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The Apple Watch Series 3 will undoubtedly be the most important smartwatch yet, with Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) having established its series as the completely dominant brand.
While smartwatches perhaps seemed a little gimmicky and lacking in substance originally, the general public has now begun to embrace this concept more enthusiastically — and AAPL stock holders now see the device as an important part of the company’s lineup.
Apple Watch Release date
And it is believed that Apple will build on this momentum by releasing the Apple Watch Series 3 in the coming months. A release date of September this year has been linked with the smartwatch, which would mean that it would launch at an extremely similar time to the forthcoming iPhone 8.
Apple Watch Design
Apple is not expected to diverge much at all from the existing Apple Watch releases when the Apple Watch Series 3 hits the stores. Some consumers would like to see a circular face included in the 2017 release, but Taiwan-based Quanta, reportedly already handed the manufacturing contract for the Apple Watch Series 3, will probably produce a quadrilateral design once more.
Consumer Choice
When the Apple Watch Series 3 hits the stores, Apple will once again focus on providing consumers with a wide range of different designs and purchasing options. This will result in a considerable range of models and colors, while the consumer electronics giant will also probably extend the range of straps available.
Apple Watch Display
The US Patent and Trademark Office has published a patent application which suggests that a flexible display may appear in this smartwatch range eventually. However, it is unlikely that this will materialize in the Apple Watch Series 3, and we should reasonably expect a similar design and size of display to previous releases. This will mean OLED technology will be included once more, perhaps a precursor to its introduction to the iPhone range later this year.
Apple Watch Camera
Cameras will never be the most important aspect of smartwatches, but it is suggested that the camera in the Apple Watch Series 3 could play a critical role. Not only will it deliver selfie photographs, but FaceTime video calling could also be supported.
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Apple Watch Modular straps
Recent patents have also indicated that Apple is working on modular bands, enabling larger batteries, GPS, improved cameras and other features to be added to a base model. This could conceivably appear in the Apple Watch range this year.
Medical Function
Another interesting feature linked with the Apple Watch Series 3 is the inclusion of new medical functions that enable the smartwatch to monitor blood sugar levels of users. This could be considered particularly timely given the diabetes epidemic that has been well-publicized.
Embedded Battery
Apple certainly seems to be considering many different strap options for the Apple Watch in the future, as another leaked patent reveals a strap featuring an innovative embedded battery design. It is probably too early for this to feature in the Apple Watch Series 3, but such an eventuality is not inconceivable.
New Apple Watch Price
Finally, there will be a wide range of pricing for the Apple Watch Series 3, with so many different versions and customization choices available. But it is expected that the smartwatch will be in a similar ballpark to previous releases in terms of pricing.
According to Tim Cook, Apple CEO, the company’s wearable business is now the size of a Fortune 500 company. Which means, the Apple Watch is selling like hot cakes, in fact, during a recent earnings call he revealed, sales have doubled. And that means an Apple Watch Series 3, although not officially announced will hit the shelves this year. Here’s the latest from the rumor mill, which includes the release date, a smart band, improved battery, and LTE connectivity.
Apple Watch Series 3
Now that Apple’s wearable division has been given a boost due to better than expected sales figures, what does the future hold? Unlike with its iPhone line of smartphones, its smartwatch is still a player in a relatively new market. As such, it’s seen as rather dangerous for a manufacturer to rest on its laurels. So, you should expect to see an Apple Watch Series 3 launch with additional features which make it stand out from its predecessor.
LTE Conectivity
According to the rumor mill, if change is what future owners of the Cupertino-based giant’s next wearable want. That’s what they may be getting, with connectivity being one of the wearables key upgrade areas.
Now, you should be aware that these rumors are not, based on any leaked Apple documents, so their validity can’t be verified. However, imagine an Apple Watch Series 3, freed from its iPhone shackles. It would be the born of a new era for the device, and the rumor suggests a SIM Card slot will make that possible.
Furthermore, what that would mean for an owner of the smartwatch is, they could leave their smartphone at home. Why? Because the watch would be able to handle all incoming calls and messaging, it’s also a possibility that 4G connectivity could be included.
As for murmurings about this actually being true, a recent report by Christopher Rolland, an analyst for Susquehanna Financial Group Semiconductor. Revealed that the Apple Watch Series 3 would have “4G Skills”. However, in a comment that casts doubt on this, Paul Reynolds, of the Health Care startup Gliimpse (now owned by Apple) said there would be no LTE connectivity.
In his report, he pointed out that the costs, and hurdles to cross before a future Watch could have this feature are significant. However, none of this negativity outright suggests Apple won’t make the next Apple Watch LTE Connectable.
Apple Watch Battery
If the Apple Watch Series 3, is to see LTE connectivity, its battery can not be the same as in the previous. Why? Battery power is at a premium on such small devices, and the inclusion of such a power hungry feature as LTE means problems. Recently, the DigiTimes reported that Apple had appointed Quanta Computer to look after battery development and production. Will this then mean a battery with better performance and a longer life is produced?
Apparently, one of the key goals Apple has set for Quanta is efficiency, meaning that should LTE be included. It may have a battery that can sustain a reasonable among of web surfing, calling and messaging before needing a charge.
Smart Band
Recently it was reported that Apple will incorporate health monitoring into a Smart Band. These apparently are to be accessories beyond the standard strap delivered with the Apple Watch Series 3.
Additionally, possibly due to this leak/source, the rumor has cropped up about glucose monitoring. The rumors suggest the Smart Band would be able to monitor a wearer’s blood sugar without having to be invasive. This is something which many industry watchers were quick to criticize, as impossible, well not in a small band.
To make this work, it’s said that Apple has employed 200 PhDs to make it work, each focussing on health. However, it is not clear if all of them are working on glucose measuring or not. Although if cracked this would be a great solution for people living with diabetes.
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