Source: Apple. Apple Watch 3 includes phone capabilities.

Apple has launched the Apple Watch Series 3, a smartwatch with built-in cellular capabilities. With this new feature, users can make and receive calls and texts, and stay connected even when they don’t have their iPhone nearby.

This third-generation Apple Watch is designed for health and fitness, offering smart coaching features, water resistance up to 50 meters, and a new barometric altimeter for measuring elevation changes.

There are two models of the Apple Watch Series 3: one with GPS and one with both GPS and cellular. Both models have a dual-core processor that is 70% faster than previous models, as well as a new wireless chip.

“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.”

With cellular and watchOS 4, Apple Music subscribers can stream 40 million songs directly from their wrist.

The Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) model has a full LTE and UMTS cellular radio that automatically switches to cellular when the watch is away from an iPhone. Users can make and receive calls directly on the watch. When paired with AirPods, users can enjoy a completely wireless listening experience. The watch uses the same phone number as the user’s iPhone, and participating carriers are offering special introductory cellular plans at launch.

Apple has designed a unique antenna that uses the watch’s display for both LTE and UMTS transmission and reception. The watch also features a built-in eSIM that’s more than 100 times smaller than a traditional SIM card, which allows for over-the-air activation without taking up extra space.

The Apple Watch Series 3 is powered by the S3, Apple’s third-generation processor architecture. The S3 features a faster dual-core processor for quicker app launches, smoother graphics, and the first-ever Siri voice responses through the watch’s built-in speaker. Apple has also created a new custom wireless chip called the W2, which makes Wi-Fi speeds 85% faster and Bluetooth and Wi-Fi 50% more power efficient while maintaining all-day battery life in a watch that is virtually the same size as previous models. The Apple Watch Series 3 also includes a barometric altimeter that tracks activity, flights climbed, and elevation gain during outdoor workouts.

WatchOS 4 includes an updated Heart Rate app that provides more detailed heart rate information, including measurements during rest, workouts, recovery, walking, and Breathe sessions. Users can also set up notifications to alert them when their heart rate goes above a certain level while they’re inactive. Other notable features of watchOS 4 include a proactive Siri watch face that displays the information users need most throughout the day, an improved Workout app with a new interface, customized high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workout type, and automatic set recognition for pool swims. With GymKit, users will soon be able to connect their watch to compatible cardio equipment at the gym for two-way data synchronization with a single tap.

The redesigned Music app automatically syncs playlists such as New Music Mix and Favorites Mix, as well as the user’s most-played music. Later this year, Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) users will be able to stream any song from Apple Music directly from their wrist. The updated Radio app lets users listen to Beats 1 live or any Apple Music radio station, even when they are away from their iPhone or Wi-Fi.

In addition to silver or space gray aluminum, the Apple Watch Series 3 is now available in gold aluminum and silver or space black stainless steel. The watch can be paired with a variety of new bands and styles. The Woven Nylon band has a new pattern, and the lightweight Sport Loop band easily adjusts to fit any wrist.

The Apple Watch Nike+ has been a popular choice, and the partnership will continue this fall with both Series 3 models being offered with a new pure platinum/black Nike Sport Band or Sport Loop in an exclusive gray color. The Nike Run Club app has been updated with new features such as Audio Guided Runs, which provide coaching and motivation from elite Nike coaches, athletes, and entertainers. Another new feature, Cheers, allows friends to send audio cheers for motivation. Just Do It Sundays continues to offer inspiration and rewards for participation in the world’s largest running community.

Apple Watch Hermès models now feature built-in cellular and can be paired with a collection of new bands. These include the Single Tour Rallye in perforated Gala calfskin, which is inspired by the classic Hermès driving glove. Also available is the Single Tour Éperon d’Or in printed Gala calfskin, inspired by the equestrian scarf pattern designed by Henri d’Origny in 1974. A new watch face, inspired by the Carrick Hermès watch also designed by Henri d’Origny in 1993, rounds out the current selection of Hermès watch faces.

Ready to learn more?

The Apple Watch is available in two sizes: 38mm and 42mm. The Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) will be available in gold, silver, or space gray aluminum, or silver or space black stainless steel, with a variety of bands. It features upgrades such as a faster dual-core processor and wireless chip, as well as a barometric altimeter. The Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) also introduces a special red Digital Crown and an exclusive “Explorer” watch face with a unique design that shows cellular connectivity.

The Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS) will be available with a Sport Band in gold, silver, or space gray aluminum cases and will start at S$498. The Apple Watch Series 1 is available with a Sport Band in silver or space gray aluminum cases at a starting price of S$378. The watches are available from apple.com/sg, at Apple Stores, select Apple Authorized Resellers, and carriers. (Prices may vary.) Check for availability in Singapore. The Apple Watch Nike+ starts at S$498.

Beginning September 15, the Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) will be available for order in 10 countries and territories. The Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS) will be available for order in 28 countries and territories. Both models will be available in stores beginning September 22.

Customers in the Asia Pacific and Middle East regions can order the Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) beginning September 15, with availability beginning September 22 in Australia, mainland China, and Japan. It will be available in other countries next year. Check for carrier availability.

Customers can order the Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS) beginning September 15. The watch will be available starting on September 22 in Australia, mainland China, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, and Taiwan. In the UAE, the Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS) will be available starting on September 23. The watch will be available on September 29 in Guam, India, Macau, Thailand, and Turkey. Customers in KSA, Kuwait, and Qatar will be able to purchase the watch on September 30.

The Apple Watch Series 1 is available on apple.com/sg and at any retailer that sells the Apple Watch.

The Apple Watch Nike+ will be available for order beginning September 15 on apple.com/sg, with limited availability starting October 5 in Australia, mainland China, Guam, Hong Kong, India, Japan, KSA, Kuwait, Macau, New Zealand, Qatar, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, and the UAE.

The Apple Watch Hermès will be available to order on apple.com/sg beginning September 15, with availability beginning September 22 in Australia, China, and Japan.

New Apple Watch bands are available today on apple.com/sg and will be available soon at Apple Stores, select Apple Authorized Resellers, and carriers in the US and more than 35 other countries and regions, including Australia, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and the UAE.

The Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) requires an iPhone 6 or later running iOS 11 or later. The Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS) requires an iPhone 5S or later running iOS 11 or later. Some features are not available in all regions or all languages.

Customers who purchase an Apple Watch from Apple are offered free Personal Setup, either in-store or online. This service helps users set up and personalize their new Apple Watch with calendars, notifications, apps, and more.

Anyone who would like to learn the basics, or go more in-depth with their new Apple Watch, can sign up for free Today at Apple sessions.

Read the WorkSmart Asia blog posts on the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus, and the iPhone X.

1 Apple Watch Series 3 has a water resistance rating of 50 m under ISO standard 22810:2010. This means that it may be used for shallow-water activities like swimming in a pool or ocean. However, Apple Watch Series 3 should not be used for scuba diving, waterskiing, or other activities involving high-velocity water or submersion below shallow depth. Stainless steel and leather bands are not water resistant.

2 Apple Watch and iPhone service provider must be the same. Not available with all service providers. Roaming is not available outside your carrier network coverage area. Wireless service plan required for cellular service. Contact your service provider for more details. Check apple.com/watch/cellular for participating wireless carriers and eligibility.

3 In most countries.