smart straps could get the official seal of approval. The only strap accessory we’ve seen so far is the, non-approved-by-Apple, Reserve Strap, a power-packing add-on that promises to extend the battery life by 30 hours.
In June, we reported on speculation that Apple had a few major tweaks up its sleeve for the Apple Watch 2 – most notably a FaceTime camera and iPhone tether-less functionality. A HD camera is purportedly being added to the bezel on the front of the device, allowing Watch wearers to video conference with one another.
The tether-less functionality would allow features such as emails, texts, and app updates land on the next-gen Apple Watch without the need of an iPhone to transmit the data.
The Apple Watch 2 rumours are heating up just as sequels from the likes of Motorola and Samsung are set to go live at IFA 2015. Samsung recently teased the Gear S2 and the much anticipated Moto 360 2 is expected to be officially launched at the Berlin tech expo.
Swatch is another brand with a smartwatch in the works. "Our product is called Touch Zero One and that gives enough room for Zero Five, Zero Nine," CEO Nick Hayek told Switzerland's Tages-Anzeiger newspaper earlier this week. "The Touch Zero One is not the end of the progression."
The Zero Touch One is a volleyball-focused fitness tracker that was announced in February.
Hayek told the Swiss publication: "The clock, as we know it today will continue to exist, and we are able to win additional customers interested in technological watches. The Apple Watch is an interesting toy, but not a revolution."
