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'Apple Watch Series 3' Models Expected in Second Half of 2017 With September Launch Likely

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The next-generation Apple Watch is scheduled to be released in the second half of 2017, according to supply chain newspaper DigiTimes.

apple-watch-3-splash-800x618.jpg

The timeline matches a Chinese-language Economic Daily News report that claimed new Apple Watch models will be unveiled in the third quarter of 2017, aka fall, with battery life and performance improvements.

Apple Watch Series 2 models and slightly upgraded Series 1 models launched in September alongside the iPhone 7, so it is reasonable to assume that Series 3 models could launch in September as well. The original Apple Watch, now dubbed Series 0, launched in April 2015.

In addition to a faster processor and longer battery life, cellular connectivity has been a long-rumored addition to the Apple Watch, and SIG analyst Christopher Rolland believes LTE capabilities could be included in Series 3 models. KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo also said LTE could be added as early as 2017.

With a cellular connection, Apple Watch owners would not need a paired iPhone nearby to do things like make phone calls or stream Apple Music content, but a separate data plan from a carrier would likely be needed.

Apple is also expected to switch to a glass-film touchscreen this year in place of the current touch-on-lens solution, but it is unclear if this change would have any obvious consumer-facing benefits.

The overall design of the Apple Watch has not changed since the original models launched in April 2015, but one report yet to be substantiated claims Series 3 models will have few if any significant hardware changes. Apple has instead introduced new bands each season to offer a fresh look and feel.

Few other details are known about the next Apple Watch at this point, and no parts 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.

Quanta Computer is expected to remain the primary manufacturer of the Apple Watch, with some production reportedly shifting to Compal Electronics.

Article Link: 'Apple Watch Series 3' Models Expected in Second Half of 2017 With September Launch Likely
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2017/04/05/apple-watch-series-3-second-half-2017/
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Reactions: Sunny1990
I really wish they would stagger these releases so that everything isn't released at the same time. It would be nice to get new watches in the spring for example and maybe new phones in September and new Macs and whatnot in the summer. Seems like EVERYTHING hits toward the end of the year. (New releases/major changes anyway) Maybe it just *seems* that way.

In any case, looking forward to what they put in the new versions. I am still on the first watch...
 
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Reactions: dan110 and Cameroncafe10a
Great if it can match a high end Garmin. I have high expectations this round. No more of this Fitbit Deluxe nonsense. I want a true sports watch. The AW has the guts for this capability. Apple just has to put in the programming. If Garmin can do it Apple can do. How it does.
 
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Reactions: Col4bin, NightStorm and M.PaulCezanne
Didn't they just release Series 2? This seems a little unlike Apple. They waited a year and a half to release Series 1&2 after the originals released.
 
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Reactions: gim
Chupa Chupa said:
Great if it can match a high end Garmin. I have high expectations this round. No more of this Fitbit Deluxe nonsense. I want a true sports watch. The AW has the guts for this capability. Apple just has to put in the programming. If Garmin can do it Apple can do. How it does.
Click to expand...
This. I've been waiting for an Apple watch that can truly function on its own with mobile features we really need, like Garmin level GPS and runners biometrics, LTE, ApplePay, etc... If I want to be productive or view full screen, long-length video, I want a bigger screen and a keyboard anyway.

Now that the iPhone is apparently going to exceed $1,000, I'd prefer to spend my money on a truly functional mobile (watch) and a truly Pro Macbook over a system that requires me to dump my cash into 3 devices that each don't do enough.

But what are the odds Cook agrees it's better to sell us 2 devices rather than 3?
 
Is it possible to clone a sim card? In other words, if you already have a plan with data for your phone, can you basically duplicate the sim card in the phone and use it in a second device such as this conceptual LTE watch? Conceptually, you've paid for a block of data plus voice & texting. What's it matter if you burn through that data on one device or two? I'm guessing it's not as there are already non-phone devices with cellular modems (tablets, computers, cars, etc).
 
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Shalev said:
Always on display and my 0 gen will retire for good :)
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For me, I don't think I need an always on display. The wrist detection is acceptable, for now. What I would love is a better response time for wrist detection.

There's a subtle, un-Apple-like, break in the magic using wrist detection. If they can improve the response time for the screen to turn on, that would be all that I need. I'll even tolerate false wrist detection activations, at the cost of battery life, for a better response time.
 
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My wife and I recently purchased two SS Series 2 watches. We love them and they have been instrumental in getting me to start exercising and running again. Regardless, if the next watch requires another cell/data bill I'll more than likely move on to a dedicated running/exercise watch like a Suunto or Garmin. I absolutely do not need or want another cell bill.

Not to mention, it boggles my mind that until a month or two ago you couldn't just walk in an Apple store and purchase a SS watch and there are rumors about a new watch this fall. At the rate Apple is going with the production of many of their products you won't be able to even purchase one until spring of next year.
 
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Reactions: eastmanweb, BvizioN, jbachandouris and 1 other person
ftaok said:
For me, I don't think I need an always on display. The wrist detection is acceptable, for now. What I would love is a better response time for wrist detection.

There's a subtle, un-Apple-like, break in the magic using wrist detection. If they can improve the response time for the screen to turn on, that would be all that I need. I'll even tolerate false wrist detection activations, at the cost of battery life, for a better response time.
Click to expand...

This, and custom sounds for certain apps. This can be done as a software update my Series 0 will still be just fine.
 
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