On August 4th Patently Apple posted a report titled "The Apple Watch Breakthrough that we've all been waiting for may arrive in Q4." The Apple Watch as a phone has been a dream for sometime, but the mystical Apple Guru said no way, no phone calling on the next Apple Watch. Ha! Today Apple introduced Apple Watch Series 3 that indeed allows users to make phone calls and will begin shipping on September 22. For me, it was a real 'Wow' moment of the keynote because it took me by surprise. The guru got it so wrong. Congratulations to the Apple Watch team for this breakthrough.

Yes, today Apple introduced the Apple Watch Series 3, adding built-in cellular to the world's number one watch. Whether users are out for a run, at the pool or just trying to be more active throughout their day, Apple Watch Series 3 with cellular allows them to stay connected, make calls, receive texts and more, even without iPhone nearby. The third-generation Apple Watch is an amazing health and fitness companion with intelligent coaching features, water resistance 50 meters1 and a new barometric altimeter that measures relative elevation. Apple Watch Series 3 comes in two models, one with GPS and cellular, and one with GPS, both featuring a 70 percent faster dual-core processor and new wireless chip.

Jeff Williams, Apple's chief operating officer stated that "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. Apple Watch Series 3 combined with the power of watchOS 4 is the ultimate device for a healthy life."

(Apple Watch Edition in a new Gray Ceramic)

Soon, the combination of cellular and watchOS 4 will allow Apple Music users to stream 40 million songs right from their wrist. Beginning Friday, September 15, Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) will be available to order in 10 countries and territories, and Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS) will be available to order in 28 countries and territories. Both models are available in stores starting Friday, September 22.

Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) features a full LTE and UMTS cellular radio that switches seamlessly to cellular when it is away from iPhone. The watch shares the same number as iPhone so there's no need to provide an additional number to family, friends or colleagues; and to help get customers started, participating carriers are also offering special introductory cellular plans at launch. Customers have the ability to make cellular calls directly with Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) and, when paired with AirPods, enjoy a seamless and fully wireless experience. Apple also pioneered an industry-first antenna design that uses the display itself as both a transmitting and receiving element for LTE and UMTS, while introducing a built-in eSIM that is over one-hundredth the size of a traditional SIM card, making over-the-air activation possible without compromising space.

Powering Apple Watch Series 3 is the S3, Apple's third-generation architecture featuring a faster dual-core processor, which allows for quicker app launch times and smoother graphics, and, for the first time, enables Siri to speak using the built-in speaker. Apple designed a new custom wireless chip called W2, making Wi-Fi 85 percent faster and Bluetooth and Wi-Fi 50 percent more power efficient, while still providing all-day battery life and keeping the size virtually the same as before. Apple Watch Series 3 also features a barometric altimeter that assists with tracking activity, flights climbed and outdoor workouts, including elevation gain.

Apple watchOS 4

Apple's watchOS 4 features an updated Heart Rate app, giving even more insight to heart rate, including measurements during resting, workout, recovery, walking and Breathe sessions. Customers can also choose to receive a notification when their heart rate is elevated above a specific threshold while inactive. Other great watchOS 4 features include the proactive Siri watch face that displays the information users need most throughout the day, an enhanced Workout app with new interface, custom High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) workout type and auto-sets for pool swims. With GymKit, users will soon enjoy the ability to connect to their favorite cardio equipment and experience two-way synchronization of data with just a tap, resulting in the most accurate information possible.

The redesigned Music app experience automatically syncs playlists like New Music Mix and Favorites Mix, along with the user's most listened to music. Later this fall, Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) will stream music, giving users access to any song from Apple Music, straight from the wrist. The new Radio app also enables listeners to access Beats 1 live or any Apple Music radio station while away from iPhone or Wi-Fi.

Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) starts at $399 (US) and Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS) starts at $329 (US), both featuring new upgrades like a faster dual-core processor and wireless chip, along with a barometric altimeter. Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) also debuts a special red Digital Crown and exclusive "Explorer" watch face that shows cellular connectivity through a unique design. Series 1 will be available at a new starting price of $249 (US), making it more affordable than ever.

Apple Watch Event Screenshots

Click on any Image Below to Enlarge

Before introducing the new Apple Watch, Apple's CEO said that Apple is now the number one watch in the world ahead of Rolex, Fossil, Omega, Cartier and others. That's an amazing achievement most are not aware of. And now that Apple Watch is also a phone … it's going to be a killer device this Christmas and probably wasn't on any Wall Street analysts radar.

Next up was a focus on the Apple Watch with new heart related statistics that customers could tap into that could monitor heart rate, rhythm and Atrial Fibrillation.

After Jeff Williams highlighting some of the new features on the Apple Watch Series 3 in respect to the heart app monitoring, he announced that Apple was starting a new 'Apple Heart Study.' It will use data from Apple Watch and analyze arrhythmias including AFib and notify users. This study is being conducted by Standford Medicine and Apple is working with the FDA. The first phase of the Apple Heart Study in the U.S. only on the App Store.

You could hear the full presentation about Apple Watch starting at the 21:45 mark of the Apple Keynote.

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