Apple Watch 2 adds GPS and new GPU

Apple unveiled the newest iteration of its smartwatch last night, with a handful of additions that offer new possibilities to games developers.

Perhaps the most notable is the introduction of a built-in GPS function. While this has been designed primarily for the benefit of fitness apps, collecting more accurate data for speed, distance and location, it also enables devs to build location-based games that utilise the Apple Watch.

This kicks off with Apple Watch compatibility for Pokémon Go, which Niantic announced will go live later this year.

Pocket Gamer also reports that the Apple Watch 2 will have a new GPU that is twice as powerful as the original and a dual-core processor to operates 50 per cent faster than its predecessor. Other features include water resistance up to 50 metres and a redesigned speaker system.

The original Apple Watch has been rebranded as Apple Watch Series 1 – with the newer model labelled Apple Watch Series 2 – and will be upgraded with the dual-core processor.

Apple Watch Series 2 and the upgraded Series 1 launches on September 16th.