
The first-generation Apple Watch was the most desired wearable wanted under the Christmas tree back in 2015, and the numbers reflect this desire: in its first year, the Apple Watch commanded an impressive 12 million sales, with estimates as small as 8.8 million (no small number at all) while commanding 6.8% of the US market. With this impressive performance in sales, it's no wonder that the next-generation wearable is already getting its share of discussion.
The Apple Watch 2, Cupertino's next-generation smartwatch, hasn't even been announced yet (there's no prototype that's arrived in the spotlight) and yet, analysts are already chiming in on the upcoming smartwatch's success. According to a new report, analysts expect the Apple Watch 2 to sell 2 million copies per month, with Apple ramping up production to meet increased demand. We'd heard of Apple's starting production on the Apple Watch 2 just eight weeks ago, but this report says that Apple has increased production from that time because of an expected increase in sales.
As of this point, there's very little known about the Apple Watch 2, but there are a string of rumors we've heard about what the next-generation wristwatch could bring for excited fans: 1) cellular connectivity, 2) could sport a 40% thinner body than its predecessor, and 3) will require the use of biomedical engineers for more medical capabilities than before. Apple will have a medical motivation with this next-generation wearable, with other rumors pertaining to Apple increasing the RAM, storage, and perhaps bringing that FaceTime camera that was rumored for the device earlier this year.
Keep in mind that these predictions are quite early in the game but, with 12 million sold in 2015, we can say that Apple sold somewhere near 1 million Apple Watch models per month. It's not hard, then, to predict Apple will sell double the first-generation model this year, especially with some of the improvements rumored. Apple has also started providing room for native standalone apps within WatchOS that don't need Bluetooth to operate when users are away from Bluetooth access -- with the company declaring that every Apple Watch app submitted after June 1st must be designed as native by default.
Until then, stay tuned to Smartwatch.me as we bring you more breaking news on developments with Apple Watch 2.
What would you like to see in the upcoming wrist wearable?