Yeah I agree. GPS alone was nice, but to really be able to leave your phone at home, LTE is needed. However, for me even LTE isn't enough. What I need is to actually be able to do more on the standalone watch, specifically listen to podcasts. Apparently the workaround that Overcast was able to use in WatchOS 3 is going away in WatchOS 4. If I'm going to be running, biking, hiking without my phone, I need it to be able to access podcasts and/or audiobooks. That's my jamI also have a version 0 SS... still happy with it. GPS and greater water resistance was nice, but not enough to upgrade. To me, LTE is the holy grail. Not to make calls, though handy in a pinch. If in some circumstances I could just leave my phone at home and head out with my watch and know that I can remain connected for texts and emails.. that would be perfect. Disconnect without completely isolating myself. No big phone, no social media, no phone calls, but able to get important messages...Perfect.
I have a series 0 SS. I will upgrade to a black steel and I think I am fairly certain sleep tracking will not be included in this iteration. If somehow that happens, I want to get a ceramic one. Apple, I am willing to pay more if you can include this sleep tracking functionality since I often have a sleeping problem. Once the always-on display feature becomes a reality, I might consider an Hermes one, too.
I will upgrade my watch to series 3 if there is a form or shape change that can distinguish it from series 2. If the series 3 form does not change and cannot be differentiated from series 2, no upgrade regardless there is LTE in it. I only buy something that can be seen that I have the latest and greatest with beautiful attention getter and eye catching business color
Apple Watch Series 3 models have entered the "final testing phase" in the manufacturing process, with mass production set to begin soon, according to a new Chinese-language Economic Daily News report [Google Translate].
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The report, citing unnamed supply chain sources, said Taiwan-based manufacturer Quanta Computer will begin shipping Apple Watch Series 3 models to Apple in the fourth quarter, lining up with the smartwatch's widely rumored September launch, alongside new iPhones and possibly a 4K-capable Apple TV.
Apple Watch Series 2 models and slightly upgraded Series 1 models launched last September alongside the iPhone 7, so it's reasonable to assume that Series 3 models could launch this September as well. The original Apple Watch, now unofficially dubbed Series 0, launched in April 2015.
The rest of the report cites KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who recently claimed Apple Watch Series 3 will be available in both Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi + LTE models in 38mm and 42mm sizes. Kuo said the cellular-enabled model will have an embedded SIM, but it might support VoIP calling only.
Apple Watch Series 3 models will also reportedly have improved performance and longer battery life, at least for the Wi-Fi-only version.
What's less certain is whether the Apple Watch will be significantly redesigned for the first time since being unveiled in September 2014.
Apple blogger John Gruber recently said he heard Apple Watch Series 3 models could have an all-new form factor, but he stressed that the tidbit came from an unconfirmed source who could be wrong. Kuo, meanwhile, said Apple Watch Series 3 models won't have any "obvious" form factor changes.
"It could also be that both my birdie and Kuo are correct," said Gruber, in a follow-up post yesterday. "The phrase 'will not feature an obvious new form factor' leaves a lot of wiggle room with the word 'obvious'," he added.
Few other details are known about the next Apple Watch at this point, and no components have leaked from the supply chain yet.
Apple has filed patents for a number of ideas that could eventually be included in an Apple Watch, such as a heart rate identification system, modular bands, haptic feedback band, and a band with a built-in charger. More significant health and fitness features could be added pending further FDA approvals.
Article Link: Apple Watch Series 3 Enters 'Final Testing Phase' Ahead of Rumored September Launch
Wake me up, when the battery life will be at least 5 working days.
There has to be some more incentive to buy a Series 3 than just better battery life and faster CPU for those who have no interest in LTE.
I'd like to see sleep tracking (perhaps combined with superfast recharging to enable wearing it overnight) and an always-on watch face.
Am I the only one ultra disappointed with Apple Watch?!
I have series 1, it's always been super slow... 80% of third party apps take a good 30 secs to launch (if ever) making it unusable...
I find it useless overall. It pains me to think how much I spent on this useless gadget!
The only thing I ever liked about it was the fitness feature the first few months I bought it, after which I got annoyed to even go through the UI to start a workout.
I also like receiving text messages on there, but that's about it.
What do you guys think of Apple Watch overall?
My wife and I use AutoSleep to track our sleep every night. It's been great. (series 2)Apple already sells Beddit sleep monitoring accessory for your iPhone. I don't think we are going to see sleep monitoring in Apple Watch in the near future.
If this is what is holding you back from getting one, you are missing the boat.Wake me up, when the battery life will be at least 5 working days.
Wake me up, when the battery life will be at least 5 working days.
Either the product is done testing, and ready for launch next month -OR, the product is entering final testing and will not be ready for launch by next month. Just my opinion.
My iPhone 7 is always with me. My Apple Watch Series 2 never gets below 60% battery by midnight when I charge it and I wear it from 7AM to midnight daily swimming, showering, working on my car, doing yard work and it's insanely fast and I can do a lot of stuff while keeping my phone in my pocket.
I'm not certain LTE Inclusion will be enough to get me to upgrade, neither will 2x speeds. The Series 2 is so perfect already. My GF's Series 0 on the other hand is in desperate need of an upgrade even with Watch OS 3's speed improvements.
Not buying until it has 4K... get it together Apple.