While the future of smart wearable technology is still to be decided products like the Apple Watch are to be updated later this year. According to those who know, Apple remains confident that its series 2 device met the needs of consumers. However, it’s clear that some additional features are required to make a possible series 3 watch a hit. As such, the rumor mill is suggesting a SIM-card slot or eSIM could be possible. Here’s what you need to know.
Apple Watch Series 3 with Sim-Card?
To start with let’s talk about the name, “Series 3.” It’s thought that this moniker is pretty much a certainty due to Apple’s predilection of following already self-set norms. The last Apple Watch was the Series 2, the next 3 and so on. So, it appears nothing will change on the name front. However, what could change is the connectivity of the device, in fact, possibly, in just one area. According to rumors, not yet backed up by Apple, its next smartwatch could be freed from its iPhone shackles!
Yes, it could get its very own SIM-card slot, meaning that no longer would Apple Watch owners need to carry both devices. In theory, the iPhone could be left at home, in a bag, or the car. With the possibly 4G smartwatch picking up the slack and being able to communicate autonomously. It’s something which Watch fans have been calling for since before the 1st device launched 2-years ago. So could 2017 be the year in which you can call, text, send MMS, and even surf the internet?
Right now, this is only a rumor, so take it with a pinch of salt. However, such an inclusion would be of phenomenal benefit to owners and the sales figures of the device. But, questions remain…
Standard SIM-Card Slot or eSIM?
If you’re not sure what an eSIM is, it’s basically a mobile connectivity chip that is embedded into a device. Apple has incorporated them into previous products such as cellular connected iPads. However, it is yet to do so with its smart wearables, could the Apple Watch Series 3 be the 1st? It’s possible; however, no consensus has yet been read by the rumor mill. So, we will have to wait and see how this story develops.
Design and Release Date
While stories are being thrown around the web, indicating that Apple is moving manufacture of the smartwatch from one to two companies. Early indications show that this has nothing to do with design. Instead, it’s about the manufacture of two different models being split between Quanta, the supplier of the Series 3. And Compal Electronics, which will be the manufacturer of the older Series 2.
As for design, nothing on the outside is expected to change; rumors suggest focus is on the internals of the Apple Watch. With the performance, battery life, and communications the key areas that will see improvement.
Finally, what about a release date? As you know, Apple keeps these things close to its chest, and there’s no change here. Instead, the only thing we have to go on is last years date. Back then, the Series 2 was launched alongside the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus so September could be the answer.
As always, we will keep you informed as and when new information comes to light. In the meantime, please use the comments section below to share your thoughts, including what you hope Apple incorporates into its next smartwatch.