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Is the Apple Watch 2 launching in September? Rumours suggest device will have a video camera for FaceTime calls

Tech Radar say that the second edition watch will be 40 per cent thinner
It could have better screen resolution and longer battery life
Strap may also be upgraded to a new material with light fibres woven in

Published: 13:46 GMT, 13 July 2016 | Updated: 14:22 GMT, 13 July 2016

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The first Apple Watch launched in April 2015, but has failed to emulate the success of the iPhone and has faced criticisms over its battery life along with a lack of apps.

But the California based company is thought to be preparing to announce a second generation of its innovative wrist-born, touch-screen devices in September.

The devices are rumoured to be thinner than the original Apple Watch but may come with a video camera above the screen for making FaceTime video calls.

While the first generation watch (pictured) launched at a starting price of $349 (£299), Apple recently dropped the price down to $299 (£225)

Analysts also predict that Apple will also attempt to address some of the problems that put consumers of the original model - by extending battery life - in a bid to keep up with rivals.

RUMOURED UPDATES TO THE APPLE WATCH

Thinner watch face - the second generation could be thinner by 40 per cent

Better screen resolution - AMOLED screen will be replaced with a Micro-LED display

More on-board storage

Longer battery life

Wireless chip - allows for basic communication tasks without the need to be paired to iPhone

Video camera - this will allow FaceTime video calls rather than just audio

New models - new materials could be on the cards, such as titanium, platinum and perhaps even Liquidmetal

New band materials - a recent patent application has been filed for a strap that has light fibres woven in, meaning you'll be able to get notifications from your wrist all the way around

According to Tech Radar, Apple may unveil the Apple Watch 2 at its annual autumn event in September this year.

While the first generation watch launched at a starting price of $349 (£299), Apple recently dropped the price down to $299 (£225).

On their website, Tech Radar say: 'Introducing the Apple Watch 2 at this new price from the get-go would put the gadget in more hands and on more wrists.'

However Apple does not regularly do price drops, and many of the suggested new features of the Apple Watch 2 could actually see an increase in the cost.

In terms of visual features, the Apple Watch 2 could be thinner by 40 per cent.

Despite this change, there are not likely to be many other changes to the original square screen design.

The screen resolution, data storage and battery life are all expected to get a boost.

A new wireless chip could also allow for basic communication tasks to be handled without a paired iPhone, and the same technology may also mean that lost Apple Watches could be found using Wi-Fi.

In terms of visual features, the Apple Watch 2 could be thinner by 40 per cent. Despite this change, it is suggested that the wearable will not boast any visual changes to the design

Aside from the watch-face itself, rumours suggest that band could also be getting an upgrade

Phone Arena have also claimed that the Apple Watch 2 will feature a front-facing video camera, allowing users to make and receive video FaceTime calls rather than just audio ones.

The launch may also see new models added to the Standard, Sport and Edition versions that are currently available.

It is not clear exactly what form these models will take, but new materials could be on the cards, such as titanium, platinum and perhaps even Liquidmetal.

The watch's screen could be replaced with a Micro-LED display, which would be a step up from the current AMOLED screen, offering better brightness and battery savings.

Aside from the watch-face itself, rumours suggest that the band could also be getting an upgrade.

A recent patent application was filed for a strap that has light fibres woven in, meaning users could get get notifications from their device even if they are not looking at the screen.

APPLE WATCH USERS COULD MAKE CALLS AT THE CLICK OF THEIR FINGERS

A new patent revealed that Apple has been working on a variety of sensors to detect and interpret hand gestures.

The technology could interpret gestures as an input command and perform operations that are programmed to that specific movement.

If the wearers signs the word ‘Go’, both of the devices could be capable of detecting the circular movement of the wrists using the inertial sensors.

This data would then transmitted to the paired iPhone that determines the users is moving both wrists and fingers and associate the gestures with a corresponding phrase or command, says Apple.

The patent also reveals what gestures could be used for specific commands.

For example, if you want to decline an incoming call put your hand down.