Apple Watch 2: 6 things you NEED to know before its September release date

The Apple Watch 2 is coming. Here are 6 things to expect before its release date this September

Simply put, the Apple Watch is one of the best smartwatches you can buy - but we’re already looking ahead to release of the Apple Watch 2. Why? Because the Apple Watch 2 is the real test for Apple’s wearable plans. The first Apple Watch was embraced by Apple fans and tech-savvy consumers – but Apple wants the Apple Watch 2 to appeal to a much broader audience. And for that to happen, the Apple Watch 2 will need to fix a few annoying problems with the first Apple Watch. So what else can we expect? Here are 6 things you need to know before the Apple Watch 2’s September release date.

6 things to expect from the Apple Watch 2

1. The Apple Watch 2 release date will be in September - like the iPhone 7

The iPhone 7 might be the most highly anticipated Apple product this year, but rumours suggest it’s going to share the stage with the Apple Watch 2 at some point in September. In fact, it’s likely we’ll only get a quick look at the Apple Watch 2, with a more focused event in a few months time.

2. The Apple Watch 2 wants to break free (from your iPhone)

Apple's preview of watchOS 2 earlier this year offered some clues about the Apple Watch 2. Alongside new features such as more clock faces and a Time Travel function, watchOS 2 also makes the Apple Watch far more independent from a paired iPhone.

Currently, the Apple Watch relies on a tethered iPhone for everything from messaging and weather updates to location tracking and Apple Pay – functions the Apple Watch 2 could do independently using Wi-Fi. The move shows Apple addressing one of the common complaints about the Apple Watch, and could make it more similar to “standalone” smartwatches like the Samsung Gear S.

3. The Apple Watch 2 will have a wider range of prices

Apple may offer more choices for consumers when it launches the Apple Watch 2. It wants to fill the huge price gap between the most expensive 42mm Watch at £949 and the 42mm Watch Edition at £9,500 with a selection of mid-range variations. Each version of the Apple Watch features the same internal hardware, so it’s likely the new models will use different, more premium cases and strap materials.

4. The Apple Watch 2 could be waterproof

It's likely that the Apple Watch design will remain largely unchanged, but it could become slightly thinner. In addition, it's possible that Apple will make it even more suited to sport by increasing its IPX7 waterproof standard to an IP67 rating, like the Samsung Galaxy S5.

The current Apple Watch is protected for a “short duration of water immersion” at a depth of less than one metre, but we think this could be improved by the forthcoming Apple Watch 2. As a result, the new Apple Watch could be suited to a wider range of sporting and outdoor activities

5. The Apple Watch 2 might have the SAME battery life as the Apple Watch

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According to several reports, Apple’s research showed that most Apple Watch owners finished the day with around 30% to 40% of battery charge left on their smartwatches. Surprisingly, the Apple Watch 2 is likely to have similar battery life to the existing model, suggesting that Apple wants its customers to continue charging their watches on a daily basis.

6. The Apple Watch 2 will be even more fashionable

Apple introduced more bands and finishes after the initial release of the Apple Watch, and rumours suggest it will extend the range even further in March 2016. It's, therefore, likely that Apple will use its experience with the original Apple Watch to make sure the Apple Watch 2 has a good range of finishes and bands on release.