A report yesterday from DigiTimes that got the internet abuzz about the upcoming Apple Watch 3 is fueling speculation that the new wearable will launch alongside the much-anticipated iPhone 8. With Quanta Computer, a main manufacturer of the Apple Watch, indicating that it expects revenues to increase in the coming quarter; industry analysts are expecting the iPhone 8 and Apple Watch 3 to launch at the same time.
If you have been following tech news at all over the past month, you are well-aware that iPhone 8 rumors have dominated the news cycle. New renders, rumored pricing, exciting features, potential delays… It seems like every day has brought something new for us tech writers to chew on. Lost in the noise has been the Apple Watch 3.
Part of the reason for that is the unknown release schedule of the Apple Watch. We are only two generations into the life of the Apple Watch and we have seen two different release dates. Apple is known for sticking to a consistent release schedule so it was hard to pin down whether we would see the Apple Watch 3 in the spring or the fall.
The launch of two new devices this fall would make for an amazing event for Apple fans. Of course, this year marks the 10th anniversary of the original iPhone and, if the rumors are to be believed, Apple appears to be pulling out all the stops to make this a launch cycle to remember. Release the iPhone 8 and Apple Watch 3 at the same time and there should be smiles on the faces of both Apple fans and Apple shareholders.
A lot of people may not have the money to drop by and pick up an iPhone 8 and an Apple Watch 3 in one fell swoop but there will be a few consumers who will make spend the money to upgrade their entire tech wardrobe this fall. So, what can we expect from the two upcoming devices?
iPhone 8
The iPhone 8 has been driving the tech rumor mill this summer. Leaked renders have been coming hard and fast while speculation from industry analysts continues to build the iPhone 8 hype.
The design should be a noticeable shift from what we have come to expect from Apple. Say goodbye to the home button! Say goodbye to bezels! The iPhone 8 promises to be a sleek device that marks the 10 year anniversary of the iPhone.
A beautiful new OLED screen will be a treat for users. 3D face scanning technology should offer a new way to unlock the device, authorize payments through Apple Pay, and access secure apps. Plus, iOS 11 will introduce new features that iPhone users have been begging for. Overall, Apple is lined up to hit the iPhone 8 launch out of the park.
Apple Watch 3
Up until yesterday, there wasn’t much talk about the Apple Watch 3. Now, we can’t seem to get enough of it. Compared to the iPhone 8, the Apple Watch 3 has hardly seen any leaks. Although there have been a few hints as to what we can expect.
First of all, it sounds like the Apple Watch 3 will feature a slimmer and lighter watch face. There are competing rumors about whether the Apple Watch will get an entirely new design, perhaps moving from a square face to a round face. For now, let’s assume they are sticking with the square face. After all, Apple controls nearly 50% of the smart watch market – why mess with a good thing?
There are some rumors based on patent designs that Apple has submitted that seem to suggest there will be modular smart bands available for the Apple Watch 3. Of course, these patent designs often get filed and then never used but this kind of feature would make a lot of sense. After all, there is only so much computing power you can fit into such a small form factor. A smart band with an external battery could free up some space in the Apple Watch for additional features.
Finally, a lot of analysts seem to be convinced that the Apple Watch 3 will feature cellular connectivity. Of course, right now the Apple Watch can only send and receive information when connected with an iPhone. Adding cellular connectivity would be great for fitness enthusiasts who want to leave their iPhone at home during a run or workout without losing the ability to make phone calls or send texts.
Final Thoughts
If the iPhone 8 and Apple Watch 3 do, in fact, get officially announced at the same time; it would be a massive event for Apple and Apple fans. With this year being the 10th anniversary of the iPhone, it makes sense for Apple to want to pull out all the stops. New iPhone, new Apple Watch, and a new mortgage on your home if you want to buy it all at once. In any case, this fall is shaping up to be big for Apple.
