The Apple Watch Series 3 may have a SIM card slot and LTE connectivity as suggested by a supply chain analyst though with no reliable track record offers insights into previously rumored features. The smartwatch is breaking its ties from the iPhone now potentially able to make calls, received notifications and even stream music from the Apple Music store, which are all features that fitness enthusiasts are looking for.

Analyst Christopher Rolland from Susquehanna Financial group made a supply chain analysis following a recent trip to Asia and he has some interesting, but not exactly fresh news about the Apple Watch 3. Rolland reveals that Apple may be bringing LTE connectivity to its smartwatches at last. Moreover, the Cupertino-based giant is believed to have made good progress in the demands of the technology on battery life and form factor size, MacRumors has learned. It may just be possible that the new Apple Watch may have the one feature that did not make it to the Apple Watch 2.

The Apple Watch has long been rumored to have cellular connectivity but the excessive battery drain remained an issue that was not resolved when the Apple Watch 2 was released. An LTE-equipped Apple Watch 3 will bring many benefits, foremost of which is to finally be untethered from the iPhone. One of the coolest features of the first Apple Watch is its ability to make and receive calls within Bluetooth range of the iPhone, now it can perform those things relying on its own connectivity and possibly a separate data plan. This will make the Apple smartwatch at par or even better with the LTE-equipped Samsung Gear 3 smartwatch and LG's Watch Urbane 2nd Ed. Verizon.

An LTE-Equipped Apple Watch 3 will be great news for fitness enthusiasts that first embraced the GPS feature introduced in the Apple Watch 2. The GPS was the first crucial step in untethering the smartwatch from the iPhone with users able to track their running distances without bringing their iPhones with them. Now users can have the basic tools of a smartphone on their wrist where they can potentially make and receive calls, check their Twitter feed, receive notifications and stream music.

Meanwhile, modest updates are expected in the hardware components of the Apple Watch 3 centering on improving performance as well as battery life. The refresh models are expected to come out in September with the iPhone 8 or at the earliest during the April event, though it may now be unlikely as March comes to a close. The Apple Watch 3 with LTE Connectivity will also be a big selling device for the Airpods, according to InvestorPlace.

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Topics Apple Watch 3, Apple Watch 2, Apple Watch, Apple