Contrary to recent reports hinting at design changes for the new Apple Watch expected in June, it now seems that the 2016 iteration will only sport internal upgrades.
An analyst recently indicated that the Apple Watch 2 would debut at this year's WWDC in June, rocking a thinner and lighter design compared to its predecessor.
However, well-connected insider Ming-Chi Kuo now says that the upcoming Apple Watch iteration set to hit the scene this year will be more of an "s" upgrade, sporting better internals but no major design changes.
The new information comes from Apple Insider, which obtained a research note Kuo issued on April 11. According to Kuo, the next Apple Watch version will sport improvements in terms of specifications, but "limited changes to form factor and design."
This contradicts the earlier rumor that the Apple Watch 2 set to launch this year will be thinner and lighter. Apple fans waiting for that sleeker model will apparently have to wait until 2017.
Basically, Apple will release an "s" upgrade this year, introducing a beefed up Apple Watch with a nearly identical design as the original. The company pulled this scheme before with its smartphones, launching an "s" variant between the iterations with major changes.
The current iPhone 6s, for instance, builds on the iPhone 6 and improves the experience and performance, but doesn't rock any major changes like the iPhone 7 is expected to.
The "s" upgrades focus mainly on internal upgrades, while maintaining the same design language.
That said, it remains to be seen just what Apple has in mind for its 2016 Apple Watch upgrade.
Kuo did not share any additional details regarding what he expects from the upcoming Apple Watch, so it's unclear for now just what those improved internals will entail.
Nevertheless, he predicts that Apple will ship only 7.5 million total units this year, as the wearable device market is still "immature."
On the bright side, at least Apple has its loyal fans. A recent survey revealed that a whopping 62 percent of current Apple Watch owners will buy the next model sight unseen, regardless of what it will have to offer.
