The Apple Watch Series 3, released in September 2017, is similar in appearance to previous models, but it includes several advanced new functionalities. Improvements such as a speedier S3 CPU and W2 wireless chip debuted alongside the first cellular model.
Apple only offers a GPS version of the product at this time. In September 2017, at an Apple event, the company unveiled the Apple Watch Series 3. The Apple Watch Series 3 was an upgrade over its predecessors, thanks to new components and a cellular-connected version.
Even though it’s been almost five years after its release, the Apple Watch Series 3 is still available to buy in 2022. Apple has maintained the product as a low-cost option for new buyers.
Despite the release of the Apple Watch SE, Apple has continued to market the older Series 3 model. The Series 3 may be replaced by the “Apple Watch Series 8” lineup, as has been speculated. But, for those who have recently purchased a Series 3, Apple will continue to release watchOS updates for a few more years.
Apple Watch Series 3 Features
These are the features for of the Apple Watch Series 3:
External Design
With a square OLED Retina display protected by sapphire crystal in the stainless steel and ceramic models and by Ion-X glass in the aluminum ones, this Apple Watch looks quite similar to the Apple Watch Series 2. The 38 mm model has a resolution of 272 × 340 pixels, while the 42 mm model has a resolution of 312 x 390. Each can reach a luminosity of one thousand nits.
You can access the various watchOS menus by tapping and swiping the display, as well as using the Side button and Digital Crown, both of which are located on the right side of the device. Just the Digital Crown was updated visually for this generation, with a red dot signaling the presence of a cellular radio for models that no longer have this feature.
The LEDs and sensors that measure blood flow at the user’s wrist make up the heart rate sensor, which is located in the device’s back. Photoplethysmography is the method used to achieve this goal. Apple increased the size of the rear crystal by 0.25 millimeters, which is so small that most customers won’t even notice it.
General Specifications
Apple updated the Apple Watch’s internals, like they do with every new model, increasing its speed and adding new features. For its third-generation wristwatch, Apple designed the S3 processor, a dual-core microprocessor that offers a 70% performance gain over the S2.
This update not only made it possible for Siri to respond to the user by using the Apple Watch’s built-in speaker, but it also made app launches faster and visuals smoother than before. The S3 is paired with Apple’s W2 wireless chip, which boosts Wi-Fi speeds by 85% and makes Bluetooth and Wi-Fi 50% more power efficient.
Cellular Connectivity
In the 2017 release, Apple Watch was available in two distinct varieties. The normal type is just called “GPS,” whereas the cellular variant is called “GPS + Cellular” This newer variant is equipped with cellular radios, making it capable of connecting to a mobile network on its own.
This meant it could function without needing access to an iPhone. The Digital Crown had a red dot that served as an indicator of cellular connectivity. Apple no longer produces the Series 3 cellular Apple Watch, although Series 6 and later Apple Watches do.
If an iPhone isn’t in range, the Apple Watch will automatically switch to using its cellular radio to communicate with the internet and its many apps. Examples include using an audio streaming service like Apple Music, Messages, Find My Friends, or a third-party software like WeChat.
Apple Watch Series 3 Price and Release Date
When it was released in late 2017, the Apple Watch 3 was the most costly wearable the business sold. But, with the release of the Apple Watch Series 4 and Apple Watch 5, the price of the Apple Watch 3 has decreased.
It’s still not a cheap smartwatch, but the price has dropped significantly. The third generation Apple Watch comes in two flavors: one with cellular data connections (LTE) and one without (only GPS).
After the debut of the Apple Watch 5, the price of the former dropped significantly, and is now £299/$299/AU$469/AED 1,199 for the 38mm band and £329/$329/AU$519/AED 1,329.
The GPS version of the 3 series is significantly less expensive, with prices of £199 for the 38mm and £229 for the 42mm (or $199 and AU$319), respectively. It’s also worth mentioning that while the Apple Watch 4 and 5 are no longer available, the Apple Watch 3 is still for sale on Apple’s official website.
Conclusion
There have been various successors to the Apple Watch 3, including the Apple Watch 7 and Apple Watch SE, the latter of which could be a serious competitor for it due to their similar price points.
Unlike the Apple Watch 4 and 5, the Apple Watch 3 is still for sale on Apple’s official store, and it’s on sale right now to boot. It has similar specs and functionality to the newest Apple Watch SE, but at a lesser price.
Both cellular and GPS-only versions of the Watch 3 are commercially available. This device, the successor to the Apple Watch 2, served as the standard bearer for fitness and longevity, with built-in run and cycle tracking, a water-resistant case suitable for swimming, and the same heart rate monitor as its predecessor.
