Apple Watch Series 3 with built in LTE support, watchOS 4, to start selling at $399

The first major product update that was announced **at the Apple event** at the Steve Jobs Theatre was the Apple Watch Series 3, which now comes with cellular support. This means that you will no longer need to keep the Watch paired with your iPhone. The Apple Watch Series 3 Cellular will start at $399 and the non-Cellular version will be starting from $329. Pre-orders for Watch Series 3 will begin on 15 September and the Watch will start shipping on 22 September.

The **Apple Watch** Series 3 Cellular comes with an in-built electronic SIM or eSIM which is magnitudes smaller than a nano SIM card. This ensures that the Watch is connected to your telecom network, even when it is not tethered to an iPhone. It comes with 16 GB storage capacity and houses the W2 chip. The non-cellular version which is priced at $329 comes with an 8 GB capacity.

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The Watch Series 3 houses a dual-core processor inside which offers a 70 percent performance improvement over previous generation Watch. The W2 chip inside the Watch is meant to ensure optimal use for Bluetooth and wireless connectivity and maintaining power efficiency. The Apple Watch Series 3 will run on watchOS 4, an enhanced version of the watchOS.

The cellular Watch will let you make and receive calls, independent of the iPhone. You can use the same phone number that you use with the iPhone, so that you can receive calls on the same number when the iPhone isn’t around. Apple Watch Series 3 Cellular will also support access to Apple Music independently.

In terms of looks, not much has changed, barring the added thickness on the rear side crystal of the Watch. The Cellular version of the Watch is distinguishable with a red dot on the crown.

The Apple Watch Series 3 comes with improved heart rate functionalities. There will be a new heart rate complication on the Watch face. Parameters such as the resting heart rate and a recovering heart rate will also be measured. You will also be notified in case you have an elevated heart rate even when you are not being active.

Apple also announced that it would be collaborating with Stanford University to do an ‘Apple Heart Study’, which would be coming to the App Store later this year.

“We believe the addition of cellular will transform the way people use Apple Watch, providing a new sense of freedom since they can stay connected with or without their iPhone,” said Jeff Williams, Apple’s chief operating officer. “Apple Watch Series 3 combined with the power of watchOS 4 is the ultimate device for a healthy life.”