Apple Watch 2 Said to Enter Mass Production in Mid 2016 - MacRumors
Skip to Content

Apple Watch 2 Said to Enter Mass Production in Mid 2016

Quanta will be the sole manufacturer of the second-generation Apple Watch, according to a few sources out of the China supply chain (via DigiTimes). The same sources believe that the manufacturing company will ramp up mass production on the "Apple Watch 2" sometime in the second quarter of 2016, following reports that it began a trial production on the smartwatch this month.

apple-watch-trio-new
The reason for Quanta's status as the only Apple Watch 2 manufacturer stems from rumors surrounding Apple's predicted low-volume production output for the second-generation wearable device. Citing "weaker than expected shipments" of the first Apple Watch, the supply chain sources point to the company's tempered production forecast for its next version of the wrist-worn device.

Apple originally considered shifting some second-generation Apple Watch orders to Foxconn Electronics (Hon Hai Precision Industry), but decided to keep all the orders with Quanta as volumes will not be high, the sources noted. Because of Apple Watch's weaker than expected shipments, Apple recently reduced the device's shipment forecast for 2016 down further from its estimate in the fourth quarter of 2015.

Although Apple has remained quiet on specific sales numbers for the Apple Watch, estimates put the wearable as a consistent rival to similar products, including Fitbit, with numbers only growing in the lead-up to the holiday season last year. Recent rumors point to the possibility of an interim update for the Apple Watch in March, including only one or two new features (like a FaceTime camera), and with a proper full 2.0 model released later in the year.

Related Roundup: Apple Watch 12
Tag: Quanta
Buyer's Guide: Apple Watch (Buy Now)
Related Forum: Apple Watch

Popular Stories

apple watch s12 ultra 4

Apple Watch Series 12, Ultra 4 Owners Report Skin Irritation

Wednesday October 7, 2026 12:02 pm PDT by
Some Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 owners have experienced unexpected skin irritation with the new models, according to reports on the MacRumors forums and Reddit. Affected users complain of a burning sensation and redness under the sensor area. The Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 measure heart rate every five seconds, and some people have wondered if that's the cause of the skin...
southern straps 3 1

MacRumors Giveaway: Win an Apple Watch Series 12 and a Nylon Band From Southern Straps

Friday October 9, 2026 10:20 am PDT by
For this week's giveaway, we've teamed up with Southern Straps to offer MacRumors readers a chance to win an Apple Watch Series 12 and a nylon band from Southern Straps to go along with it. Southern Straps is a California-based company that has been making high-quality bands for the Apple Watch since the device first launched in 2015, and the company's selection of bands offer a an...
apple watch series 6 blood oxygen monitoring 1

Apple's $634 Million Apple Watch Patent Bill Just Got Even Bigger

Tuesday October 6, 2026 6:09 am PDT by
Apple's $634 million patent loss to medical technology company Masimo has just gotten even bigger, after a federal judge ordered Apple to pay an additional $184 million in interest on what it owes (via Bloomberg Law). The ruling takes Apple's bill to around $818 million, but that doesn't include any post-judgment interest continuing to accrue until the judgment is paid. Judge James Selna ...

Top Rated Comments

macduke Avatar
140 months ago
An interim update makes no sense. Either we'll see a new Apple Watch this spring or this autumn. Not both.
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
140 months ago
Because of Apple Watch's weaker than expected shipments, Apple recently reduced the device's shipment forecast for 2016 down further from its estimate in the fourth quarter of 2015.
It seems Apple's marketing and pricing genii are finally waking up to the fact that people still do possess common sense.

The watch itself is way overpriced. Especially the two higher editions. Then it's the bracelets: You can't release a $450 link bracelet. $450!!! You're not Cartier, mate, or another well-established fashion brand. It's electronics you sell. That's sheer theft, when a decent third-party equivalent (from a respected vendor) costs $50-60. Or you can't charge $150-250 for the other "premium" bracelets.

Hopefully this year Apple will:
- apply a more reasonable pricing model to the Watch and its bracelets
- give it a much needed battery boost. Other smartwear can last two days or more, which a) makes them practical for sleep tracking and most importantly, b) makes them forgiving in case you forget to charge them overnight. Not so the  Watch. You forgot to charge it overnight, it very likely stays at home for the day.
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Keane16 Avatar
140 months ago
It seems Apple's marketing and pricing genii are finally waking up to the fact that people still do possess common sense.

The watch itself is way overpriced. Especially the two higher editions. Then it's the bracelets: You can't release a $450 link bracelet. $450!!! You're not Cartier, mate, or another well-established fashion brand. It's electronics you sell. That's sheer theft, when a decent third-party equivalent (from a respected vendor) costs $50-60. Or you can't charge $150-250 for the other "premium" bracelets.

Hopefully this year Apple will:
- apply a more reasonable pricing model to the Watch and its bracelets
- give it a much needed battery boost. Other smartwear can last two days or more, which a) makes them practical for sleep tracking and most importantly, b) makes them forgiving in case you forget to charge them overnight. Not so the  Watch. You forgot to charge it overnight, it very likely stays at home for the day.
I don't know. My previous daily watch was a Hugo Boss. Nothing special. Cost about £300.

The strap/bracelet broke, they wanted £150 for the replacement. I was pretty stunned.

So I bought the Apple Watch Sport instead of repairing it. The Apple Watch cost less than the Hugo Boss, uses better materials and does more

The Link Bracelet is in a different league to the Hugo Boss one that broke. If Boss can charge £150 for their average stainless steel bracelet. Apple can charge more - £379 still seems steep but in the watch market it's about par for what you're getting.

Macs, iPhones and iPods have never been cheap compared to the competition. Why do people think the Apple Watch would suddenly be priced low.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
orbital~debris Avatar
140 months ago

The watch itself is way overpriced. Especially the two higher editions. Then it's the bracelets: You can't release a $450 link bracelet. $450!!! You're not Cartier, mate, or another well-established fashion brand. It's electronics you sell. That's sheer theft, when a decent third-party equivalent costs $50-60. Or you can't charge $150-250 for the other "premium" bracelets.
Watch
Except they can, and do.

And when as much care and attention is put into the design, materials & production, as Apple have done with Apple Watch, there's no difference between them - in this respect - and an established "fashion brand".
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
dumastudetto Avatar
140 months ago
Let's go!!! I'm ready to order my new Apple Watch.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
OllyW Avatar
140 months ago
They're (just speculating here) trying to create a product in the second iteration to entice even more people to buy it, those that turned their noses up at the first version.
That's me then. ;)

The iPhone and iPad both only really took off once their second generation models were released so I'm hoping the 2nd gen Watch brings big improvements.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Latest Stories
Tesla App Gains iPad and iPhone Duo Support
Tesla App Gains iPad and iPhone Duo Support
44 minutes ago
Apple Reportedly Boosts iPhone Duo Orders by 44%
Apple Reportedly Boosts iPhone Duo Orders by 44%
1 hour ago
Fortnite Returning to Australian App Store After Court Ruling
Fortnite Returning to Australian App Store After Court Ruling
2 hours ago
Apple Ordered to Open iPhone to Rival App Stores in Australia
Apple Ordered to Open iPhone to Rival App Stores in Australia
2 hours ago
Apple Suppliers Face Hurdles Cutting Circuit Board Emissions
Apple Suppliers Face Hurdles Cutting Circuit Board Emissions
2 hours ago
Things Updated for iPhone Duo With Adaptive Layout
Things Updated for iPhone Duo With Adaptive Layout
3 hours ago
Simplicity and Siri AI Are HomeView's Killer Features, Apple Says
Simplicity and Siri AI Are HomeView's Killer Features, Apple Says
3 hours ago
iPhone Duo Reviewers Really Miss Face ID
iPhone Duo Reviewers Really Miss Face ID
8 hours ago
Does the iPhone Duo Run Hot? Here's What Reviews Found
Does the iPhone Duo Run Hot? Here's What Reviews Found
9 hours ago
Apple Music's New Look is Now Live on Apple's Website
Apple Music's New Look is Now Live on Apple's Website
10 hours ago
Anthropic Launches Claude Duet, a Proactive AI Agent
Anthropic Launches Claude Duet, a Proactive AI Agent
11 hours ago
What 32,000 Folds Did to the iPhone Duo's Hinge
What 32,000 Folds Did to the iPhone Duo's Hinge
11 hours ago
iPhone Duo's Hidden FaceTime Camera Takes 'Trash' Photos
iPhone Duo's Hidden FaceTime Camera Takes 'Trash' Photos
13 hours ago
iPhone Duo Has 'Edge Light' Feature That Debuted on Macs Last Year
iPhone Duo Has 'Edge Light' Feature That Debuted on Macs Last Year
14 hours ago
Apple Support App Updated for iPhone Duo's Larger Display
Apple Support App Updated for iPhone Duo's Larger Display
14 hours ago
Amazon Sweetens the Deal on Entry-Level 16-Inch MacBook Pro With $570 Off
Amazon Sweetens the Deal on Entry-Level 16-Inch MacBook Pro With $570 Off
14 hours ago
iPhone Duo Tips Over on MagSafe Stands When Unfolded
iPhone Duo Tips Over on MagSafe Stands When Unfolded
14 hours ago
Apple Music's New Look Officially Announced
Apple Music's New Look Officially Announced
15 hours ago
iPhone Duo Supports Apple Pencil Starting With iOS 27.2
iPhone Duo Supports Apple Pencil Starting With iOS 27.2
16 hours ago
iPhone Duo Accessories Roundup: Cases and Screen Protectors From OtterBox, ZAGG, and More
iPhone Duo Accessories Roundup: Cases and Screen Protectors From OtterBox, ZAGG, and More
17 hours ago
Apple Stores Will Have 'Limited' Availability of iPhone Duo for Walk-In Customers
Apple Stores Will Have 'Limited' Availability of iPhone Duo for Walk-In Customers
17 hours ago
iPhone Duo Reviews Explain Why Device is Both 'Fun' and 'Frustrating'
iPhone Duo Reviews Explain Why Device is Both 'Fun' and 'Frustrating'
18 hours ago
Apple Says 'Reachability' Feature Coming to iPhone Duo Later This Year
Apple Says 'Reachability' Feature Coming to iPhone Duo Later This Year
19 hours ago
Loop Capital Cuts Apple Rating Over iPhone Sales Outlook
Loop Capital Cuts Apple Rating Over iPhone Sales Outlook
23 hours ago
Apple Stores in Bordeaux and Lille Looted During French Protests
Apple Stores in Bordeaux and Lille Looted During French Protests
23 hours ago
Bluesound Adds Native Apple Music Support
Bluesound Adds Native Apple Music Support
23 hours ago
Apple CEO John Ternus Explains What Makes Good Product Design
Apple CEO John Ternus Explains What Makes Good Product Design
1 day ago
UK Proposes New Ways to Help Apple Pay Rivals
UK Proposes New Ways to Help Apple Pay Rivals
1 day ago
WhatsApp Developing In-App Browser for All Chat Links on iPhone
WhatsApp Developing In-App Browser for All Chat Links on iPhone
1 day ago
Apple's App Store Chief Explains Its Push for Premium Games
Apple's App Store Chief Explains Its Push for Premium Games
1 day ago