Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Should I wait for next generation Apple Watch?
- Thread starter faithfulviewer
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
I think, even the most ardent Apple fan, knows this and understands this point totally, even if the try to pretend it's fine.
The fact is, this is how it's been made at the moment, and it's either don't get one (out of the question for many) or just accept it, and enjoy what's on offer from day one, and look forward to seeing advancements in the future.
I'm sure in 5 and 10 years, the Apple watch, assuming it's not an utter failure and they give up on the project after realising that, the mass market is simply not that interested. I'm sure it will be vastly more advanced, look better, perform better and be very independent of a mobile phone.
It's going to take time, but Apple, and of course, all other makers will get there in time
This is one of the same questions I'm grappling with, as I've noticed 2nd gen Apple products tend to be huge updates. Of course the first question is, do I want the watch in the first place? It looks cool, the functions that they showed at the keynote definitely look smooth and really neat. I'm also an Apple junkie so I'm intrigued when anything new comes from them. I just wonder how it'll translate to everyday use. I do like the motion/fitness stuff as I'm trying to get more exercise these days and anything to make that more fun or effective is welcome.
Next question for myself- do I want to be seen wearing it? Truth is I rarely notice anyone wearing a "smartwatch" and I wonder socially if it would just make me look totally ostentatious to my friends and coworkers to have a big piece of Apple nerdjewelry on my wrist. I know that sounds superficial, but that WOULD affect the enjoyment of the product if you're totally self conscious that people think you blew a lot of money on a status symbol.
Finally, I'm wondering about how useful the "phone" stuff is. If my phone is in my pocket or next to me on my desk, AM I really going to use a tiny screen on my wrist for texting etc? That's what I'm still wondering. But then again, when the iPad first came out I thought there was absolutely no reason to have it and I didn't even think about buying one for the first few years of its existence, and even had doubts when I bought my first one (the 4th gen, now I'm on the Air 2). After a couple weeks with it, it "clicked" for me and I realized how useful and brilliant a creation the ipad is. Maybe I'll have that kind of epiphany about the watch once it's out there and its uses become more clear. Or... it could be a total bust when no one wants to be seen with a pricey and chunky 2nd tiny screen for their phone strapped to their wrist.
Next question for myself- do I want to be seen wearing it? Truth is I rarely notice anyone wearing a "smartwatch" and I wonder socially if it would just make me look totally ostentatious to my friends and coworkers to have a big piece of Apple nerdjewelry on my wrist. I know that sounds superficial, but that WOULD affect the enjoyment of the product if you're totally self conscious that people think you blew a lot of money on a status symbol.
Finally, I'm wondering about how useful the "phone" stuff is. If my phone is in my pocket or next to me on my desk, AM I really going to use a tiny screen on my wrist for texting etc? That's what I'm still wondering. But then again, when the iPad first came out I thought there was absolutely no reason to have it and I didn't even think about buying one for the first few years of its existence, and even had doubts when I bought my first one (the 4th gen, now I'm on the Air 2). After a couple weeks with it, it "clicked" for me and I realized how useful and brilliant a creation the ipad is. Maybe I'll have that kind of epiphany about the watch once it's out there and its uses become more clear. Or... it could be a total bust when no one wants to be seen with a pricey and chunky 2nd tiny screen for their phone strapped to their wrist.
Last edited:
That's what I don't understand about the Watch and what they are trying to do. Why would I answer a notification if I have my phone on me. In fact, I'm trained to look at my phone first after 7 years...
I can see it being more useful if I don't have the phone on me. Say I go to a meeting in another area of the building and leave my phone at my desk. But if I have the phone on me, what's the point?
I can see it being useful as a fitness device so I can leave my phone in the car instead of carrying this gigantic phone in the gym. But if it can't get the data without the phone being near it, what's the point?
Once it's more usable WITHOUT the iPhone, I'll considered it. The iPhone only should be needed to setup the device and sync data to an iPhone app.
Maybe I just don't understand how it works, so I'm going to wait until the final reveal. I just don't see this catching on. Even diehard Android fans don't seem to care for Androidwear.
I suppose this may end up depending on the effective range of the watch away from the phone, and where your meetings take place. Most of my meetings at work tend to take place about 10-15m from my desk, where my phone would be docked (with a few cubicle style walls in between, but not much else for internal structures).
Don't think of it as a replacement of your phone and you'll see all kinds of situations of where it will be useful. Just not having to pull up my phone of every notification sounds good to me. What if it's raining? Your hands are busy? And other things like checking of groceries from the grocery list when in the store without having to hold your phone (assuming future app support). It will just make some things easier. And once you've started using one you feel naked without it. I felt that way when I started using the pebble. Wearing a regular watch I found myself glancing at it when I got a text. I have a 6 today but I'm considering that when I upgrade I might go for the 5,5 inch instead because of the Apple watch.
You have to remember, the iPad was a BIGGER, Better and faster version of the iPad and iPod that came before it.
It's larger screen made things MORE enjoyable and MORE fun and entertaining.
The screen size allowed you finally to watch movies sensibly and have bigger and better Apps.
It was a very much wanted device.
The Watch is going the other way.
It is smaller, harder to use, does less and pretty much more expensive.
A bigger better version of what people already have, is a pretty easy sell if the price it right.
A smaller worse version of what people already have, that requires you to still carry what you already have, is a much harder sell.
It can do all things worse than your current item, other than fit on your wrist.
You have to work a LOT harder and put they Hype/Fashion effect into full force to convince your average normal person in the street this is the next BIG thing they really need.
I'll be waiting for a future version.
I think its far too fat I also dislike the rounded corners, it looks like a small early ipod to me.
imagine a future version will be slimmer, more squared off (though the rounded corners may not look so bad once thinner) and of course better battery.
I think its far too fat I also dislike the rounded corners, it looks like a small early ipod to me.
imagine a future version will be slimmer, more squared off (though the rounded corners may not look so bad once thinner) and of course better battery.
I wasn't getting the first generation upon the big reveal, but I have since decided to go for it.
I don't know anyone (personally) who bought the first gen iPhone and regretted it. Yes, future iterations will be much better, but that's a given. Regardless of whether we jump in on the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, etc., the next generation will always outshine what we finally decide to buy.
I do wonder about how Apple will approach upgrades. It is a watch after all. People don't typically buy a new watch every year or so. I know this is new territory, but I'm curious if Apple will have some sort of discounted upgrade option? Replace just the guts/sensors, but screen/shell and strap remains?
I don't know anyone (personally) who bought the first gen iPhone and regretted it. Yes, future iterations will be much better, but that's a given. Regardless of whether we jump in on the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, etc., the next generation will always outshine what we finally decide to buy.
I do wonder about how Apple will approach upgrades. It is a watch after all. People don't typically buy a new watch every year or so. I know this is new territory, but I'm curious if Apple will have some sort of discounted upgrade option? Replace just the guts/sensors, but screen/shell and strap remains?
Remember one thing.
Apple is a company totally focused on making it's money from Hardware Sales.
They offer you new things to buy and upgrade to every year.
That's pretty fundamental to them and how they make their money.
And the act of stopping the ability to upgrade is a path they have been on for many years not with other products.
Year upon year, they make it harder and harder to upgrade, so you are forced to buy new, and maximise their profits.
Do we expect them to backtrack on this path all of a sudden I wonder?
Some do.
I totally agree, but I do wonder if they would adjust for this "new" category.
No doubt people will upgrade, but will it necessitate buying a new watch?
Apple made a point to describe their "industry first" S1 chip as "an entire computer system" that is "encapsulated in resin". I don't know how it would work, but it's plausible that an "upgrade" could consist of taking your watch to an Apple Store (or shipping it somewhere) for them to put in an S2 chip and maybe change out the rear sensor.
You'd still have your watch, but would have essentially upgraded the "entire computer system" encased within - along with any changes to the sensor.
Maybe just wishful thinking, but this is new territory so I remain hopeful.
What are you saying? You wouldn't buy it? Ok... but he's not incorrect here. I do the same thing every year. There is a raging demand for used iDevices and they hold their value extremely well.
The two things that would hold me back at this point would be price and lack of GPS in the sport model. If I am going to use it for running, then I would want to leave the phone at home. Carrying an extra device just doesn't cut it.
Presently, I use the Nike+ GPS watch and there is no compelling reason to replace it...yet...
Presently, I use the Nike+ GPS watch and there is no compelling reason to replace it...yet...
If it makes it to future generations, I agree that it will get better.
Still, the first generation is going to be very exciting, opening it the first time. Plus, looking back years later, why not have the first edition lying around? I like taking a look at the original iPod and original iPhone from time to time.
Still, the first generation is going to be very exciting, opening it the first time. Plus, looking back years later, why not have the first edition lying around? I like taking a look at the original iPod and original iPhone from time to time.
I'm saying, that if you expect or boast about selling your 16GB iPad for $440 the next year, you either found a sucker or you're a liar.
Why would anyone pay you $440 for a used 16GB last year iPad, when Apple sells it new for $399?
I am in no way debating the resale value overall of Apple's stuff, I do it myself.
That was the big hang-up for me when they announced it.
I've since decided to go for it, but GPS is huge! I don't have a way to prove it, but I suspect there is a decent population of folks (runners, hikers, etc.) who would be all over this right now if GPS was included.
Hoping it hits the next model (or, miraculously, this one)!
Gen 2 will probably come 2-3 years later IMO; regardless, if there is anything I have learned over the years, it is that the next generation is always better than the previous, and that the 2nd generation or later should be the first one bought in any new product.
Agreed, that's a terrible deal... I'm confused where you got 16gb from. I don't see where he is claiming to get $440 out of the base model. Reading his post, he states he gets the latest every year.. I guess I assumed he works with the top end model due to resale value, maybe you assumed the opposite.
