“Apple is gearing up to release a new Apple Watch which will not require tethering to an iPhone for key functions like calls, making it a standalone device, a source with knowledge of the matter told CNBC,” Arjun Kharpal reports for CNBC. “The U.S. tech giant will launch the next generation Apple Watch in September, the source said, when it is also expected to take the wraps off three new iPhone models.”
“The next generation version will have cellular connectivity, likely via an embedded SIM,” Kharpal reports. “Adding cellular connectivity will allow people to carry out tasks such as streaming music without the need for an iPhone present. A September unveiling also makes sense because Apple has already announced plans to release watchOS 4 — its wearable operating system — in the fall.”
“CNBC’s source backs up an earlier report from Bloomberg which said that Intel will supply the modems required for cellular capability on the Apple Watch. That report also said AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, and T-Mobile US plan to sell the device, citing sources,” Kharpal reports. “Apple could also be seeking partnerships with carriers in Europe, CNBC understands.”
Read more in the full article here.
MacDailyNews Take: We can’t wait for this!
Again, we’re generally only without our iPhones when we’re running, swimming, and participating in other sports/activities. During those few hours per day, we’d have the cellular capability available for use, if necessary, in our Apple Watches. At all other times, the Watch would know the iPhone was in range and would use its cellular radio instead, as usual.
SEE ALSO:
Ming-Chi Kuo: Next-gen LTE Apple Watch to retain current form factor – August 14, 2017
How Apple could put an LTE radio into Apple Watch without killing battery life – August 7, 2017
An LTE-equipped Apple Watch could be a good sign for Intel – August 7, 2017
Apple Watch LTE will be a game changer – August 7, 2017
Apple plans to release a cellular-capable Apple Watch later this year – August 4, 2017
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
Maybe the best thing to happen to the aWatch..it definitely will have my attention if that happens. I stopped wearing watches once the iPhone was released–so the whole wearing of a watch that is/was tethered to the iphone thing made no sense to me–2 devices. LTE enabled aWatch will allow us to go iPhoneless–which imo is a huge step forward. I only wish Apple would update the form-factor to a slimmer profile–aWatch is still too bulky in size imo
” LTE enabled aWatch will allow us to go iPhoneless–which imo is a huge step forward.”
Us? There will be very few if any to turn their $900 iPhone for a $300-$750 iWatch with a 2 inch screen.
The watch would be fabulous if they somehow put the battery in the strap- leaving more space in the watch itself as well as reducing the charging frequency!!
It’s fine. I can’t see it being a huge selling feature though. I just don’t think large numbers of people were holding off on buying one because they couldn’t make calls. If I’m actively participating in a sporting activity I don’t want to be able to contact people or be contacted. If I’m out hiking or something I have my phone to take pictures (I also have a spare phone in my pack). Streaming music is fine, but I can store music on the device already. If I’m without my phone I’m not digging around for new stuff, I just stick on a playlist and that’s it. It’s not a bad thing, but it’s certainly not something I’d pay more for, or get rid of my year old watch for. I’d rather have longer batter life so if I do forget to charge it before bed (I like to wear it monitor my sleep) I can go two full days of active use. I’m never going to dump my iPhone so just cramming in extra stuff to the Apple Watch gets redundant after a while. Make it smaller, faster, lighter, more powerful (my Apple watch still crashes on occasion).
The main benefit I see is the increased potential functionality of apps when not tethered to the phone – like checking live radar when on a run from the watch – most 3rd party apps don’t work without the phone being there.
Chaz: I assume you might want to seek professional help. You can only run from your watch, so long.
This will let many to live alone. To the legion elderly, the Apple Watch 3 release date will be Independence Day.