When the original Apple Watch launched, rumours suggested Apple was was working on a range of biometric monitoring systems – and new reports today suggest they may come to the Apple Watch 3.
According to CNBC, Apple has hired a small of team of around 30 biomedical engineers to develop a system for invasively and easily monitoring blood-sugar levels. If successfully deployed in the next smartwatch, the new technology would be life-changing for those with diabetes – and it’d also make the Apple Watch 3 legitimate medical product as well as a lifestyle and sports orientated one.
CNBC’s report also says that Apple has been investigating the technology five years ago, when it acquired a company called Cor, that specialised in sensor technologies for the body. Five years on, it’s possible that the technology could be seen in a future Apple Watch – and hopefully the Apple Watch 3.
The Apple Watch 3 is due later this year, and a new patent suggests that Apple maybe ready to deal with one of the most consistent complaints with its wearable.
Apple Watch 3: Things we need to see
The Apple Watch 2 is one of the best wearables we’ve used, but we’re already looking towards the Apple Watch Series 3. Although Series 2 of Apple’s wearable added some useful new features – such as waterproofing and a much-needed faster processor – it still wasn’t quite the device we were waiting for. And that’s why the Apple Watch 3 could be such an important product for Apple.
Apple’s next smartwatch should be released some time next year, and when it does, we’re hoping it will be faster, lighter and, most importantly, thinner than the current model. So what’s Apple going to do? In this article, we’ll explain what to expect from the Apple Watch 3.
Better battery life
Apple Insider has uncovered a brand new patent filed by the tech giant, and it shows a device which could actually charge the Apple Watch 3 when it’s being worn.
The first part consists of a inductive charging base – just like the one used on the current charger – but diagrams obtained by Apple Insider show it connected to a small battery house on the inside of the watch’s strap. To make sure users can still use the Apple Watch 3’s biometric functions, the charger also includes all the same sensors you’d see on the rear of the normal watch.
Additional diagrams also show the new device being charged up by a lighting cable, suggesting that it may act like a portable charger – just like the iPhone 7 battery case. However, it’s not clear in the diagram whether the module is part of a new accessory, or one designed to fit on existing straps.
Apple Watch 3: Release date
Apple hasn’t given us a release date for the Apple Watch 3, but by looking at the release dates of the last two smartwatches, we can pretty much work out when the wearable will arrive. The original Apple Watch was released in April 2015, and the updated Apple Watch 2 was unveiled alongside the iPhone 7 in September last year. Although it’s not yet a certainty, it’s likely the Apple Watch 3 will be released in September this year – probably alongside the iPhone 7s.
Apple Watch 3: Specs and price
The price of the Apple Watch has remained relatively constant, but recent price increases in the Apple MacBook range may be a sign of things to come. If that’s the case, the asking price of the most basic Apple Watch could end up closer to £400 than £300.
The specs of the Apple Watch should change too, and most rumours suggest Apple will make the Apple Watch 3 a sleeker, thinner device. After owning one myself, I’d say the current thickness of the Apple Watch Series 2 is an issue for many customers, and by reducing the size of the Series 3, Apple will be able to more easily cross over into the mainstream watch market.
As apps become more advanced, it’s likely the Apple Watch Series 3 will also need a new processor, and the one in the new Apple Watch will probably called the S3 chip.
Apple Watch 3: Features
The Apple Watch 2 added many of the features we were hoping for with the original Apple Watch – and that trend should continue with the Series 3. Just before the Apple Watch Series 2 was released, several sources suggested the new watch would be able to determine VO2 max. This feature never appeared on the Series 2, but with any luck, it’ll be on the Series 3.
Smaller, less powerful devices such as the Jawbone UP are able to track sleep, and it’s possible the Apple Watch Series 3 will do the same thing. There’s no actual evidence Apple will do this just yet, but the inclusion of the sleep timer in iOS 10 suggests Apple is paying more attention to sleep-monitoring apps. With that in mind, it’s possible the next Apple Watch will be able to monitor our sleep – without ruining its battery life.
Apple introduced more customisation possibilities with the Series 2, such as a ceramic case and fabric sports straps – and it’s possible this will continue with the Series 3. If so, we should see more straps, and more case materials than ever.
Sоurсе: alphr.com