Wow, it seems like only yesterday we were here discussing the new features and updates in the Gen 2 Apple Watch, also known as the Apple Watch Series 2. And wouldn’t you know it, not long before that the reveal of the very first smartwatch from the tech giant.
Guess what? Here we are again, and this time it’s to reveal some of the new updated features in the latest iteration, the Apple Watch Series 3. As you might expect, however, not much has changed in terms of design and style.
The Apple Watch Series 3 still looks like a, well, an Apple Watch. In fact, you could sit the three models side-by-side and you’d never be able to tell the difference. The visual changes are subtle, if at all present. But that’s never been Apple’s shtick. They deliver a product, and year after year they continue to perfect it even more. The same can be said of the Apple Watch, and the latest release is no exception to that rule.
Apple Watch Series 3: What’s New?
The most notable feature is, of course, the standalone call support. Part of this is due to features added in the latest software update WatchOS 4. It allows you to make untethered calls via the smartwatch, any time.
The Bluetooth and wireless streaming support has also been updated, which means you can listen via Apple AirPods with the music pinged directly from the watch. Before it was actually streaming from an iPhone, and able to be controlled remotely from the Apple Watch. That is no longer the case, and music streaming is so much more convenient. As Apple so brazenly claims, you can “stream 40 million songs from Apple Music right to your wrist.”
Storage has been doubled, which is somewhat necessary considering you can now store media content and stream it directly from the watch. As opposed to 8GB of storage space (with 2GB for music) you now have 16GB of space in the Apple Watch Series 3 (8GB is for GPS).
Also, GPS is built right into the watch allowing you to leave your iPhone at home – or in a bag – and still keep up-to-date location info. That includes monitoring or tracking a run or exercise session. Keep in mind, GPS was added in the Series 2 models, but not the first generation.
Mobile connectivity is better this time around too, as the beefed up Apple S3 processor and LTE support means faster and better bandwidth and cellular connections.
What Else Is Worth Discussing?
As with previous models, the Apple Watch Series 3 is water-resistant up to 5 ATM or 50 meters. You can take it in the shower, in the pool, or even surfing (yes, you can safely faceplant into the ocean surf). That is a big deal, and you’ll realize as soon as you try one of these on. Having to remove a smartwatch every time you’re going to be in contact with moisture gets old, especially if you want to track your exercise or activity despite doing so. Sweat, rain, pool and ocean water, and even fluids from drinks and other sources; it’s all relatively common. Having the Apple Watch water-resistant is much more ideal for dealing with these conditions.
Siri is supposedly “faster” and “smarter” on the new Apple Watch, due to some software and hardware changes. The new processor, for instance, has a dedicated chip for AI and machine learning. You may not even be able to notice the changes, but they’re certainly there. Siri will be just as responsive, personable, and accurate as you’ve come to know and love; and now she’s included on your wrist.
Customization is nearly endless from picking out your favorite model and band style to assigning a digital watchface. There are hundreds upon hundreds of options to choose from, including select and limited edition styles that are incredibly vivid and beautiful. The Apple Watch has always been functional, but it’s also always been attractive which is more than you can say for a lot of wearables out there.
Do I Need to Get the Apple Watch Series 3?
Look, we’ll level with you. If you already own one of the previous models of the Apple Watch, there’s not much to warrant buying the latest model. The only exception being, of course, the remote calling support. If that’s something you desperately need or want, then by all means, go for the upgrade.
Everything else, however, remains nearly the same, because all of the Apple Watch devices run the same firmware called WatchOS, similar to how the iPhones and iPads all run iOS. When Apple releases a firmware update, the older models receive it too.
Surprisingly, when Apple launched the Series 2, the original model – from that moment forward – received the same production updates, including the new processor. So, unless you bought the original original Apple Watch – as in the first units to hit store shelves – you likely have an up-to-date version.
If you don’t own the Apple Watch already, then this is definitely the time to jump in. More importantly, if you own Apple tech like iPhones, iPads, and Apple TV, the watch gives you another way to interface with and connect to all your favorite media, content, apps, and platforms. Siri, for example, is now on your wrist as opposed to just your phone.
The Apple Watch Series 3 – or any Apple Watch really – is unequivocally the smart device for any Apple fan. Does that mean it’s only for Apple fans and enthusiasts? Absolutely not. The Apple Watch is accessible to anyone of any age, and the Series 3 is no different.
When Can I Get the Apple Watch Series 3?
Seeing as the Apple Watch Series 3 was released on Friday September 22nd, 2017 it’s available now, at this very moment! Apple’s website has been updated to reflect the new models features and specs, so you can read more about the latest generation there too.
As for prices, the new model will start at $329 for the 38mm GPS version, up to $399 for the cellular and GPS model. It will cost $30 more for the 42mm variant.
The original Series 1 Apple Watch will remain priced at a lower $249. The Series 2 will likely drop in price too, though we’ll see just how much soon.
Whether you want the latest version, or you want to grab one of the older models at a great price, now is a good time to get onboard. The Apple Watch, in any capacity, is an incredibly capable, and reliable wearable device that continues to impress. You’d be hard-pressed to find a comparable smartwatch or smart wearable that can do just as much, if not more.