Apple CEO Tim Cook speaks about the Apple Watch during an Apple special event at the Apple headquarters on March 21, 2016 in Cupertino, California. (Photo : Getty Images/Justin Sullivan)
Apple Inc. announced new bands for its Apple Watch, while slashing the price of the wearable device at a launch event held in Cupertino, California earlier this week.
The price cut on Apple Watch, which can now be purchased for $299, was somewhat unexpected, but the company seems to have bucked a trend it had adopted for the release of its iPhones, tablets and other devices that are updated annually. As the first Apple Watch was launched in April 2015, many expected that the Cupertino tech titan would announce the Apple Watch 2 at the event. In fact, the rumor mill was working overtime suggesting the unveiling of the Apple Watch 2 and a major WatchOS update.
However, it all boiled down to the release of new Apple Watch bands and a price cut for the device, the Wearable reported. As retailers like Target and Best Buy were already offering a price cut on the Apple Watch outside the Apple Store since the last few months, Tim Cook's announcement in this regard did not come as a great surprise.
Absence of an announcement regarding the second generation Apple Watch possibly suggests two things. First, Apple is aware that it requires some more time to work on its most divisive products. Although the company will never accept this openly, problems with the fitness features of the smartwatch persist and many wonder why they need a wearable device when the iPhone can perform the same function.
On the other hand, it is possible that Apple is currently working on the various new models of the Apple Watch 2 and an announcement related to its launch may come in September alongside the purported iPhone 7. The official price cut of the Apple Watch is perhaps an indication in this direction, the Daily Telegraph reported.
Reports in other media outlets also suggested that launch of the Apple Watch 2 is getting closer. Moreover, speculations are rife that the next-gen Apple Watch may come with a front-mounted camera, designed for FaceTime calls. The purported wearable device is also likely to possess greater abilities compared to the Apple Watch and will possibly be able to function even without being connected to an iPhone.
Watch the video on "Review: A Week With the Apple Watch" below:
