Apple has revealed its newest smartwatch will be equipped with its own built-in cellular capabilities for the first time.
The $399 (£399) Series 3 Apple Watch will allow users to make calls directly from their wrist, much like the previous versions – but, with an integrated SIM card and a display that ‘becomes the antenna,’ you can now do so without having a phone nearby.
Apple’s new watch also boasts new exercise features, a faster dual-core processor, and 18-hour battery life, making it the firm’s most powerful smartwatch yet.
Apple has revealed its newest smartwatch will be equipped with its own built-in cellular capabilities for the first time. The $399 Series 3 Apple Watch will allow users to make calls directly from their wrist, without an iPhone nearby
The Series 3 Apple Watch is set to begin pre-orders on September 15, before it officially becomes available on September 22.
‘Now you can go anywhere with just your Apple Watch,’ said Jeff Williams, Apple’s Chief Operating Officer.
The display itself works as a transmitting and receiving element for 4G LTE and UMTS, meaning it becomes the antenna.
And, the built-in eSIM is just over one-hundredth the size of a traditional SIM card, according to Apple.
This allows for over-the-air activation in the compact design.
During the launch event, Williams showed how this new feature works, using the watch to call some one who was paddle-boarding – and, the call could be heard clearly.
‘Its really magical to make a call on a device this small,’ Williams said.
‘It’s just darn close to magic.’
Apple’s cellular-capable Series 3 Watch will feature a distinct red Digital Crown and an exclusive ‘Explorer’ watch face.
Apple’s cellular-capable Series 3 Watch will feature a distinct red Digital Crown and an exclusive ‘Explorer’ watch face
In addition to the watch with mobile data connectivity, it will also come in a $329 (£329) version that does not have cellular capabilities.
As with the previous models, it will come in two different case sizes: 38mm and 42mm.
At the event held at the Steve Jobs Theater in Apple’s new Apple Park campus, Williams revealed the next generation Apple Watch will have several new features that set it apart from the previous models.
With watchOS 4 later this year, Apple Music users will be able to stream 40 million songs from their wrist, according to the firm.
Apple’s new watch also boasts new exercise features, a faster dual-core processor, and 18-hour battery life, making it the firm’s most powerful smartwatch yet. WatchOS 4 will come with an updated Heart Rate app
With watchOS 4 later this year, Apple Music users will be able to stream 40 million songs from their wrist, according to the firm
It will also have a redesigned Music app, allowing playlists to automatically sync, including like New Music Mix and Favourites Mix, along with the user’s most listened tracks.
The Series 3 will have new exercise features, and can even link to gym machines, according to Williams.
It’s equipped with intelligent coaching features, water resistance up to 50 meters, and a new barometric altimeter that measures relative elevation.
These things, coupled with the cellular connectivity, will allow people a new sense of ‘freedom’ according to the firm.
The Series 3 Apple Watch is set to begin pre-orders on September 15, before it officially becomes available on September 22. In addition to the watch with mobile data connectivity, it will also come in a $329 version that does not have cellular capabilities
‘We believe the addition of cellular connectivity will transform the way people use Apple Watch, providing a new sense of freedom since they can stay connected with or without their iPhone,’ Williams said.
‘Apple Watch Series 3 combined with the power of watchOS 4 is the ultimate device for a healthy life.’
WatchOS 4 will come with an updated Heart Rate app, which will provide measurements during resting, workout, recovery, walking, and Breathe sessions.
The Series 3 watch will be available in silver and space grey aluminium, along with the new gold aluminium.