This article was accepted into the corpus but its outbound wikilinks were never NER-processed — typical at the deepest BFS hop or when the run's entity cap was reached. No expansion funnel to show.
| Apple Watch Series 2 | |
|---|---|
| Name | Apple Watch Series 2 |
| Developer | Apple Inc. |
| Manufacturer | Quanta Computer |
| Family | Apple Watch |
| Release date | September 2016 |
| Predecessor | Apple Watch (1st generation) |
| Successor | Apple Watch Series 3 |
Apple Watch Series 2 The Apple Watch Series 2 was a smartwatch designed and marketed by Apple Inc. as part of the Apple Watch product line. Announced in September 2016 alongside the iPhone 7 and iOS 10, it introduced integrated GPS and enhanced water resistance while sharing design language with its predecessor. The Series 2 aimed to expand wearable fitness tracking and mobile integration for users of iOS devices such as the iPhone 6s, iPhone 7 Plus, and later models.
Development of the Series 2 occurred within Apple Inc.'s hardware teams including executives like Tim Cook and product leads associated with the Apple Watch program. Rumors and supply-chain reports involving manufacturers such as Quanta Computer circulated in trade publications prior to the September 2016 Apple Special Event (September 2016). Apple announced the Series 2 alongside watchOS updates and new band options, positioning it as the second-generation device in the Apple Watch family. Retail availability began through the Apple Store network, authorized resellers, and carriers in markets including the United States, United Kingdom, China, Japan, and Australia.
The Series 2 retained the square watch case introduced by the original Apple Watch while offering a brighter display and a built-in GPS receiver. Case materials included aluminum, stainless steel, and a new ceramic option introduced for premium models; manufacturing partnerships with firms like Foxconn and Quanta Computer facilitated these variants. The display used OLED technology similar to panels in devices such as the iPhone 7 and incorporated a dual-core processor that improved graphical performance relative to the first-generation device. Physical controls remained the Digital Crown and side button, and strap compatibility continued with the existing range of Apple Watch bands including collaborations with brands and organizations showcased at launch.
The device shipped with watchOS 3, which brought performance-focused changes and revamped apps used by services like Apple Music, Apple Maps, and Apple Pay. Integration with iCloud services and continuity features supported handoff with iPhone models, and the App Store ecosystem for watchOS expanded enabling third-party apps from developers and companies such as Nike, Strava, and media outlets. Notifications and glance-like complications connected to apps including Messages (Apple), Calendar (Apple), and third-party platforms. Secure payments were enabled via Apple Pay for participating banks and merchants, building on partnerships with payment networks and retailers globally.
A major emphasis for Series 2 was swim tracking enabled by improved water resistance to 50 meters, aligning it with athletic markets and swim-focused partners like Nike. The built-in GPS allowed distance and pace metrics without carrying an iPhone, improving outdoor running and cycling tracking that integrated with services such as Runkeeper and Strava. Sensors included an optical heart rate monitor similar to the original model, facilitating heart-rate based features and integration with health systems like HealthKit and third-party apps such as MyFitnessPal. Health-oriented features drew attention from organizations and publications covering sports science and wearable health technology.
Internally, Series 2 featured a faster dual-core processor and a GPU uplift that improved app launch times and animation fluidity compared with the first-generation Apple Watch (1st generation). Connectivity options included Bluetooth to pair with iPhone models and Wi‑Fi for standalone network access, along with GPS enabling satellite positioning independent of cellular links. Cellular connectivity was not introduced until later generations such as the Apple Watch Series 3, so Series 2 users relied on paired iPhone devices for voice calls and mobile data continuity. Battery life ambitions mirrored prior models, with Apple advertising typical daily use durations similar to the first-generation device.
Contemporary reviewers from publications like The Verge, Wired, The New York Times, TechCrunch, and CNET generally praised the addition of GPS and swim-proofing while critiquing battery life and the ongoing reliance on the iPhone ecosystem. Analysts from firms such as IDC and Gartner discussed implications for the broader wearables market, noting competitive pressure from devices by Samsung Electronics, Fitbit, and Garmin. Critics highlighted watchOS 3 performance improvements and app updates, while some reviewers recommended the Series 2 mainly for active users and athletes who would utilize GPS and swim features. Commercially, sales figures reported by market researchers placed Apple as a leading vendor in wearable shipments following the Series 2 release.
Series 2 helped establish baseline expectations for fitness-focused smartwatches by normalizing integrated GPS and true swim tracking in mainstream wearables, influencing later models such as the Apple Watch Series 3 and competitors from Samsung and Garmin. Apple gradually phased Series 2 from retail stores as newer models and software updates advanced the platform; subsequent watchOS versions and hardware revisions shifted focus toward cellular models and more advanced health sensors introduced in later generations including the Apple Watch Series 4 and Apple Watch Series 5. The Series 2 remains a noted step in the evolution of Apple Inc.'s wearable strategy and the broader consumer wearables market.