Overseas manufacturers in Apple’s supply chain have begun receiving component orders for the Apple Watch 2, which is expected to launch later in 2016.
Advanced Semiconductor Engineering, a supplier for the first generation Apple Watch, will take on most of the SiP (system-in-package) orders. Amkor Technology and STATS ChipPAC will pitch in to fulfill the rest of the SiP’s, according to insider sources from DigiTimes.
Samsung and Kinsus Interconnect Technology, also previous Apple Watch manufacturers, have secured production orders with Apple as well. Samsung will be making the new processor (Apple’s custom S1) and chips. Kinsus Tech. is responsible for Apple Watch substrate orders.
Quanta Computer is rumored to also be a key supplier for the Apple Watch, and MacRumors reports the company began trial production in January.
It’s likely Apple will announce the Apple Watch 2 at WWDC in June, or wait until September alongside the iPhone 7. Not too much is known about the new features in store for the next generation Apple Watch, but analyst Brian White recently predicted it will be 20-40 percent thinner than its predecessor. A Facetime camera and upgraded wi-fi specs are also rumored.
KGI Securities Analyst Ming Chi-Kuo believes the Apple Watch 2 will launch in the fall with the iPhone 7, and start production in Q3 of 2016. However, Brian White is convinced “ an unveiling at WWDC in June makes sense.”
