Apple Watch Series 3 shipments predicted to rise to 23-25M in 2018

Shipments of the Apple Watch Series 3 could rise as much as 20 percent next year to between 23 and 25 million units, according to new industry predictions.

Advanced Semiconductor Engineering — which handles packaging and testing RF, Wi-Fi, and MEMS chips for iPhones and Apple Watches — is expected to set a new record when it announces results for the December quarter, DigiTimes sources said. In November, ASE affiliate Universal Scientific Industrial saw monthly revenues jump 23.89 percent year-over-year to $482.81 million, allegedly because of system-in-package (SiP) orders for the Series 3.

Even though Apple has regularly claimed the Watch as a success, it has so far declined to share exact figures. The company could be worried about disappointing analysts and investors — but successful or not, the Watch still generates far less money than iPhones, iPads, and Macs, which is likely why it's buried within an "other products" reporting segment alongside Beats and the Apple TV.

In the September quarter that combined segment generated $3.231 billion in revenue, below even the $4.831 billion from the iPad.

ShunSin, a packaging and testing firm under Apple assembly partner Foxconn, is said to be bidding for system-in-package orders for 2018 Watch models. The DigiTimes sources predicted that Apple is unlikely to seriously consider changing up orders until 2019, when it may want to diversify SiP packaging and testing partners to accommodate demand.

The Series 3 is the first Watch to offer models with LTE, making it possible to use some — though not all — functions without a paired iPhone nearby.

17 Comments

macapfel 575 comments · 15 Years

About 6 years ago

I think AppleWatch matured into primarily a sports accessoire. An excellent one. But I don't think it is overly attractive as only another watch. AppleWatch delivers highly attractive functionality for sport. But besides, I don't see much attractive features. The rest seems more gimmicks. Certainly nice once, but probably insufficient to make these attractive buy options. I definitely like the AppleWatch – as a great SportsWatch. I hope, however, Apple can develop AppleWatch beyond this.

trashman69 161 comments · 9 Years

About 6 years ago

Does anyone else think that the next Apple Watch will have non evasive glucose monitoring? I think this would be massive. Waiting patiently.

GeorgeBMac 11421 comments · 8 Years

About 6 years ago

macapfel said:

I think AppleWatch matured into primarily a sports accessoire. An excellent one. But I don't think it is overly attractive as only another watch. AppleWatch delivers highly attractive functionality for sport. But besides, I don't see much attractive features. The rest seems more gimmicks. Certainly nice once, but probably insufficient to make these attractive buy options. I definitely like the AppleWatch – as a great SportsWatch. I hope, however, Apple can develop AppleWatch beyond this.

Yes, marketing for the watch has clearly gone through a transition from tech gadget to fashion accessory to sports monitor. But, it still serves well in all three roles.

But, now I see a fourth role for it that Apple hasn't even thought of (Or, if they have, they haven't mentioned it yet). That's for seniors living alone: Previously they were sold big bulky, ugly LifeLine type devices that carried a steep subscription fee for those "I've fallen and I can't get up moments". The Apple Watch 3+Cellular would serve that function far better: It would always be on the person because there would be no need to take it off (even in the shower) and there would be no subscription fee except the $10 carrier fee. Plus, it would look far better and serve additional functions such reminders to take pills, etc, etc, etc....

But, getting back to your points: Before I had the watch I agreed with you that as you say: "I don't see much attractive features. The rest seems more gimmicks". But, the longer I have the watch the more I find those features less gimmicks and more a case of I wouldn't want to be without them. The other day I forgot to put the watch on before I left the house and I sorely missed it until I got home later that evening. No, now I believe those features are not gimmicks but, typical Apple features that make my life better.

NY1822 620 comments · 8 Years

About 6 years ago

i wish Apple created a way to buy/setup/activate an apple watch for someone who doesn't have an iphone...My father doesn't have a phone, although he does have an ipad. He uses iMessage all the time and I would love to buy him the watch..Also my niece who only has an ipod.
Maybe soon they will given all the upcoming health monitoring apps...