The Apple Watch Series 3 will launch later in 2017 according to the latest reports, bringing some tempting new features such as full cellular support. Here’s the latest leaks and rumours about the third Apple Watch wearable.
Although the original Apple Watch seemed like a bit of a rush job, with Apple desperate to finally leap into the wonderful world of wearables, the Cupertino company came back strong with the excellent Apple Watch Series 2. This second device took the best bits of the original and added GPS and waterproofing, capped off by essential hardware updates. Meanwhile WatchOS 3 ironed out a fair few of the software issues and added some new features we really wanted.
Although the Apple Watch 2 is still a relative spring chicken, we’re expecting to see the third Apple Watch launch later in 2017. With hardware improvements, flashy new bands and the enticing WatchOS 4 on board, we’re already predicting a winner. Here’s all you need to know about the Apple Watch Series 3.
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Apple Watch Series 3 hardware
With the Apple Watch 3 launch still a while off, we don’t know too much about Apple’s third wearable device. However, word on the web is that the Watch Series 3 will come packing a built-in eSIM, or support for a nano SIM card to be inserted. This will deliver cellular connectivity to the Apple Watch, similar to the Huawei Watch 2 and some other modern smartwatches.
What does that mean? Well, your Apple Watch will now be completely independent of your iPhone, able to receive messages, notifications and even calls on its own. Good news if your trusty mobile suddenly runs out of juice, or is lying out of reach.
Of course, cellular connectivity is a serious power drain, as that dinky modem constantly sends and receives information. On the Huawei Watch 2, this slashed the battery life from two days to just a day and a half. So if Apple wants to add this feature to the Watch 3, it had better fit a bigger battery too. Either that or figure out how to make the modem less of an energy hog.
Other hardware aspects of the Apple Watch Series 3 are likely to remain unchanged from the previous version.
The Apple Watch Series 2 already boasts a super-bright, colourful and crisp display, so chances are it won’t be tweaked too much. Ditto for the pleasingly curved and tough design, which looks great and offers strong resistance to scuffs. You can also expect GPS support and full water resistance.
Apple Watch Series 3 software
While the hardware side of the third Apple Watch is mostly speculation, we do know a bit about the software that will come packed inside.
Apple’s WatchOS 4 will ship on the Series 3, offering some interface tweaks and even more helpful features. So far it appears that the main apps menu will be tweaked to make it more accessible. Apple has also put more focus on its first party watch faces, to offer a greater variety – including a Siri face and some Toy Story faces. Sweet.
You can also expect improved workout features and wider support for Apple Pay transactions.
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Apple Watch Series 3 UK price and release date
Right now, it’s looking likely that Apple will launch the Apple Watch Series 3 towards the end of 2017.
DigiTimes has reported that production of the existing Apple Watch 2 will be partially passed from Quanta Computer to Compal in the second half of the year. Which of course has the rumour mill buzzing about the possibility of Quanta devoting its spare output to the all-new third Apple Watch.
The Apple Watch Series 2 will be a year old in September 2017, so we’re expecting Apple to begin refreshing the wearable once a year, just as it does with the iPhone.
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