Mikey Campbell
A report on Friday claims Apple is planning to release a version of Apple Watch this fall with an integrated cellular LTE chipset, allowing the device to connect to offsite servers without the help of iPhone.
Citing sources familiar with the matter, Bloomberg reports Intel will supply wireless modems for select next-generation Watch models later this year. The device or devices will likely debut at Apple's iPhone launch event which traditionally takes place in September.
Beyond the inclusion of LTE connectivity, the report was light on details, but noted the new Watch version will be able to conduct a number of online tasks without the aid of a paired iPhone. With the new functionality, users will be able to download new songs in Music and ferry data to connected apps, the report said.
In an interview aired on Bloomberg TV, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said an LTE Apple Watch is likely follow in the footsteps of cellular iPads, meaning its wireless feature set will revolve around data, not voice features. Currently, iPad hardware lacks a first-party phone app, leaving telephony functions the sole domain of iPhone. Other potential functions could include app updates, notifications and more.
Apple is said to be talking to wireless providers in both the U.S. and Europe about carrying the new Apple Watch iteration, the report said. Initially, only a "limited subset" of carriers that already carry iPhone is expected to offer support for the LTE Apple Watch. In the U.S., however, all three major networks — AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile — plan to sell the device, the report said.
Finally, Bloomberg hedged its bets, saying Apple could end up delaying the LTE Apple Watch beyond 2017. Previous rumors suggested the tech giant would release a cellular connected wearable in 2016, but the hardware failed to materialize. Instead, the company released Apple Watch Series 2, a device that offered enhanced untethered performance with the inclusion of a GPS module.
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34 Comments
It will be interesting to see the cost of these data plans. Hopefully much less than phone plans since the Watch will exchange much less data per month than a typical phone.
The Killer App feature using LTE on AW is the emergency function. Activate it and 911 gets your location to send assistance. A reciprocal function would make it even better: once enabled by the wearer a iPhone/iCloud user could use it to track and contact that wearer in case of an emergency (e.g. when a kid goes missing.)
I doubt it.
Surely, cellular connectivity would heavily impact the battery. The pattern of usage would change with cellular in a way that would put heavy demands on the battery. Battery life needs to be extended first. This has been rumored on and off since before Apple Watch was even first announced.
I believe the Watch should be repositioned to replace the iPod.
1) It should have the option to run it without ever connecting to an iPhone or a computer. With functionality that focuses on music and activity monitoring.
2) Give it more memory and ability to download music via wifi and manage it.
Now you have a device that non-Apple iPhone owners can use. It is a stepping stone into the Apple ecosystem. With an iPhone it becomes even more powerful.
I think that not having to pair it with the phone will be the killer app. If I try to imagine how the watch would feel without constantly having to think about how far is is away from your phone, a true stand alone thing, wow! Running with it without taking your phone along. I'd go for it.
Curious about power management. Will there be charging on the go? I assume it can use my iPhone's data plan, with no incremental fee.
Will the Watch plus AirPod replace iPod?