Apple today took the wraps off its Apple Watch Series 3, which the company said will include a version of the device with cellular capabilities built in. The company’s new LTE- and UMTS-capable Apple Watch will go on sale later this month in 15 countries, with prices starting at $399 for the cellular version or $329 for a version without cellular.
In announcing the new device, Apple’s Tim Cook proclaimed that the company is now the world’s largest watchmaker, having recently surpassed Rolex, a figure that The Verge said is likely based on revenues. Apple’s Cook said the company’s Watch sales grew 50% year-over-year.
“This is a big moment for Apple Watch, and we think you’re going to love it,” said Cook.
"Love the great new features on the #AppleWatch! Especially the cell connectivity! Looking fwd to getting those in our @TMobile stores!” tweeted T-Mobile CFO Braxton Carter.
Jeff Williams, Apple COO, introduced the new device today during an Apple media event. He said the company’s engineers worked to ensure that adding cellular to Apple Watch didn’t increase the gadget’s physical size. He said that the device employs a “multifrequency antenna” in the screen and also uses an “electronic SIM” in order to maintain a small size.
Apple isn’t alone in installing cellular capabilities into wearable devices. Indeed, Strategy Analytics said that cellular smartwatch shipments will grow 120% worldwide in 2017. “It is a high-growth market that will double in size this year,” the firm said.