At Apple’s September keynote event, the new Apple Watch Series 3 was announced. It is available for pre-order now. Official release date is on September 22nd. Most importantly, this latest Apple watch will run with the most current OS – WatchOS 4.
What’s New in the Apple Watch Series 3?
The main new thing about this recent generation Apple watch is that you don’t need to connect it with the iPhone anymore. That is because the Apple Watch Series 3 will also be getting LTE capabilities. Unlike Series 1 and 2, which you have no choice but to sync them with the Apple smartphone. This upgrade is definitely a boon for anyone who values high connectivity speeds more than anything else. This will surely make Watch users enjoy more mobility and convenience than before.
Put on the Watch Series 3 and you’ll be able to send text messages and make calls. Right there on your wrist!
WatchOS 4
Many are excited about the WatchOS 4. Owners of the previous generation Watch series will soon get the new operating system. The update will be available this September 19th. But the Apple Watch Series 3 will have the new OS right off the bat. So, what to expect from it?
One of the biggest improvements is tied to WatchOS 4’s health-related functions. A new mode was introduced – Gym Connect. This allows the user to sync seamlessly with gym equipment. You’ll be able to connect with a treadmill or elliptical and be able to gather and organize your exercise data better!
The new OS will also make heart-rate monitoring better. The new Watch will be able to notify a user if he or she has an elevated heart rate outside of active conditions. If you’re working out, the Watch monitors your heart rate as well and informs if you have hit a certain high level. Additionally, you’ll be able to monitor resting heart rate as well as recovery heart rate via the watch.
How Much Does It Cost?
The Apple Watch Series 3 starts retailing at $329. This cost only covers GPS. For versions with cellular access (LTE), expect to pay $399 for them.
All of the four major US carriers will charge an additional $10 for you to add the new watch to your existing plan. If you do so, the device will have the same mobile phone number as your current iPhone.
If $399 is quite high for you, you’ll be glad to know that Series 1’s price is dropping. It can now be bought at the low price of $249. The Series 2, however, is being put to bed.
Apple Watch Series 3 Specs
Aside from the LTE capability, what else does the new Apple Watch have?
For one thing, it works with Siri for easier voice-activated usage. It also has a built-in GPS and a barometric altimeter. While the Series 1 was only splash resistant, the Series 3 is water resistant to up to 50 meters.
Music streaming will also be available. Yes, not only can you call and text, you can listen to your favorite tunes via the watch too. Considering you need not connect it with your iPhone to work, this really takes the watch’s handiness to a whole new level. Music streaming can be done through the Apple Music app.
Under the hood, the watch is powered by an S3 dual-core processor. It also has a W2 wireless chip. As for storage, there has been an upgrade. While the Series 1 and 2 only provided 8GB of storage, the Series 3 offers 16GB. Battery life is up to 18 hours with normal usage.
Sleek Design
Another thing that’s really great about the new Apple Watch Series 3 is its design. Apple managed to add extra useful features and LTE functionality without making the watch bulkier. It is still a sleek-looking device that will not put off fashion-conscious users.
As for the watch’s quality, the version with aluminum cases utilizes Ion-X glass. Meanwhile, the stainless and ceramic-case ones use sapphire crystal. And speaking of version, there are currently four model options available. These are standard, Apple Watch Edition, Apple Watch Hermès, and Apple Watch Nike+.
The new watch takes full advantage of 2nd-gen OLED Retina display. And it also utilizes Force Touch technology.
Quality Wearable Device
One of the main uses of Apple’s watches has always been health monitoring. This still holds true for the Watch Series 3. With the Gym Connect app and WatchOS 4’s better heart monitoring capabilities, the new watch is definitely helpful to anyone minding their health.
It is also a great device for anyone who values convenience when it comes to accessing their entertainment. You can take advantage of Siri to maximize your experience with the new watch. Since music streaming is now possible, you can get your groove on anytime and anywhere. And you don’t even need your iPhone for it.
Of course, the Watch Series 3 also tells time. And lets you make calls and texts. Overall, it is a well-rounded and highly functional device. And it is definitely a great addition to the wearable technology space.
