The next Apple Watch won’t be dependent on the iPhone for cellular data connectivity, according to a new report that sheds light on the unannounced wearable.
Some of the new Apple Watch Series 3 models will allegedly come with LTE chips, allowing the Apple Watch to be more of a standalone device.
All current Apple Watch models require a connection to an iPhone to update info in Maps, Messages and other apps. Apple Watch can connect to known wireless networks to update apps without an iPhone. But you first must log in to the network from your iPhone for the feature to work during future visits.
Intel will supply Apple with the LTE chips for the Apple Watch, reports Bloomberg. Apple is supposedly in talks with carriers to support and sell the next-gen Apple Watch.
AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile reportedly already signed on to carry the LTE Apple Watch. The new Apple wearable might not be available until next year, even though it could be unveiled as soon as next month.
Along with the new LTE chip, the next Apple Watch will pack a number of new software features, too. Apple gave a preview of watchOS 4 to developers at WWDC 2017. The update will be available to the public this fall.
