Apple took the wraps off its new Apple Series 3 Watch today with plenty of new features and an added bonus. Now the phone has cellular capabilities negating the need to take your iPhone everywhere.
The Series 3 boasts a redesign over the Series 2, now with a dual core processor that is 70% faster. This gives the watch the ability to now have a talking Siri, 85% faster WiFi connections, and access to Apple"s library of 40 million songs. It also has a new W2 chip for improved Bluetooth and wireless capabilities.
However, the cellular capability was the biggest challenge, since any type of SIM card, even a Nano-SIM, would be too large for the Watch. So Apple is using an eSIM, with the watch"s display acting as its antenna. Perhaps the most amazing part of the watch is that it will have exactly the same case size as the Series 2. The cellular ability also allows the watch to take calls from your iPhone without the need for a separate phone number.
A new Brush Gold color has been added to the previously existing colors. The upgraded ceramic version will still be available, but a new Dark Gray ceramic model will also be available.
The Series 3 Apple Watch will be available for pre-order at a price of $399 beginning on September 15, in Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Japan, Switzerland, UK, and the United States, with delivery starting on September 22. The Apple Series 2 watches will still be available for $329, while the Series 1s will now sell for $249.
Apple CEO Tim Cook revealed during the Apple Keynote that the Apple Watch was now the #1 watch in the world, with a 97% customer satisfaction rate. One of the biggest features for the watch for customers is the sports feature that monitored heart functions. Apple is improving its heart rate app to allow for monitoring of resting heart rate and recovering heart rate. The app will also detect elevated heart rates and alert you if it appears you are not active in a workout.
Apple has also partnered with Standford University on a Heart Rate Study that will come to the App Store later this year.