One of the most pertinent problems seen on wrist wearables was that without the phones they are connected to, their functioning was limited. And since connectivity with Bluetooth is limited to a few meters, users would always have to carry their phones to make or receive calls, and for other functions.

But with the Apple Watch 3, the tech behemoth has solved that niggle. At least for those who can afford it. The biggest highlight of the latest version of the watch from Apple is that it comes with its own LTE connection that lets users take and make calls irrespective of whether their phone is hooked to the watch. That means you can strap the Apple Watch on, go for your run and/or workout and take calls while at it and not have to bother about your phone slipping out of your pocket.

The Apple Watch 3 will be available starting September 22, and the price starts at $329 for the non-LTE version (yes, that choice exists) and $399 for the connected version. The connected watch functions thanks to an eSIM, which will have the same number as that on the phone.

In terms of looks, pretty much nothing has changed, save for a red dot on the watch crown. The new watch has an altimeter and you can even stream Apple Music on it. It also gets a new wireless chip, and a faster processor that among other things enables Siri talk-back on the watch itself, bringing us a lot closer to our science fiction fantasies. (Jarvis, anyone?)

The new watch OS4 that goes on air on September 19 right in time for the Apple Watch 3, offers feature upgrades like pairing to other Bluetooth devices. The new OS also has an enhanced hear rate measuring app that lets users measure resting, workout, recovery, walking heart rates and notifies when it crosses a certain threshold. Apple has decided not to release the cellular connected model in the Indian market for now. The one without cellular connectivity will be launched here on September 29, starting at ₹29,900.

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