Apple Watch 2 rumours review

The Apple Watch may have only started appearing on wrists at the end of April, but we first set eyes on it back in September 2014 and we've had plenty of time to think about how Apple could make it even better next time round (it's a first generation product, after all). Plus, since we got our hands on the smartwatch it's become apparent that it's not perfect, and that there is room for improvement. So here, we've listed 10 features that we hope to see in Apple Watch 2, and rumours about the next Apple Watch's release date.

Apple Watch 2 rumours

We put together a wishlist of the features we want to see in the Apple Watch 2 just days after we got our first glimpse of Apple Watch last year, but now we've got some actual rumours to add to it, which allegedly come from sources familiar with Apple's plans, according to 9To5Mac.

New details indicate that the Apple Watch 2 will be packed with new improvements, which could include a front-facing video camera for FaceTime chats, and a wireless chipset that will make the watch capable of standing on its own.

Apple Watch 2 rumours: Camera

With a FaceTime camera on the second-generation Apple Watch, users would be able to make and receive video calls via their wrists. It's apparently designed to sit in the top bezel of the Apple Watch 2. When WatchOS 2 arrives later this year as an update for the current Apple Watch, FaceTime audio calls will become available on the smartwatch, which could be an indication that the company will soon move on to video calls.

Apple Watch 2 rumours: WiFi chip for tetherless

In addition to the rumours about a camera in the Apple Watch 2, 9To5Mac's sources also say that the next Apple Watch will rely less on the iPhone, thanks to a new feature it's dubbed tetherless.

The current Apple Watch relies heavily on the iPhone for almost every feature, aside from limited activity tracking, music playback and mobile payment. Should the rumours be true, the Apple Watch 2 should be more capable when your iPhone isn't connected, thanks to a new wireless chipset that should allow most tasks to be handled directly from the smartwatch.

Apple Watch 2 rumours: Design

Another rumour to come from 9To5Mac's report suggests that Apple will add one new design to the Apple Watch 2, which will sit between the steel Apple Watch (£949) and the Apple Watch Edition (£8,000).

Apple Watch 2 rumours: Better battery life

One of the biggest complaints about the Apple Watch is the battery life. It should last for a day, but in many cases users have found themselves unable to make the Apple Watch last past 6pm, sometimes even earlier. Plus, the drain it puts on your iPhone's battery is quite significant too.

However, Apple has apparently deemed the Apple Watch's battery life sufficient, so doesn't intend to make any significant improvements there, according to 9To5Mac. That's disappointing news!

We think Apple needs to improve the battery life in the second generation to address the issue, because it's a pretty important one. In addition, if the battery was able to last a bit longer the Apple Watch could be used to track your sleep, something that many other fitness trackers are capable of.

When you compare the Apple Watch's battery life to the likes of the Pebble Time Steel's 10 day battery life, it's makes the Apple Watch's 'all day if you're lucky' battery life look quite terrible.

If you already own an Apple Watch and are struggling with the battery life, try some of our tips for making the Apple Watch battery last longer.

You might also like: Best Apple Watch charging stands

Apple Watch 2 features: Smart Straps

This is something that Pebble has already allowed for the Pebble Time and Pebble Time Steel, so we'd like to see it arrive for the Apple Watch too. Third-party manufacturers could create Smart Straps that connect to the Apple Watch to bring additional features such as extra battery power, built-in LEDs that flash when you get a notification, extra sensors to improve workouts – the possibilities are endless.

Apple Watch 2 features: Built-in GPS

Another downfall of the Apple Watch is that it uses the iPhone's GPS rather than built-in GPS, so you'll need to have your iPhone with you if you want to accurately track a run, for example.

Apple Watch 2 features: More durable (and waterproof)

There are already reports of smashed and scratched Apple Watches appearing on the web, and while we'd love to say that Apple will definitely address this with the next Apple Watch, the history of the iPhone has made it clear that's probably not the case.

The iPhone has yet to have been given the waterproof treatment either, but we'd think that making the Apple Watch waterproof is even more important, particularly if it means the device would be cable of tracking swimming activity too.

Right now, the Apple Watch does boast some water resistance that's IPX7 rated, which means you should be fine if you're out with your Apple Watch in the rain, but Apple doesn't recommend wearing it in the shower so definitely not a swimming pool.

Apple Watch 2 features: Circular display option

We were slightly disappointed when the Apple Watch was unveiled with a rectangular display. We'd fallen in love with the LG G Watch R, and since then a number of other stunning round Android Wear smartwatches have surfaced including the Motorola Moto 360. In fact, a new circular smartwatch from Samsung is expected to launch very soon.

Now that we've spent some time with the Apple Watch and seen how small it really is in the flesh, the rectangular display has grown on us, but that doesn't mean we're completely satisfied. We'd like the option of a circular watch face in the future, and perhaps that'll come with Apple Watch 2.