Apple Watch 2 launch likely in mid-2016, rumors say

According to a recent research memo by Cowen and Company, a thinner and better performing second generation Apple watch is expected to launch "no earlier than" mid-2016, Apple Insider reported.

Timothy Arcuri, analyst at Cowen and Company, forecasts the iPhone maker to ship 18 million Watches by the end of 2015, and at least 45 million in 2016 and added that figures for next year may actually be too pessimistic based on the strength of 2015 data.

In a separate survey, Mizuho Securities found that Apple iOS device users have the highest level of interest in smartwatches, however, most of them will wait until at least the second version of the Apple Watch before making the purchase, Investor.com reported.

"Given that this is a nascent category, we think vendors such as Apple will require multiple iterations of the product to realize momentum in consumer adoption," Mizuho analyst Abhey Lamba said in a research report. "Additionally, survey participants indicated high price points of the watch as an inhibitor to adoption."

Apple Watch is priced at $349, but with accessories, it sells for an average of $529, according to research firm Wristly, as reported by Reuters.

Other rumors about Apple Watch 2 point to a video camera, a new wireless system for greater iPhone independence, new premium-priced models and similar battery life to its predecessor, 9to5 Mac reported.