Apple Watch 3 is reportedly about to debut alongside the iPhone 8. The new wearable is also expected to feature cellular connectivity. Although it is coming out along with the highly anticipated smartphone, reports said it is not dependent on iPhone.
The new Apple Watch Series 3 could be your next wearable phone
Apple is preparing to launch another milestone in the wearables market. Apparently, the company has upgraded its smartwatch to become an independent wearable smartphone.
The new Watch Series 3 will still allow users to send SMS, make calls and stream music.
However, unlike its predecessor, it can function on its own, without the help of any iPhone.
CNBC claims a source provided the publication the information on the standalone property of the new watch. The wearer is not required to link the upcoming smartwatch to any iPhone to perform a phone’s function.
Tech savvy can recall that the previous watches from Apple could not function like a phone when it is not connected to an iPhone. The upcoming wearable would most likely have an embedded SIM to activate its cellular connectivity.
In a previous report by Bloomberg, Apple has reportedly partnered with Intel Corp. for the cellular connectivity function of the new device. The report said the latter will provide the LTE modems for the new gadget.
Moreover, the publication noted that the Cupertino-based company also contacted the giant carriers in the U.S. and Europe for the cellular connectivity. AT&T, Sprint Corp., Verizon Communications Inc., and T-Mobile US Inc. have reportedly confirmed to support the new smartwatch.
Meanwhile, in another report by 9to5Mac, a new forecast for the next generation watch seems to confirm the cellular connectivity function.
According to popular analyst Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI Securities, Apple will ship the new device in two variants, the LTE, and non-LTE models.
The analyst said the new smartwatch will only support LTE, and not 3G connections. She also mentioned that the upcoming wearable would have the same design, but with two size variants: 38mm and 42mm configurations.
Release date
Furthermore, the tipster revealed that the third generation watch is set to debut next month, with the three new models of iPhone. Apple has not confirmed the official launch date for the new generation of iPhone but it is highly rumored to come out as a 10th-anniversary smartphone of the tech giant this September.
If the report is accurate, the Apple Watch 3 seems to come sooner than expected. The second generation wearable came out only last year and Apple enthusiasts would be happy to see the upgrade soon.
