“Apple Inc. is planning to release a version of its smartwatch later this year that can connect directly to cellular networks, a move designed to reduce the device’s reliance on the iPhone, people familiar with the matter said,” Mark Gurman, Scott Moritz, and Ian King report for Bloomberg.
“Currently, Apple requires its smartwatch to be connected wirelessly to an iPhone to stream music, download directions in maps, and send messages while on the go,” Gurman, Moritz, and King report. “Equipped with LTE chips, at least some new Apple Watch models, planned for release by the end of the year, will be able to conduct many tasks without an iPhone in range, the people said. For example, a user would be able to download new songs and use apps and leave their smartphone at home.”
“While the Apple Watch remains a small part of Apple’s overall revenue, Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook said earlier this week it’s the best-selling smartwatch “by a very wide margin.” Sales of the device grew more than 50 percent in the third quarter, Cook added,” Gurman, Moritz, and King report. “Making the Apple Watch more of a standalone device may boost sales of the product. ‘It would be a game changer,’ said Gene Munster, co-founder of Loup Ventures and a long-time Apple analyst. ‘If they could deliver an experience that isn’t tethered to an iPhone, it could kick start a new direction for the business.'”
Read more in the full article here.
MacDailyNews Take: Bring it on – with Apple Smartbands™, too, pretty please!
Cellular connectivity – either built into the Watch case itself or via a Smartband – would supercharge Apple Watch sales! – MacDailyNews, July 21, 2017
SEE ALSO:
Apple Watch Series 3 reportedly set to arrive this fall – July 26, 2017
Apple Watch Series 3 could sport MicroLED display, cellular connectivity, Apple Smartbands – July 21, 2017
Apple Watch 3 rumor, er… watch – July 5, 2017
Apple Watch sales could soar with new U.S. FDA plan – June 19, 2017
Apple appears to be working on blood glucose monitoring as a way to address Type 2 Diabetes – May 22, 2017
Apple reportedly working on incorporating blood glucose sensor into Apple Watch – May 15, 2017
Apple secret team reportedly working holy grail for treating diabetes; initially envisioned by Steve Jobs – April 12, 2017
Apple patent details Apple Watch smart bands – January 24, 2017
Emails between Apple and FDA hint at future plans – December 1, 2016
Analyst: Apple smartbands are a part of the Apple Watch’s future – April 8, 2016
Apple patent application hints at Apple Watch ‘Smartbands’ utilizing hidden 6-pin data connector – February 20, 2016
[Thanks to MacDailyNews Readers “Fred Mertz” and “Dan K.” for the heads up.]
THIS will sell.
a ton.
What do you care? You hate Apple under the guidance of that faggot, Tim Cook, remember?
Why are you even here, except to annoy? Oh… Right. You and Fisty run MDN. I forgot.
Another cell plan for a device that wouldn’t use much data. It better be cheap.
I can see the US Telcos breaking it down like this …
T-Mobile, Sprint and AT&T – “tether your WATCH chip to your iPhone data plan free of charge – it’s your data share it between those devices”
Verizon – “$15/month”
This is a game changer.
Industry killer
Please do NOT build LTE into bands, it must be in the watch.
If its in a band then what happens to people that want multiple bands, stainless steel for some occasion and a sport band for another. They will be forced into paying a premium for LTE in each band they want.
LTE in a band is a stupid idea MDN
Agree on the LTE, but a flexible battery in the strap would be welcomed.
The band might serve as the antenna and might also provide supplemental battery power.
I don’t plan on having multiple bands, so I really don’t care that much. But, for people who change bands for fashion, I see your point.
Edition, my body is ready!
That might be a big market, though
I have the first Apple Watch which still serves me well. Won’t be using another one until it has blood glucose reading capability which we know is coming but whether it’s the Apple Watch 3, 4 or 5 though is anyone’s guess.
I smell a law suit. Warren Beatty owns the rights to Dick Tracy. He will claim that Apple is copying the Dick Tracy watch which could be considered prior art.
Blood glucose reading will sell billions of Watches, literally.
The whole Health capability will make it a necessity.
it’s estimated there are 300 million people who suffer from diabetes worldwide, even more who are unaware they have it…this feature could be like a “Salk polio vaccine” to so many people. Really, just a wonderful thing.
I don’t like you, botvinnik, but I have to agree with you in this case. A reliable blood glucose monitor function could help millions to better maintain their glucose levels, not only to avoid spikes, but also to avoid dangerous lows. The Apple Watch can trend your readings and provide warnings before the situation gets dangerous, similar to the current heart rate monitoring.
You didn’t have to reply with your opinion of him all you had to do with state your comment
No, putting botty in his place cannot happen too often. Dean thinks he knows everything when all he does is paarot alt right talking points.
He also has no understanding of the difference between a vaccine and a medical monitor. One cures, the other (along with pharma) is the holy grail for medical profiteers that have little to no incentive to cure anything.
Most diabetes can be cured with diet and exercise. The fact that diabetes is a growing epidemic just shows that fatasses like Dean Clark need to step away from the internet and do something useful with your life.
Bottyboy should hope there’s no BS sensor in the new watch, if so he’d be in a world of trouble 😉
The transmitter in the watch would need considerably more power to reach a cell tower than it needs now to reach an iPhone via Bluetooth. I worry that having a source that much radiation straped to one’s body would be dangerous. Can someone suggest how such a health risk could be mitigated?
Wear a fishnet full bodysuit made of metal.