Apple Watch Series 3 offers dual-core CPU and mobile connectivity
Apple Watch 3 will be available from Friday next week
Apple has unveiled the Apple Watch Series 3, a new version of the company's smart watch, which is the first that will have mobile network connectivity built-in.
The new device was unveiled at a launch last night, alongside the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus, as well as the new £999 iPhone X smartphone flagship.
The new Apple Watch Series 3 can stream music via Apple Music and make phone calls without having to have an iPhone paired to it for the first time.
Inside the new Apple Watch, there's a new dual-core processor, which Apple claims is 70 per cent faster than the CPU inside the Apple Watch 2, and which will enable Siri to talk back to wearers for the first time, too.
Apple boasts that despite these extra features and the added support for mobile connectivity, the Apple Watch 3 comes in the same size case as the Apple Watch 2. The device's screen doubles up as an antenna, Apple explained, while there's an electronic SIM integrated directly into the Watch.
The Apple Watch Series 3 will ship running watchOS 4.
As well as improvements to Siri, this new iteration of watchOS also brings with it updates to Apple's Activity app, including high-intensity interval training, improvements to heart-rate monitoring, native core Bluetooth support, screen auto-rotate, background navigation and a bunch of new watch faces.
"We believe the addition of cellular will transform the way people use Apple Watch, providing a new sense of freedom since they can stay connected with or without their iPhone," said Jeff Williams, Apple's chief operating officer.
"Apple Watch Series 3 combined with the power of watchOS 4 is the ultimate device for a healthy life."
While Apple has resolutely refused to reveal sales figures for its smartwatch, Tim Cook said during today's keynote that Apple Watch sales have grown 50 per cent, year on year. This means that it's now the number one watch - not just smartwatch - in the world, claimed Cook.
The new Apple Watch 3 will be available on 22 September priced at £399, while a non-mobile model will be made available for £329. EE has also confirmed that it will be the only UK mobile operator to offer the device.