Apple Watch Series 3 Gains Optional LTE Connectivity For True iPhone Independence

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Apple first showed off the original Apple Watch (now called Apple Watch Series 1) back in September 2014, and it officially launched in April 2015. The Apple Watch Series 2 launched a year ago, bringing with it a faster S2 processor and water resistance.

Today, Apple is announcing the Apple Watch Series 3, and it brings perhaps the biggest change yet to the platform: LTE connectivity. For obvious reasons (cost and battery life), LTE connectivity is optional on the Apple Watch Series 3, but for those that do choose the option, they will be granted true independence from the iPhone.

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You won’t have to worry about juggling a new phone number, since the Apple Watch Series 3 will use the same phone number as your iPhone. New dual-core processor that is 70 percent faster. The faster processor also gives Siri a “voice” for the first time on the Apple Watch. A barometric altimeter has also been thrown in to the mix.

Apple also announced that LTE connectivity allows you to stream Apple Music directly to your watch, giving you direct access to millions of songs while out on a run.

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Apple has given the heart rate sensor more capabilities with the watchOS 4. Your heart rate can be viewed straight from the watchface. You’ll also have access to your resting heart rate, and recovery heart rate. Apple Watch can even detect elevated heart rate when you don’t appear to be active and alert you to this condition. This functionality will be enabled with watchOS, which launches on September 19th.

The Apple Watch Series 3 starts at $329, while adding cellular connectivity will raise the price to $399. Orders begin September 15th, and the device will ship September 22nd.