Should I wait for next generation Apple Watch?

[faithfulviewer]

I know it's really early to start speculating about the next generation of Apple Watch, but I'm trying to figure out if it's a good idea to buy the 1st generation Apple Watch as soon as it's released or if it'd be better to wait for the Apple Watch 2. What do you think will be improved on next generation's Apple Watch? What do you think will be added or changed? I think we can say for sure that the Apple Watch 2 will definitely be thinner and lighter, and have a longer battery life. But what about the extra features that could be added/improved? I mean, improvements to the hardware, not only improvements to the Watch OS that only require a firmware update.

Do you think the Apple Watch 2 will have a built-in GPS, proper wi-fi connection to connect to the internet independently, SIM for cellular data, and be more of a standalone product than a companion to the iPhone? Do you think that any foreseeable addition likely to be made to the Apple Watch 2 make it worth to wait till next generation instead of buying the first generation of Apple Watch? Or do you think that the next generation of Apple Watch will probably have only minor improvements and this year's Apple Watch will remain good quality and up to date for years to come?

I'm just trying to collect opinions to make up my mind whether to buy it this year or wait a bit longer.

 

[Gav2k]

Your assuming there will be a second generation any time soon. You have to remeber that the processing tasks are done by your iPhone and handed off to the watch. The internals could be modular which would allow for a cheaper upgrade but who knows.

 

[Cashmonee]

My guess is that Gen 2 will come a year or so after this first one. I also would highly doubt there will be some sort of modular upgrade for any of them with the possible exception of the Edition.

I think there will be some major changes with the second version, but who knows what those will be. I think, if history is any indication, the second version of any device, especially Apple devices, is significantly better.

If you can afford one now, and another next year, then buy it now. If buying this version would mean you can't get next year's, I would consider at least waiting a couple months before deciding on the first gen. See what's going on in the wild. See what bugs/limitations show up. What use cases people find, etc.

Currently, I don't think there is much of a case to buy the watch day one, sight unseen.

 

[0007776]

Considering at this point it's just an expensive toy if you want one go ahead and get it when it comes out, then you can play with it for even longer.

 

[Tycho24]

It depends on how much you like Apple gear & details of your upgrade preferences.

I like to get the latest kit every year from Apple, so it would be silly for me to wait. Since I sell my previous gen each year, and then upgrade... & Apple holds their value so well- I end up with a VERY low total cost of ownership.
For example, since I get an average of $440 back out of my iPads each year... I had an initial payment of $500 for iPad 1, thereafter I have spent $60/year to stay current & am currently on iPad Air 2, as of the day it came out.
If you are similar, then you will NOT be spending $350, sunk cost. You will only be out the amount it has lost in resale (probably less than $50) for trying out the newest Apple category for an entire year. For me it's a no-brainer! =)

On the other hand... if you are one of the type of people that buys a product once & uses it until it literally falls apart, despite any tech obsolescence factor- I'd suggest waiting a year, or even two... for this category to really get its legs.

 

[Cashmonee]

It depends on how much you like Apple gear & details of your upgrade preferences.

I like to get the latest kit every year from Apple, so it would be silly for me to wait. Since I sell my previous gen each year, and then upgrade... & Apple holds their value so well- I end up with a VERY low total cost of ownership.
For example, since I get an average of $440 back out of my iPads each year... I had an initial payment of $500 for iPad 1, thereafter I have spent $60/year to stay current & am currently on iPad Air 2, as of the day it came out.
If you are similar, then you will NOT be spending $350, sunk cost. You will only be out the amount it has lost in resale (probably less than $50) for trying out the newest Apple category for an entire year. For me it's a no-brainer! =)

On the other hand... if you are one of the type of people that buys a product once & uses it until it literally falls apart, despite any tech obsolescence factor- I'd suggest waiting a year, or even two... for this category to really get its legs.

You get $440 for a year old $500 iPad? That's remarkable! I would never pay anywhere close to that for a year old model. $400 maybe.

But, there is a good chance you could make back a bunch of the money you spend and put towards next year's model. That is a good point.

 

[inhalexhale1]

You get $440 for a year old $500 iPad? That's remarkable! I would never pay anywhere close to that for a year old model. $400 maybe.

But, there is a good chance you could make back a bunch of the money you spend and put towards next year's model. That is a good point.

No one is paying him $440 for the previous years 16gb model. Apple sells it new for $400.

 

[matt9013]

I'd wait and see what Apple reveals about this model first. We should be getting a lot more information soon before release.

Personally I just want the watch to work without the iPhone for music and telling time. I don't really see Apple watch 2 being that big of an upgrade from 1.

 

[Natzoo]

Do you think the Apple Watch 2 will have a built-in GPS, proper wi-fi connection to connect to the internet independently, SIM for cellular data, and be more of a standalone product than a companion to the iPhone? Do you think that any foreseeable addition likely to be made to the Apple Watch 2 make it worth to wait till next generation instead of buying the first generation of Apple Watch? Or do you think that the next generation of Apple Watch will probably have only minor improvements and this year's Apple Watch will remain good quality and up to date for years to come?

I'm just trying to collect opinions to make up my mind whether to buy it this year or wait a bit longer.

I think that you should wait because you look at the apple line of products, the second generation always shows tremendous improvement like the iPad then the iPad 2, and the iPod. I think that in the second gen the watch will be thinner, faster,better, and much better camera and resolution. But I'm the type of person who likes to get apple products as soon as the come out, so yes i will be getting the apple watch.

 

[faithfulviewer]

If you can afford one now, and another next year, then buy it now. If buying this version would mean you can't get next year's, I would consider at least waiting a couple months before deciding on the first gen. See what's going on in the wild. See what bugs/limitations show up. What use cases people find, etc.

if you are one of the type of people that buys a product once & uses it until it literally falls apart, despite any tech obsolescence factor- I'd suggest waiting a year, or even two... for this category to really get its legs.

Usually I don't upgrade my iDevices yearly, I keep using them until they feel outdated and obsolete for me, like if they feel very slow and unstable with the latest iOS update, or if they aren't compatible with new features that would be useful for my needs. Generally I don't start considering upgrading before 2-3 years, because even if I can afford it I much prefer to spend my money on something else rather than buying a new version of a device I only got a few months before.

If I buy an Apple Watch this year, I wouldn't want to feel the need to upgrade next year. My worry is exactly this: do you think (based on evidence from other iDevices' hystory, and the trends of the current smartwatch market) that it's highly probable that the Apple Watch 2 will be so much better than the Watch 1 that it'll feel like the 1st gen Apple Watch is obsolete and useless as soon as next year?

Personally I just want the watch to work without the iPhone for music and telling time. I don't really see Apple watch 2 being that big of an upgrade from 1.

I think there will be some major changes with the second version, but who knows what those will be. I think, if history is any indication, the second version of any device, especially Apple devices, is significantly better.

I plan to use the Apple Watch mainly for text, emails, and social media apps notification as well as telephone calls from the iPhone, apart from music, calendars, and telling time. I don't feel like having an internal GPS would make any difference for me because I'm not a very sporty person, but maybe I would benefit from a more independent device that doesn't have to rely on the iPhone for wi-fi/cellular data every time. So I'm wondering if the Apple Watch 2 could be more stand alone like the Samsung Gear S for instance.

 

[Defender2010]

I know it's really early to start speculating about the next generation of Apple Watch, but I'm trying to figure out if it's a good idea to buy the 1st generation Apple Watch as soon as it's released or if it'd be better to wait for the Apple Watch 2. What do you think will be improved on next generation's Apple Watch? What do you think will be added or changed? I think we can say for sure that the Apple Watch 2 will definitely be thinner and lighter, and have a longer battery life. But what about the extra features that could be added/improved? I mean, improvements to the hardware, not only improvements to the Watch OS that only require a firmware update.

Do you think the Apple Watch 2 will have a built-in GPS, proper wi-fi connection to connect to the internet independently, SIM for cellular data, and be more of a standalone product than a companion to the iPhone? Do you think that any foreseeable addition likely to be made to the Apple Watch 2 make it worth to wait till next generation instead of buying the first generation of Apple Watch? Or do you think that the next generation of Apple Watch will probably have only minor improvements and this year's Apple Watch will remain good quality and up to date for years to come?

I'm just trying to collect opinions to make up my mind whether to buy it this year or wait a bit longer.

Why would an opinion matter when it is not fact? (And of course there are no facts yet on 2nd gen). Save your energy for something relevant to now!

 

[Tycho24]

No one is paying him $440 for the previous years 16gb model. Apple sells it new for $400.

They actually do if you sell it about a day or two before the new one is announced. (fairly trivial, if you read these message boards & know the exact date the new one will be announced).

 

[telefono]

I can't wait to buy the next generation Apple Watch. The first Generation Apple Watch will keep me happy until then Hopefully it's less than 2 months away......

 

[ianrip]

you can wait for how long??
when the 2nd watch is ready, you could wait for the 3rd etc etc

its like a 1st Beta toy for now, no stand alone app's yet, so its a Beta
look at the 1st iphone 2007 and compare to iphone 6. only 5 years, but Huge Amazing difference

the watch will be the same, I'll buy the 1st Gen, and prob 2nd Gen after that

 

[cmChimera]

Should I wait for next generation Apple Watch?

No.

 

[Ifti]

I need to see the watch first, as from the pics it looks a little too thick for me.
If it feels too thick I may end up waiting for a [hopefully] thinner revision....

 

[Tycho24]

you can wait for how long??
when the 2nd watch is ready, you could wait for the 3rd etc etc

its like a 1st Beta toy for now, no stand alone app's yet, so its a Beta
look at the 1st iphone 2007 and compare to iphone 6. only 5 years, but Huge Amazing difference

the watch will be the same, I'll buy the 1st Gen, and prob 2nd Gen after that

There's only 5 years between 2007 & 2014??

Lol, jk... I get your point & agree; just couldn't help myself. =P

 

[inhalexhale1]

They actually do if you sell it about a day or two before the new one is announced. (fairly trivial, if you read these message boards & know the exact date the new one will be announced).

Look, there's always a sucker out there, I get it. But 2 days before an announcement will still have many news outlets, not just tech blogs, reporting of Apple's "new big thing". Anyone who cares would be aware. Also, at $440, you're still close to the price on a refurb iPad of the current gen, which comes with a full warranty. Also, I bought my iPad Air (new) last spring from Best Buy for $450. iPad is always on sale now too.

 

[Julien]

...Also, at $440, you're still close to the price on a refurb iPad of the current gen, which comes with a full warranty.....

That is 23% more than the Watch starting price.

Also what does comparing to the price of an iPad (or bottle of Coke for that matter) have it do with the price of the Watch.

If you want it and feel you can justify buying it, then you buy it. If not then you wait for a used, refurb, 2ed, 3ed, 4th gen,...or don't buy. It is up to each individual and no one is right or wrong.

 

[inhalexhale1]

That is 23% more than the Watch starting price.

Also what does comparing to the price of an iPad (or bottle of Coke for that matter) have it do with the price of the Watch.

If you want it and feel you can justify buying it, then you buy it. If not then you wait for a used, refurb, 2ed, 3ed, 4th gen,...or don't buy. It is up to each individual and no one is right or wrong.

It has nothing to with an Apple Watch. You read one sentence out of a conversation I was having with another member.

 

[Tycho24]

Look, there's always a sucker out there, I get it. But 2 days before an announcement will still have many news outlets, not just tech blogs, reporting of Apple's "new big thing". Anyone who cares would be aware. Also, at $440, you're still close to the price on a refurb iPad of the current gen, which comes with a full warranty. Also, I bought my iPad Air (new) last spring from Best Buy for $450. iPad is always on sale now too.

Your very, very, very sorely missing the point.
All I'm saying is that Apple products hold their value VERY well. This is inarguable & incontrovertible. Whether they maintain 79.8% of their original value a year later, or 87.1% is meaningless splitting hairs.
The fact is that if someone buys an Apple Watch 1st gen, then wants to buy the 2nd gen a year later, they will quite likely be able to recoup a substantial portion of their original investment, and thus... spend a very small amount on the new kit.

 

[inhalexhale1]

Your very, very, very sorely missing the point.
All I'm saying is that Apple products hold their value VERY well. This is inarguable & incontrovertible. Whether they maintain 79.8% of their original value a year later, or 87.1% is meaningless splitting hairs.
The fact is that if someone buys an Apple Watch 1st gen, then wants to buy the 2nd gen a year later, they will quite likely be able to recoup a substantial portion of their original investment, and thus... spend a very small amount on the new kit.

No, I'm not. You can resell and buy the new one, yes. But no one is buying last years entry level ($499) iPad for $440. Apple sells is for $399, and even before the announcement, they go on sale for $50 off. There are also a bunch of 16GB iPad Airs on craigslist in my area, for about $300. I was surprised at that, and how much less the 5s was worth this year versus when I sold my 5 last year.

 

[Michael CM1]

I would probably wait for the next one. That's what I'm doing. As much as I would love one, this is a definite 1.0 product. Don't forget that the original iPhone didn't have 3G and the original iPad didn't have a camera or the now-common magnets for covers.

I'm not really looking to spend $350 for a smart watch, so maybe they'll drop $50 or so after the first round. Or maybe they'll improve battery a bunch, figure out how to make it a standalone watch so you don't necessarily need your iPhone right next to you, etc.

I'm really sold on the concept of it, but after having a bad experience with my Fitbit thanks to a nifty rash that lasted a couple of months, I'm really wait and see with this stuff.

 

[Julien]

I would probably wait for the next one. That's what I'm doing. As much as I would love one, this is a definite 1.0 product. Don't forget that the original iPhone didn't have 3G and the original iPad didn't have a camera or the now-common magnets for covers.....

Yes and I owned and enjoyed them every day from the day of release until the 2ed gen came out. I then sold them for about 60% to 75% of the original price I paid and upgraded. Worth every ¢ not to miss a year (or more) of life's enjoyments.

Depriving yourself just so you can say years latter that the 1st gen wasn't that good compared to later gens makes little sense to me.

 

[Tycho24]

No, I'm not. You can resell and buy the new one, yes. But no one is buying last years entry level ($499) iPad for $440. Apple sells is for $399, and even before the announcement, they go on sale for $50 off. There are also a bunch of 16GB iPad Airs on craigslist in my area, for about $300. I was surprised at that, and how much less the 5s was worth this year versus when I sold my 5 last year.

I guess we are going to have to agree to disagree, sir!
I will use my own personal experience with the sale of over a dozen Apple devices over the last five years @ so close to retail I'm amazed EVERY time... you use your personal experience & we'll go ahead and go on believing what we believe.
I, honestly, care not one whit that some anonymous Internet poster does not believe me. Your belief is not required for my reality to continue as it has been.
In the future though; using ridiculous absolutes, such as "NOBODY is paying..." or "NO ONE would ever pay...", are more likely wrong than simple statements like "I wouldn't pay that..." or even "in my area, it seems like those prices are less attainable".
Just my two cents, as advice... take it or don't.