Analyst Suggests Third-Generation Apple Watch Will Include Cellular Connectivity

[avanpelt]

This is a step toward my preferred setup (I hope). No Microsoft, there is no one device fits all model. And no, Tim, we don't need 4 devices.

For me, the best would be a wearable with LTE, messaging, accurate GPS, runner's health tracking, electronic payments, good map and transportation apps and a full suite of audio and video apps, together with a keyboard based, 15" super-light, super-powerful laptop for full real productivity. I don't need an iPhone, I don't need an iPad and I sure as heck don't need AR.

I would think a strong majority of us would prefer a system like this. I feel like a certain former chief, RIP, would have made it available by now.

I understand what your Apple utopia looks like, but I don't think Apple is going to design an LTE-capable Apple Watch to be an iPhone replacement. I'm sorry to burst your bubble. There are just too many things standing in the way of that becoming a possibility anytime soon.

For starters, texting on a 38mm or 42mm screen sucks. Dictation, you say? Well, that works up to a point but who wants to be dictating most or all of their text messages -- particularly all the time when they're out in public? I certainly don't.

Then there are phone calls. If the Apple Watch was an iPhone replacement, that would mean you'd have to wear bluetooth headphones/earbuds to take calls; or, I guess you could choose to be one of "those" people that walks around in public talking on a speakerphone. Personally, I'd rather just have a normal phone handset.

 

[Mac 128]

I understand what your Apple utopia looks like, but I don't think Apple is going to design an LTE-capable Apple Watch to be an iPhone replacement. I'm sorry to burst your bubble. There are just too many things standing in the way of that becoming a possibility anytime soon.

For starters, texting on a 38mm or 42mm screen sucks. Dictation, you say? Well, that works up to a point but who wants to be dictating most or all of their text messages -- particularly all the time when they're out in public? I certainly don't.

Then there are phone calls. If the Apple Watch was an iPhone replacement, that would mean you'd have to wear bluetooth headphones/earbuds to take calls; or, I guess you could choose to be one of "those" people that walks around in public talking on a speakerphone. Personally, I'd rather just have a normal phone handset.

Or maybe you could chose to be one of those people who use their headphones or headsets to have conversations, talking to mid-air? Just because you can't hear the other side of the conversation doesn't make it any less annoying to some. Regardless, the AIrPods are rapidly changing that reality for the Apple Watch as well if that's your objection.

The reality is, you have your own biases and issues which don't translate to the world at large. So just don't buy an Apple Watch with a cellular radio, and if they only make one version with one, then disable it. Simple. Let the rest of us make the choices that are best for us.

 

[elmaco]

I run with the phone in am arm strap - with GPS tracking there's no need for cellular activity on the watch. I'm not going to stop and take a phone call whist running.

I agree about taking a call, but a watch is good for seeing heart rate and distance. And I want connectivity, so I can stream music.

So instead of bringing three things (arm strap, iPhone + Apple Watch 2), you could just have one, Apple Watch 3!

Pretty sweet if you ask me.

And yes, put the phone down whilst lifting - next to the bottle of water, or can we combine that into the watch now too? I wouldn't even use the cellular connection if it was free, which it won't be.

So you need to move your iPhone around when you switch exercise. I much rather just have a watch on my wrist and with Apple Watch 3 I will be able to stream music and also get notification at the gym.

Perfect, thank you Apple!

 

[jimthing]

Oh great, yet ANOTHER data-sim or plan to pay for!

Why can we not (at least here in the UK/EU) have a SINGLE plan that allows data to be used on our phone AND tablet AND watch?

I currently buy a separate data-sim for my iPad, yet sometimes simply don't use that data allowance as I'm on Wifi so much – but when I DO need it, then I need it, and then I use it. It's basically pissing money on data one doesn't even use half the time.

There are currently family plans where all devices share the same data package. Apple won't offer a cellular watch without also brokering a package with carrier partners to support it. That's a model that already works.

From who in the UK? Major carriers or MVNO's? I haven't seen any.

Can't help you. It's common in the US from major carriers. Whether UK carriers offer it or not at present is irrelevant, the point is that it's happening now as a practical matter, and easily solves the problem for the watch/phone.

Please read the original post properly, where I clearly said "at least here in the UK/EU", FFS! We know you can in the US (which is great), but the US is not Europe/ROW is it.

The majority of European (and many other) countries do not offer such things, and that's a problem if companies like Apple et al. are expecting more and more products to have their own data sims in them, as users are not going to be willing to pay repeatedly for data on each and every device, regardless of whether they use the data or not. Well over half of their worldwide sales come from outside the US.

 

[enduro0125]

How about an Apple Watch/Air Pod bundle?

That would be nice.

 

[lordofthereef]

If I'm able to stream music and make a phone call when I am out running I'd gladly pay the additional $5 (based in what prices look like now) even if it shares a data bucket (on unlimited but we know soft tethering caps and etc) with my main line.

If I'm unable to stream I'd still consider this if I can make an emergency call, but at that point I'd hope that I am not forced into a monthly fee. I don't see how or why I would be as I can currently make an emergency call on any old cell phone even without an active plan tied to it.

In short, this change alone would likely be enough for me to upgrade. And at this point I'd likely go for a stainless or other "premium" material and keep it for a few years. I'd also, reluctantly, get myself a set of AirPods. Or st least some other Bluetooth buds. Still don't like their utility in the gym but I think I could handle them running.
[doublepost=1490726327][/doublepost]

Please read the original post properly, where I clearly said "at least here in the UK/EU", FFS! We know you can in the US (which is great), but the US is not Europe/ROW is it.

The majority of European (and many other) countries do not offer such things, and that's a problem if companies like Apple et al. are expecting more and more products to have their own data sims in them, as users are not going to be willing to pay repeatedly for data on each and every device, regardless of whether they use the data or not. Well over half of their worldwide sales come from outside the US.

I don't imagine you'd be forced into a plan. St worst the device would be no worse than the current Watch.

Apple shaped the smartphone market and they're likely hoping for the same with wearables. I can envision a situation where the way things are done where you've are change as a result of a product like this.
[doublepost=1490726529][/doublepost]

I understand what your Apple utopia looks like, but I don't think Apple is going to design an LTE-capable Apple Watch to be an iPhone replacement. I'm sorry to burst your bubble. There are just too many things standing in the way of that becoming a possibility anytime soon.

For starters, texting on a 38mm or 42mm screen sucks. Dictation, you say? Well, that works up to a point but who wants to be dictating most or all of their text messages -- particularly all the time when they're out in public? I certainly don't.

Then there are phone calls. If the Apple Watch was an iPhone replacement, that would mean you'd have to wear bluetooth headphones/earbuds to take calls; or, I guess you could choose to be one of "those" people that walks around in public talking on a speakerphone. Personally, I'd rather just have a normal phone handset.

I could see myself severely reducing the need for a smartphone when "out in the field". I can get all important messages wherever I am and make a phone call in a pinch. I'm sure someone on the phone for many hours a day might not see this as much of a boon due to battery life alone (let's be honest, we won't be making hours and hours of calls in an Apple Watch). I think I talk on the phone an average of maybe fifteen minutes a day. Texts, while working, are also rather minimal. I can certainly say that since I got an Apple Watch I pull my phone out far less frequently.

 

[jimthing]

I don't imagine you'd be forced into a plan. St worst the device would be no worse than the current Watch.

Apple shaped the smartphone market and they're likely hoping for the same with wearables. I can envision a situation where the way things are done where you've are change as a result of a product like this.

Sure, here's hoping.

I phoned a couple of carriers here in the UK a few months ago, asking if one could get a multi device plan, and they didn't have a clue what I was talking about or that such things are a regular thing in other countries like the US.

 

[Mac 128]

Please read the original post properly, where I clearly said "at least here in the UK/EU", FFS! We know you can in the US (which is great), but the US is not Europe/ROW is it.

The majority of European (and many other) countries do not offer such things, and that's a problem if companies like Apple et al. are expecting more and more products to have their own data sims in them, as users are not going to be willing to pay repeatedly for data on each and every device, regardless of whether they use the data or not. Well over half of their worldwide sales come from outside the US.

I clearly read what you wrote and addressed it accordingly. You seem to think that the current state of affairs in the UK/EU won't change, nor that Apple will try to negotiate such things with the release of new products which would benefit from them. My point is, these kinds of plans are available in the US, which means there should be no technical reason that the UK/EU couldn't offer them as well. Indeed, I would expect Apple to negotiate such plans before planning a rollout of the product in those territories where those plans don't exist presently. I'm happy to be educated if there is some reason that UK/EU mobile providers can't or won't under any circumstances offer such plans. And if that's the case, then I guess customers in those countries will have to make a choice as to whether cellular connectivity on the watch is worth the extra payment required. I fail to see how it would be any different than your AW experience now, except you will have the option for a price. Apple will likely sell two models (much like the iPads now) anyway, with the cellular model being more expensive. The fact you may not find value in it doesn't mean someone else won't. And for a huge number of Apple Watch customers in the US, such plans will likely exist making it a valuable proposition, not to mention the expansion of the potential sales makes with the ability of an Android customer being able to use it autonomously from the phone. That alone will boost worldwide sales, even if some territories like the UK/EU refuse to support the simple data sharing plans we have in the US. The reality is, whether you personally will want to use it or not, plan or no, does not deter Apple from growing their market share, even modestly. I've already pointed out in other threads that the embedded software SIM the watch must reasonably use, is not likely to be supported by all carries even in the US, much less the world -- at least at first, or for some time. Again that is no reason not to offer the watch for those who can use it. After all, the first iPhone was only available on ATT for the first 4 models. I don't see a downside to them offering this.

 

[UltimaKilo]

I agree. The watch could do better in some of the features it already has. The people who are talking like oh I can leave my phone at home the entire day! probably don't have an apple watch. Its great for viewing notifications but can be cumbersome to respond to those notifications.

I don't believe apple is trying to get you to ditch the phone and get a watch.

I own an apple watch and love it, but 8/10 times its easier/faster to just grab your phone to respond to those notifications.

Exactly. Apple Watch is becoming more and more of a fitness tracker and a way to check notifications than anything else. So Apple should focus on improving these features, which are already behind a lot of competing products. Making the Watch a cellphone is impractical.

 

[Mac 128]

Exactly. Apple Watch is becoming more and more of a fitness tracker and a way to check notifications than anything else. So Apple should focus on improving these features, which are already behind a lot of competing products. Making the Watch a cellphone is impractical.

I don't understand this line of reasoning -- you're saying Apple is incapable of doing both? Assuming you are correct, adding cellular connectivity actually make the two things in your stated use case better -- the jogger who hits the trail no longer has to carry his cellphone to get notifications during his run, not to mention enabling emergency services as needed, as well as allowing family to track his location as needed. All of which is impossible now. Then there's the added ability to stream music during the jog if they don't like what they recently uploaded to their playlist.

 

[freddiecable]

I would love one. Especially for when going out clubbing or something else where I do not want to carry around my iP Plus and for such shorter excursions battery life is not crucial. 6-10 hours is good enough.

 

[richard371]

The AW2 does have a barometer its just not enabled.

There is no point to adding this, not to mention its impractical and costly.

Apple needs to improve the heartrate monitor, add an altimeter while increasing battery life by 2-3 hours.

Why the AW2 doesn't include an altimeter is very perplexing.

 

[freddiecable]

+ there are other times. going to the club, concert or other shorter excursions. sailing or playing golf etc. I can see many scenarios where AW with cellular is beneficial.

I don't understand this line of reasoning -- you're saying Apple is incapable of doing both? Assuming you are correct, adding cellular connectivity actually make the two things in your stated use case better -- the jogger who hits the trail no longer has to carry his cellphone to get notifications during his run, not to mention enabling emergency services as needed, as well as allowing family to track his location as needed. All of which is impossible now. Then there's the added ability to stream music during the jog if they don't like what they recently uploaded to their playlist.

 

[nia820]

Cellular service with 3 hours of battery life. apple watch battery is already poor. Adding cellular service would make it piss poor.

 

[4jasontv]

Or maybe you could chose to be one of those people who use their headphones or headsets to have conversations, talking to mid-air? Just because you can't hear the other side of the conversation doesn't make it any less annoying to some. Regardless, the AIrPods are rapidly changing that reality for the Apple Watch as well if that's your objection.

The reality is, you have your own biases and issues which don't translate to the world at large. So just don't buy an Apple Watch with a cellular radio, and if they only make one version with one, then disable it. Simple. Let the rest of us make the choices that are best for us.

Avanpelt says texting on watch would suck, and your add is that dictation is more annoying. How did you come to the conclusion that it's a good idea for the product? I feel like something is missing.

My $0.02. I have a gear s3 frontier, and I really like it. Battery life is 3+ days, and I can hear people as good as my phone. Texting isn't fun, but its smart reply feature accounts for 80% of my responses. The issue is that it has no apps. Without apps I find it hard to leave my phone at home.

 

[richard371]

I think this would be awesome. It will never replace the iPhone as its too small of a screen to browse the web or use any decent apps. Most of us have our phones with us most of the time but it would be great just like the built in GPS for those times when you want to go for a run, the gym, beach, where you don't want to deal with or worry about your phone. Even it only provided 2-3 hours of battery life that would be ok enough in most cases. I hope they can fig out away to do it where it can use your same number and data pool and less then $5 or so a month If they add BT 3 with the iPhone 8 and also use the barometer it will be a pretty sweet watch.

 

[mdriftmeyer]

And that waste of space guarantees I don't buy one. Add more diagnostics for health, increased pressure resistance under water, and call it a day.

 

[chelsel]

For one of the least aesthetically appealing watches I've ever seen it's about time that it matches the capabilities of something AT & T already has had for four years https://www.att.com/devices/filip/filip-2.html

 

[MallardDuck]

Today's report from Rolland also touches on some previously mentioned 2017 rumors, suggesting all three rumored iPhone models will feature wireless charging capabilities and will be charged through pads manufactured by Pegatron and Foxconn. "There is some skepticism regarding charging efficiency," writes Rolland, "as it may take 3 hours to receive a full charge."

While long-range contactless wireless charging was originally rumored to be included in the 2017 iPhone, later information has centered on inductive charging methods, which would require a separate charging mat or other similar charging device.

The analyst also believes Apple will eliminate the Home button in the iPhone 8, but the Lightning port will stay. He suggests there has been "serious consideration" for removing the Lightning port in 2018, however.

If they do either these, it shows that Apple's completely lost touch with their customers. Inductive charging doesn't work on the go (e.g. try charging while using the device). With the loss of the headphone port, we already are stuck with an albino squid hanging off of our sleek device - this would add a rhemoa on top of it.

Besides, syncing 256GB of data via wifi will take slightly less time than waiting for the heat death of the universe. At least USB 2 only takes around the time for the sun to go nova. We need USB 3 (or faster)....this is NOT a wireless world.

Apple seems to think that everyone is always online, always stationary, never works longer than the battery life of a device, and never has to reload a device from scratch (aside from Apple Support "As our next troubleshooting step, please wipe and set up your device as new").

The word does not live within a 30 minute drive of Cupertino.

 

[foxkoneko]

My battery is at 75% at the end of the day I'm not sure how people drain the watch so fast.

umm yeah, so is mine. I want something a week+

 

[sulpfiction]

If I can take this in the surf, I'm all over it. Been waiting for this

I have a first gen watch and its been in the ocean/surf a ton of times each summer since i got it the day it launched. Never had a problem. I know submersion is "not recommended"...But honestly, the watch is sealed up tight. Go swimming and wear your watch proud.

 

[lordofthereef]

Sure, here's hoping.

I phoned a couple of carriers here in the UK a few months ago, asking if one could get a multi device plan, and they didn't have a clue what I was talking about or that such things are a regular thing in other countries like the US.

Idk that it's regular. But it's not unusual. I don't know that there's a reason for them not to offer it. But there may be an additional fee. I'm fairly sure it $5/mo on T-Mobile.

 

[Fozziebear71]

Cellular service with 3 hours of battery life. apple watch battery is already poor. Adding cellular service would make it piss poor.[/QUOTE

I don't want an Apple Watch with cellular service. But, my wife and I both have Series II watches and when we put them on the charger at night they always have more than 60% battery life remaining. We use them with the GPS for workouts and nothing is disabled on either watch. If you are having trouble with battery life on your Apple Watch there is something wrong with your watch.

 

[groovyd]

well i would say this is a complete fabrication as cellular modems use huge amounts of power considering they have to transmit to a cell tower that could be a mile away. just no way to manage that sort of power budget in such a device still and have any sort of useable runtime otherwise. turn on the gps and now you are completely out of power.

 

[lordofthereef]

Cellular service with 3 hours of battery life. apple watch battery is already poor. Adding cellular service would make it piss poor.

Idk how to respond to this. My battery is between 60-75% at the end of a 14 hour day. There's usually an hour at the gym in there. Day that I am able to run outside are closer to 50. I wouldn't call that awful. But hey,
To each their own.