Apple officially announced its latest wearable, Apple Watch Series 3, at its recently concluded launch event. The device features major upgrades, such as a built-in LTE connectivity support.
The huge dissimilarity between Apple's new smartwatch and its predecessor is the new variant’s LTE connectivity support. The new model can now function without the need of an iPhone. Also, the wearable has applications to notify the user where the iPhone is located. However, Apple COO, Jeff Williams, stated at the event that the company’s biggest challenge in launching the Apple Watch Series 3 is the inclusion of the LTE cellular support, according to IB Times.
The Cupertino based tech titan rolled out the Apple Watch 2 with an S2 dual-core processor. However, Apple’s third generation wearable will arrive with the latest S3 chipset that will provide a 70 percent performance increase over its predecessor. The new processor offers an 85 percent improved Wi-Fi performance as well as a 50 percent power efficiency improvements. The battery life of the new device is expected to last up to 18 hours.
In terms of the design, the new Apple Watch 3 appears to look like its predecessor, according to Yahoo. Both smartwatches have the same resolutions - 38mm: 340 x 272 with 290ppi and a 42mm option 390 x 312 with 302 ppi. The devices also have the same 1000nits display.
Both smartwatches feature a 50-meter water resistance rating, as reported by CNET. Users can utilize the smartwatches while having fun in a swimming pool. The Series 2 and 3 wearables are better able to deal with water compared to the original Apple Watch.
watchOS 4 operating system
The Apple Watch 3 and 2 will also acquire new improvements with the company’s latest watchOS 4 operating system.
The software update will arrive with improved Apple Pay and the near-field communication (NFC) chip. The NFC chip will work with gym equipment from Stair Master, Star Trac, and Technogym, among others. The latest software update will also come along with a Do Not Disturb mode as well as a quicker Siri AI personal assistant.
The company created the new smartwatch with Bluetooth connectivity and Apple Music.
Price of the smartwatch
The standard model of the Watch Series 3 will have a $329 price tag, while the Wi-Fi + cellular variant will cost $399. The pre-orders for the latest smartwatch will kick off on September 15 and will hit the shelves on September 22.
