We might have to wait a bit longer than expected for the Apple Watch 2, because a prominent Apple analyst by the name of Gene Munster has predicted that Apple will release an Apple Watch S before it releases a full successor. He expects this half-upgrade to be released sometime this Spring, and just like the iPhone S half-upgrades, the hardware and software will be upgraded while the design remains more or less the same as its predecessor. 

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.