13 September 2017

And now, you can take calls on your Apple Watch

Source: Apple. Apple Watch 3 includes phone capabilities.
Source: Apple. Apple Watch 3 includes phone capabilities.
Apple has introduced Apple Watch Series 3, adding built-in cellular to the smart watch. Apple Watch Series 3 with cellular allows users to stay connected, make calls, receive texts and more, even without an iPhone nearby.

The third-generation Apple Watch is billed as a health and fitness companion with intelligent coaching features, water resistance of up to 50m1 and a new barometric altimeter that measures relative elevation. 

Apple Watch Series 3 comes in two models, one with GPS alone and one with both GPS and cellular. Both feature a 70% faster dual-core processor and new wireless chip.

“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 COO. “Apple Watch Series 3 combined with the power of watchOS 4 is the ultimate device for a healthy life.”

The combination of cellular and watchOS 4 will allow Apple Music users to stream 40 million songs right from their wrist. 

Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) features a full LTE and UMTS cellular radio that switches seamlessly to cellular when it is away from an iPhone. 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. The watch shares the same number as the owner's iPhone. To help get customers started, participating carriers are also offering special introductory cellular plans at launch.

Apple also pioneered an 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. This makes over-the-air activation possible without compromising on space2.

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% faster and Bluetooth and Wi-Fi 50% 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.

WatchOS 4 features an updated Heart Rate app, giving more insights 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 watchOS 4 highlights 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 favourite cardio equipment and experience two-way synchronisation of data with just a tap3.

The redesigned Music app experience automatically syncs playlists like New Music Mix and Favourites Mix, along with the user’s most listened to music. Later this year, 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.

In addition to silver or space grey aluminium, Apple Watch Series 3 now comes in gold aluminium, along with silver or space black stainless steel cases. All pair with an assortment of new bands and styles. The Woven Nylon is updated with a new pattern and the lightweight Sport Loop effortlessly adjusts to fit wrists.

Apple Watch Nike+ has been popular, and this fall (roughly Q3 to Q4), the partnership continues with both models of Series 3 pairing with a new pure platinum/black Nike Sport Band or Sport Loop in exclusive grey. The Nike Run Club app has been updated to introduce new features such as Audio Guided Runs that deliver coaching and motivation from Nike’s elite coaches, athletes and entertainers, and Cheers which makes running more fun by allowing friends to send audio-based cheers as motivation. Just Do It Sundays continues to provide inspiration and rewards from participation in the world’s largest running community.

Apple Watch Hermès models come with built-in cellular and pair with a collection of new bands, including the Single Tour Rallye in perforated Gala calfskin, inspired by the classic Hermès driving glove, and the Single Tour Eperon d’Or, in printed Gala calfskin, inspired by the equestrian scarf pattern designed by Henri d’Origny in 1974. A new watch face, inspired by the Carrick Hermès watch, also designed by Henri d’Origny in 1993, completes the existing selection of Hermès watch faces.

Interested?

Apple Watch is available in two different case sizes, 38mm and 42mm. Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) will be available in gold, silver or space grey aluminium, or silver or space black stainless steel paired with a variety of bands. 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.

Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS) will be available in gold, silver or space grey aluminium cases with a Sport Band starting at S$498. Apple Watch Series 1 is available in silver or space grey aluminium cases paired with a Sport Band with a new starting price of S$378. Models will be available from apple.com/sg and Apple Stores, as well as select Apple Authorised Resellers and carriers (prices may vary). Check for Singapore availability. Apple Watch Nike+ starts at S$498.

Beginning 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 September 22.

Customers in the Asia Pacific and Middle East regions can order Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) beginning September 15, with availability beginning September 22 in Australia, mainland China, and Japan. Other countries will follow next year. Check for carrier availability.

Customers will be able to order Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS) beginning September 15, with availability beginning September 22 in Australia, mainland China, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, and Taiwan. Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS) will be available beginning September 23 in UAE. Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS) will then be available beginning September 29 in Guam, India, Macau, Thailand and Turkey, followed by availability beginning September 30 in KSA, Kuwait, and Qatar.

Apple Watch Series 1 is available on apple.com/sg and anywhere Apple Watch is sold.

Apple Watch Nike+ will be available to order on apple.com/sg beginning September 15, with limited availability from October 5 in Australia, mainland China, Guam, Hong Kong, India, Japan, KSA, Kuwait, Macau, New Zealand, Qatar, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, and the UAE. Apple Watch Hermès will be available to order on apple.com/sg beginning September 15, with availability beginning September 22 in Australia, China, and Japan.

New Apple Watch bands are available today on apple.com/sg and will be available soon at Apple Stores, as well as select Apple Authorised Resellers and carriers in the US and over 35 countries and regions, including Australia, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and the UAE.

Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) requires iPhone 6 or later running iOS 11 or later and Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS) requires iPhone 5S or later running iOS 11 or later. Some features are not available in all regions or all languages.

Customers who buy Apple Watch from Apple will be offered free Personal Setup in-store or online3 to help set up and personalise their new Apple Watch with calendars, notifications, apps and more.

Anyone who wants to start with the basics or go further with their new Apple Watch can sign up for free Today at Apple sessions.

Read the WorkSmart Asia blog posts on the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus, and the iPhone X.

1 Apple Watch Series 3 has a water resistance rating of 50 m under ISO standard 22810:2010. This means that it may be used for shallow-water activities like swimming in a pool or ocean. However, Apple Watch Series 3 should not be used for scuba diving, waterskiing or other activities involving high-velocity water or submersion below shallow depth. Stainless steel and leather bands are not water resistant.

2 Apple Watch and iPhone service provider must be the same. Not available with all service providers. Roaming is not available outside your carrier network coverage area. Wireless service plan required for cellular service. Contact your service provider for more details. Check apple.com/watch/cellular for participating wireless carriers and eligibility.

3 In most countries.