Apple Watch Series 3 Reportedly Set for Release in Second Half of 2017; Enhancements in Overall Performance, LTE Support Expected

The Apple Watch Series 3 will reportedly be ready for shipping in the second half 2017. The next generation Apple Watch is expected to come with improved overall performance, speed, and battery life. The upcoming Apple smartwatch is expected to be launched alongside Apple's iPhone 8 in September.

According to the sources of DigiTimes, the Apple Watch Series 3 will be manufactured by Quanta Computer while the Chinese firm Compal Electronics and the Taiwan-based ODM will produce the Apple Watch Series 2. The same sources also revealed that Apple's next generation smartwatch is scheduled for release in the second half of 2017. However, the companies involved in the Apple Watch production didn't confirm nor deny the rumored Series 3's release date.

The demand for the Apple Watch Series 1 and Apple Watch Series remains relatively high and it seems like Apple is employing a multiple-pronged strategy that warrants the addition of Compal to its supply chain. With Compal now in the fold, Apple achieves flexibility in production that would allow them to continue selling the first and second-generation smartwatches while making sure that the Apple Watch Series 3 production would remain on schedule by shifting some of the manufacturing duties to Compal.

The Apple Watch Series 3 is likely to be introduced in September along with Apple's newest flagship, the iPhone 8 so a second half release date makes sense when fitted within this context. And since the Apple Watch is the primary companion device for the iPhone, it is only logical to think that the Apple Watch Series 3 would be released at around the same time that the iPhone 8 would be released. The iPhone 8 is expected to be released sometime between October and November.

9To5Mac reports that besides the expected improvements in the overall performance, speed, and battery like, the Apple Watch Series 3 is also expected to come with LTE support. Having LTE capability would allow the Apple Watch Series 3 to be used without a companion device such as the iPhone or the iPad.

Apple has had a long history of keeping vital information close to its vest. That said, consumers can expect that the tech giant would also keep a tight lid on the development details and the release date of the Apple Watch Series 3. On the other hand, by following Apple's tradition of introducing and then launching its products, a second half release of the next generation Apple Watch seems logical.