Sleep tracking, monitoring blood sugar levels. Here’s everything you need to know about the Apple Watch Series 3
Apple has unveiled the latest edition of its wearable, the Apple Watch Series 3. Announced on stage during Apple’s iPhone launch event at the firm’s new Steve Jobs Theatre, the latest edition of the Apple Watch Series 3 features cellular connectivity so users can stay connected and receive notifications wherever they go, without needing a connected iPhone.
With these cellular capabilities built in, Apple said that the Apple Watch Series 3 means users can “go anywhere with just the watch”, using the device to make and receive calls, use maps to get directions, and the phone number of the connected iPhone will remain the same.
Here’s everything you need to know about the new Apple Watch Series 3.
Apple Watch 3 UK release date and price
The Apple Watch Series 3 will come in two different versions: one with cellular, costing $399/£399, and one without, priced at $329/£329. Three new versions are included: an all-new gold version, alongside the grey and silver colours. There’s also a variety of new bands available, including a lighter, stretchy band for sports wear.
There is, of course, one more model: the Apple Watch Edition, which now comes in a dark grey ceramic case and a new two-toned Sport Band to fit. This is the luxurious, ridiculously expensive, variant of the Apple Watch.
It will hit stores in the UK on 22 September, available on the EE network, and can be preordered through the Apple Store on 15 September.
Apple will sell these two alongside the Series 1 Apple Watch, with a new starting price of $149/£149.
Apple Watch 3: Connectivity and processor
The new Series 3 watch packs a lot of new hardware, starting with the new S3 dual-core processor, which is promised to deliver 70% better performance. During the keynote, Apple demonstrated it working with Siri, which is a first on an Apple Watch. The new cellular version of the watch is claimed to run for 18 hours on a single charge.
In addition to the improved processor is a new eSIM, which provides cellular (LTE and UMTS) connectivity to the Series 3 watch. This means you won’t have to use your iPhone when you go on your morning run. It can run independently from your iPhone and you can make and receive calls directly from your wrist. GPS is also included, which is ideal for accurately tracking workouts.
The integrated microphone was showcased to work in tricky environments, such as when paddling through a windy lake. Yes, that means there’s still a speaker, and the Series 3 is indeed waterproof like the previous model was. So you can take it on swims, hikes and to the beach without having to worry about taking it off.
With Apple Music and Bluetooth connectivity built into the new Series 3 watch, you can listen to your music on the go. This means you don’t have to worry about carrying around your dedicated music player or your iPhone for all your beloved songs.
The Watch will charge wirelessly like the previous models, but will also work on Apple’s new AirPower charger, which was showcased alongside the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X.
Apple Watch Series 3: Health
During the keynote event, there was an emphasis on health – as the Apple Watch is now the most popular watch in the world, surpassing Rolex, Apple claims that the wearable device is one of the most-used heart-rate sensors in the world. Due to this, Apple ships the new watches with watchOS 4. The updated Heart Rate app provides notifications of irregular heart rate, which is useful if you have a heart condition and would like to track your changes during your daily grind.
To further emphasise Apple’s commitment to health, Apple also revealed the Apple Heart study, a partnership with Stanford University that uses data from Apple Watches and notifies users of any potential heart problems. It will be available later this year in the US on the Apple App Store.
Apple Watch Series 3: Display and battery
The Apple Watch Series 3 has the same OLED display of its predecessors, which means it’s a 1.65in screen with a resolution of 272 x 340 for the 38mm and 312 x 390 pixels for the 42mm version.
Just as its predecessors, the Series 3 lasts up to 18 hours on a single charge. Realistically, you’ll need to charge your Apple Watch at the end of a full day, of course, although that depends on your usage and the level of interaction you have with the watch face.
Apple Watch 3: Design changes
Having added a new processor, an eSIM and wireless capabilities, you’d think the new Series 3 is bulkier. Thankfully, Apple has done it again – designing the Series 3 around the exact same dimensions and weight as the previous generation. This means the new watch isn’t any bigger or bulkier.
Sоurсе: expertreviews.co.uk