Apple Watch 2 Specs News, Update: Smartwatch to Feature FaceTime Camera?
Although it hasn't been confirmed, the next iteration of the Apple Watch could have a FaceTime video camera, greater iPhone independence and new variants.
Sources told 9to5Mac.com that the Cupertino-based tech giant is now in "current considerations" to integrate a video camera in the top bezel of the Watch 2, which would enable users to access the FaceTime call features.
The plans were hinted during the rollout of the Watch OS 2.0 at the recently-held Worldwide Developers Conference this month.
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Needless to say, the initiative for the component's addition is not locked in and can still be changed, leaving the possibility for FaceTime to be introduced on a later Apple Watch model, the site wrote.
Furthermore, the publication pointed out to what insiders refer to as a "tether-less" Apple Watch 2. It is the utmost goal of the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus maker to have the second-gen watch "have more functionality when used independently from an iPhone."
As of the moment, receiving and sending text messages, emails, and updated weather report data are substantially dependent on the Watch's companion iPhone device.
To make this "independence" happen, Apple would integrate "a new and more dynamic wireless chipset into the wearable."
"Although the Apple Watch 2 will likely continue to require an iPhone for heavy data transfers, including software upgrades and the synchronization of media files, basic communication tasks could be handled without iPhone assistance," 9to5Mac.com reported.
Meanwhile, additional variations for the Apple Watch are also being eyed by the tech behemoth.
"Interestingly, the company is said to be focusing on introducing new models that will sit between the highest-end stainless steel Apple Watch and the entry-level 18-karat gold Apple Watch Edition," the site wrote.
The Apple Watch is currently sold in Sport, Steel, and Edition variants. It is possible that the tech firm will introduce the Apple Watch 2 with versions made from titanium, tungsten, palladium, and the previously-rumored material, platinum.
As for the release date, 9to5Mac speculated that it is more likely that the device in question will be released sometime in 2016.
