Renowned tech analyst, Ming-Chi Kuo believes that the Cupertino tech giant might discontinue the Apple Watch Series 3 this year.
Launched in 2017, the Apple Watch Series 3 was powered by the S3 chip and was the first generation smartwatch series to feature a GPS + cellular model and ran on watchOS 4. However, currently, Apple only retails the GPS models of Series 3 for $199 which is offered as an affordable option against Apple Watch Series 7 (starting from $399) and Apple Watch SE for $279 and with support for health features like High and low heart rate notifications, Irregular heart rhythm notification, Emergency SOS, and others.
With the launch of the new Apple Watch Series 8, the Apple Watch Series 3 might be discontinued in Q3, 2022
In his latest tweet, Kuo wrote that Apple Watch Series 3 will reach the end of its life cycle after 5 years because of its outdated technology which will not support the upcoming watchOS 9 update expected to be announced at the WWDC 2022 in June.
Apple Watch Series 3 may go to end-of-life (EOL) in 3Q22 because the computing power can’t meet the requirements of the new watchOS.
— 郭明錤 (Ming-Chi Kuo) (@mingchikuo) March 21, 2022
Later this year, Apple Watch Series 8 is also expected to launch in September along with the next-generation iPhone 14, AirPods Pro, and other new products. Rumor mills claim that the upcoming Apple Watch Series 8 will offer more capabilities to monitor body temperature measuring, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, perspiration levels, and biometrics. Therefore, advanced features will need support with an advanced operating system which Apple Watch Series 3 might not be able to support.
It is also likely the tech giant might also introduce the next-generation Apple Watch SE models, after two years. At the time of launch, Jeff Williams, Apple’s chief operating officer said:
“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. Apple Watch Series 3 combined with the power of watchOS 4 is the ultimate device for a healthy life.”
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