‘Apple Watch 2’ features include GPS, barometer

The new Apple Watch will be more attractive to endurance athletes and outdoor enthusiasts with the timepiece’s improved geo-location capabilities and waterproofing features.

Runners and cyclists, among others, will appreciate the rumoured “Apple Watch 2” equipped with global positioning system (GPS) radio and barometer. Apple Insider reported that these features will allow the wearable device to track its user’s movements accurately even without a nearby iPhone.

But due to the improvements and additional sensors, the "Apple Watch 2" will require a higher capacity battery, prohibiting the device’s slimming unlike other Apple devices. The original Apple Watch comes in two sizes but both are 10.5 millimetres in thickness.

Aside from "Apple Watch 2," consumers have the option to purchase an upgraded version of the original Apple Watch, which according to Apple Insider, will sport the same aesthetics as that of the original but with improved processors and waterproofing.

In its report, Apple Insider quoted KGI analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who told investors that the new Apple Watches will be launched in the second half of 2016. It is not exactly certain if the Apple Watch units will be unveiled alongside the new iPhone models this September.

Nevertheless, Kuo said he doesn’t expect radical changes in the Apple Watch design until 2018 when Apple could secure FDA approvals of its improved health applications.

Rio 2016 Apple Watch

Earlier, Apple released a limited-edition Apple Watch bands featuring the flags of 14 different countries competing in the Rio 2016 Olympics. The Apple Watch bands are only available for sale in Brazil for the duration of the Olympic Games. The accessories are sold for US$49 (AU$64) each at the Apple Store in Village Mall located in Barra da Tijuca in Rio de Janeiro.

Phone and watch accessory marker Casetify followed suit by offering 16 Olympic-inspired Apple Watch bands worldwide. Casetify also designed a band featuring “The World Flagds” that sports the flags of different countries.