How Soon Is Too Soon For Apple Watch 2?
Personally, when I think about getting more perceived value out of a higher-priced stainless steel Apple Watch rather than testing the waters with the cheaper aluminum model, I’m more concerned with how soon the Apple Watch 2 will be announced rather than how much more functional the newer device could be. No matter what happens with the first-generation model, an Apple Watch 2 will come to market. How will Apple balance keeping the Apple Watch evolutionary momentum going with keeping the first-generation model “modern” for enough time to satisfy early adopters?
I don’t think Apple is going to rest whatsoever when it comes to improving this product. If they can make it thinner, they will make it thinner. If they can put more sensors, they will put more sensors.
In terms of what the upgrade cycle might be, I think Spring is a great time to release new versions of the Apple Watch. Three reasons come to mind:
First, Winter is typically a time when most people are wearing long sleeve shirts, jackets and in some cases scarves and gloves. This makes interacting with Apple Watch a little bit harder, given that many people will be less inclined to roll up their sleeve when it’s 30 degrees outside. Spring and Summer on the other hand are times when many people wear clothing that allows the wrist to be more easily accessible. We’re also more active too which helps in the pitch Apple makes for owning a Watch for activity and health.
Second, the time between the Holiday’s and Spring is roughly 4 months or so. This space gives potential buyers time to recover from all the money they’ve spent purchasing gifts for friends and family. If Apple were to put the Watch on a Fall release, it would compete with the iPhone and iPad. Instead, I think it works in Apple’s favor to space out to release so that potential new iPhone owners from Fall are willing to pony up $350 or more for an Apple Watch.
Third, from a PR perspective, Apple having an “expected” Spring announcement helps keep Apple in the news. Last year, around this time things were dead quite for months leading up to WWDC. Having a Spring announcement could also help dissuade potential Android buyers from upgrading since that’s when we typically see new Android hardware from Samsung and HTC. If a potential purchaser sees the Apple Watch in person, he or she may think twice or could even decide to switch.
These three reasons, to me, is why I think a Spring announcement makes a lot of sense for Apple Watch. We’ll find out soon enough. It’s only a year away.