We’re covering Apple’s iPhone X event in Cupertino this morning, and the first major product announcement is the Apple Watch Series 3. Apple’s COO Jeff Williams has taken the stage to announce the third generation of Apple’s wearable. Its has built-in cellular support (well there is cellular and non-cellular models), a 70% faster dual core processor, and it’s 50% more power efficient.
Williams demonstrates the Watch’s cellular capabilities by calling Deirdre Caldbeck of the Apple Watch team from his Series 3 Watch (sans iPhone), using AT&T. Caldbeck is shown on video, paddle surfing in the ocean, and it actually makes for a really impressive live demo. The call connects quickly, and the audio quality is surpassingly clear given the conditions.
Apple Watch Series 3 is the same size as its predecessor (Apple does say, however, that they extend the crystal that encases the heart rate monitor by two sheets of paper) and comes in a host of new case and band colors/designs. It will be available for pre-order on September 15, and start shipping on the 22nd, starting at $329.