Apple might release an Apple Watch S this spring

Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster says he expects the Apple Watch to get a slight hardware refresh this spring, including new internal components such as an upgraded processor and battery. In a note sent to clients on Tuesday, he explained: “Apple Watch: expect more of an “S” version with similar design, upgraded components including processor[,] battery, new band styles. Unlikely to have a wireless radio, which would allow standalone (i.e. decoupled from iPhone).” The “S” version Munster mentions references Apple’s typical iPhone upgrade cycle. The first version of the Apple Watch went on sale in April, so a spring refresh would keep the product on an annual upgrade cycle. And given that Apple likes to reuse its iPhone designs and update the internals to create “S” versions, it would make sense to do it for its watch as well. Apple is expected to announce a new iPhone and iPad at an event in March. However, previous reports have suggested that Apple is unlikely to announce new watch hardware in the spring, instead saving the launch of the second-generation version for the fall.