Apple Watch 2 rumors: No more cellular connectivity for future smartwatch generations

Following the success of Apple Watch, the second iterative upgrade to the Watch lineup is reportedly slated for a September release. Although Apple declines to comment on the purported claims circulating online, the excitement buildup will probably not go away anytime soon. As far as recent updates are concerned, a new report suggests that Apple's next-generation smartwatch will become a fully-functional standalone device.

Per Bloomberg report, the Cupertino-based giant is reportedly working on making the upcoming iteration truly independent from iPhone. This means that even with the purported decoupling, Watch users can still continue doing their tasks on their smartwatch even in the absence of an iPhone. This lack of cellular connectivity will be a major breakthrough since most, if not all, existing smartwatch devices are currently dependent on smartphones.

Bloomberg's insider sources also point out that Apple Watch 2 will rely on a built-in global positioning system (GPS) support to make a number of standalone features possible. Moreover, the Cupertino-based giant's WatchOS 3 and a slew of upcoming software updates will help make fitness features possible on the new Apple Watch even without an iPhone connection.

The noise over Apple Watch 2's purportedly imminent release later this year has been previously confirmed by industry leakster and KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo– with a number of credible and accurate predictions to his name. According to Apple tracking blog 9 to 5 Mac, Kuo stated that the upcoming smartwatch flagship will come with a number of significant iterative upgrades such as GPS (already mentioned above), barometer, waterproof package, and a highly advanced system on a chip to boost the device's computing performance. The external design, however, will likely stay the same, Kuo added.

The problem with Apple's smartwatch upgrade lies in the device's seemingly unsolved battery life. As reported by PC Magazine, the Watch's current chips that process cellular connectivity seriously exhaust battery life. However, some tech observers think Apple may be able to find a way to solve this dilemma once it launches its third iterative upgrade that would allow a seamless experience without draining the battery's life too much.

If rumors hold any weight, the second-generation Apple Watch will probably be slated for a Sept. 6 release this year along with the company's other product lineup reveals.