Apple Watch 3 Won't Have 'Obvious Change' to Form Factor, LTE to Be Main Selling Point

[MacRumors]

The third-generation Apple Watch, expected to be introduced alongside new iPhones this fall, does not feature an obvious change to form factor, according to KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

In a new note shared with investors this afternoon, Kuo says LTE connectivity will be the main selling point of the new device.

The Apple Watch will keep the same two case sizes, 38mm and 42mm, and will be available in LTE and non-LTE versions, much like the iPad. Previous rumors have suggested the major carriers in the United States will offer add-on cellular service for the new LTE Apple Watch, and the plans may work similarly to iPad data plans.

Kuo believes shipments of the new Apple Watch models will reach 8 to 9 million units in the second half of 2017, with the LTE model to account for 35 to 40 percent of shipments. Overall, he forecasts 17.5 to 18 million units shipped in 2017, up 70 percent year-over-year.

According to Kuo, to drive major growth, Apple needs to introduce a radical form factor change, more FDA approvals supporting medical and health applications, and 5G commercialization.

Bloomberg first suggested the third-generation Apple Watch would include support for LTE in early August, allowing the wrist-worn device to be uncoupled from the iPhone for the first time.

Following Bloomberg's report, Daring Fireball's John Gruber said he had heard from a "little birdie" that the third-generation Apple Watch would feature an "all-new form factor," but he warned that the information might be inaccurate.

Based on Kuo's report and a lack of rumors hinting at major design changes, it appears we may not see significant design changes after all.

Article Link: Apple Watch 3 Won't Have 'Obvious Change' to Form Factor, LTE to Be Main Selling Point

 

[farewelwilliams]

it looks like john gruber has a personal vendetta against mark gurman.

first he attacked mark gurman for being late in the rumors. then when mark posted a scoop on the apple watch 3, gruber mentioned that mark missed the form factor change (which he did mention to take it with a grain of salt).

will offer add-on cellular service for the new LTE Apple Watch, and the plans may work similarly to iPad data plans

it might be feasible at $1/mo, but even then i still wouldn't pay for it. maybe apple will offer a free 2 year service.

 

[gsmornot]

Thats fine.

Edit: The more I think about this the more I dont want another device on my plan. I might buy an LTE version so I can but I dont know that I want another charge on the account since what I have today suits me fine. Maybe my better buy is an update without LTE, guess I will have to see if they announce anything and what they have to say about it.

 

[gemoritzt]

Sad, just waiting for a slimmer Apple Watch.

 

[profets]

I’m very curious to see how Apple with work with carriers for the cellular connectivity / plans for the Watch. Being an eSIM, I hope it doesn’t take forever for carriers to get on board. I’m mainly worried it’ll be limited to a few carriers in the US at launch.

it looks like john gruber has a personal vendetta against mark gurman.

first he attacked mark gurman for being late in the rumors. then when mark posted a scoop on the apple watch 3, gruber mentioned that mark missed the form factor change (which he did mention to take it with a grain of salt).

Have you listened to the episode (maybe few years back now) when Gurman was on the Talk Show with Gruber? Pretty interesting interactions with them.

 

[pat500000]

The form factor is okay. I hoped they would implement scratch proof material on bottom side of the watch.

 

[576316]

Argh, really? Would a slightly slimmer version be too much to ask for, even if they never give us a round one?

 

[HiRez]

*sigh* was really hoping for a slimmer design. Oh well, on to Apple Watch 4.

 

[BWhaler]

Gruber vs. Ming-Chi Kuo

Who has the correct rumor???

 

[OldSchoolMacGuy]

Here come the complaints.

 

[Michael Scrip]

it looks like john gruber has a personal vendetta against mark gurman.

first he attacked mark gurman for being late in the rumors. then when mark posted a scoop on the apple watch 3, gruber mentioned that mark missed the form factor change (which he did mention to take it with a grain of salt).

Here's what I don't understand...

People always say Mark Gurman is good at reporting on future Apple products.

But he obviously has a reliable source somewhere, right? He's not figuring this stuff out on his own. He doesn't seem to possess some special skill.

I'd be good at reporting future products if I had someone feeding me information!

 

[LuckyBubba]

Sold! my apple watch is for function only and not the form. With 2 cigarettes sticking out of my ears all day (AirPods), that seems to be enough to distract people away from what I'm wearing on my wrist.

 

[Menel]

Argh, really? Would a slightly slimmer version be too much to ask for, even if they never give us a round one?

wait, I thought people were saying screw slimmer, we want more battery!?!? im so confused

Will Safari at least be snappier?

 

[WRChris]

Is there a lot of demand to pay carriers more money? I'll wait another year if that's the only difference. My watch series 0 is going strong but looks like hell.

I don't see anyone offering this service for free(included in my crazy monthly service charge) and that's a shame because that's the only way I would partake.

I can see tomorrow's article already: Apple Watch 3 supply constraints at launch. Lol

 

[576316]

wait, I thought people were saying screw slimmer, we want more battery!?!? im so confused

Will Safari at least be snappier?

I think battery life is fine. I want a round version of Apple Watch!

 

[farewelwilliams]

Here's what I don't understand...

People always say Mark Gurman is good at reporting on future Apple products. (maybe not this time though...)

But he obviously has a reliable source somewhere, right? He's not figuring this stuff out on his own. He doesn't seem to possess some special skill.

I'd be good at reporting future products if I had someone feeding me information!

what do you mean? mark gurman seems to be accurate this time as well as most of his previous reports.

 

[DotCom2]

Well we'll soon find out who's "Little Bird" is more accurate. I'm hoping Gruber's.

 

[H.Finch]

I'll be that last weirdo holding out because I still think it’s too thick...It's un-Apple-y inelegant for my taste...

 

[Michael Scrip]

what do you mean? mark gurman seems to be accurate this time as well as most of his previous reports.

Ok... I don't know much about this time... I was going off what you said Gruber said. Scratch that. Let me start over...

Does Mark Gurman have people feeding him information?

If so... then what is Mark Gurman good at? He's just reporting what other people are telling him, right?

I could do that too. It doesn't require any special skills.

 

[saxman211]

That's it??? LTE? I'm fine with what I have... I wonder if they'll come out with a special band for it.. One that can do more things.. Maybe read
blood pressure??

The third-generation Apple Watch, expected to be introduced alongside new iPhones this fall, does not feature an obvious change to form factor, according to KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.

In a new note shared with investors this afternoon, Kuo says LTE connectivity will be the main selling point of the new device.

The Apple Watch will keep the same two case sizes, 38mm and 42mm, and will be available in LTE and non-LTE versions, much like the iPad. Previous rumors have suggested the major carriers in the United States will offer add-on cellular service for the new LTE Apple Watch, and the plans may work similarly to iPad data plans.

Kuo believes shipments of the new Apple Watch models will reach 8 to 9 million units in the second half of 2017, with the LTE model to account for 35 to 40 percent of shipments. Overall, he forecasts 17.5 to 18 million units shipped in 2017, up 70 percent year-over-year.

According to Kuo, to drive major growth, Apple needs to introduce a radical form factor change, more FDA approvals supporting medical and health applications, and 5G commercialization.

Bloomberg first suggested the third-generation Apple Watch would include support for LTE in early August, allowing the wrist-worn device to be uncoupled from the iPhone for the first time.

Following Bloomberg's report, Daring Fireball's John Gruber said he had heard from a "little birdie" that the third-generation Apple Watch would feature an "all-new form factor," but he warned that the information might be inaccurate.

Based on Kuo's report and a lack of rumors hinting at major design changes, it appears we may not see significant design changes after all.

Article Link: Apple Watch 3 Won't Have 'Obvious Change' to Form Factor, LTE to Be Main Selling Point

 

[69Mustang]

maybe apple will offer a free 2 year service.

Tee hee. This seems likely. Seriously, those who want LTE connectivity will pay for the service. Those who don't want LTE will get the regular AW3. Those who want LTE but don't want to pay for the service, they'll just have to get the regular AW3 or suck it up and pay for the service. Choice is good thing.

Apple offering 2 years free service...

 

[GQB]

The form factor is okay. I hoped they would implement scratch proof material on bottom side of the watch.

I'd like them to offer Sapphire with the aluminum watch. I actually prefer alum to steel and sad that I can't get a better face.

 

[Aluminum213]

If Apple changes the Apple Watch band size, I will be done with the Apple Watch for good at that moment

 

[jclardy]

Intersting how many people want a "slimmer design." The Apple Watch is already thinner than most mechanical watches, unless you compare it to cheap quartz movement watches.

Otherwise, having LTE on AW seems interesting. I really wonder how it will affect battery life, and how decent reception will be. Having the option to not carry a phone at all, and just take AW + AirPods is a pretty interesting thought.

 

[Manatee]

Still hoping they broaden the line of Apple Watches to meet the needs of various users, will are versions having a core feature set and UI.

For myself, I'd like a larger watch with more features like the Garmin Fenix, more data on screen, and more battery.

Others would prefer a slimmer version, which would be more like a classic, stylish watch.