Apple Watch Series 3 To Have LTE & Non-LTE Models, Analyst Predicts

Apple is expected to announce the Apple Watch Series 3 later this fall, and it looks like there’s two versions of it. An analyst claims that the next Apple Watch will have LTE and non-LTE models.

This new piece of information about the Apple Watch Series 3 was first brought up by KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo (via 9To5Mac). Kuo predicts that the new Apple Watch will have LTE and non-LTE models, while still having the same general design from its predecessors.

This kind of strategy would be the same with Apple’s iPads. The iPads are available in Wi-Fi and Cellular+Wi-Fi models. The analysts claims that Apple will still continue to offer 38mm and 42mm case sizes for the Apple Watch Series 3.

The analyst’s new predictions arrived just over a week after Bloomberg’s report claiming that the Apple Watch Series 3 would come with LTE Intel modems. Independent LTE connectivity has been long-rumored for the Apple Watch Series 3, but this is the first time that a non-LTE version of the device has ever been mentioned.

Kuo also stated that the Apple Watch Series 3 would not support 3G connections, only LTE. If true, this might limit the availability of the device because there are still plenty of markets worldwide where LTE is not widely adopted.

Bloomberg’s report from earlier this month did mention that AT&T, Verizon, Sprint and T-Mobile are all planning to sell the LTE models of the Apple Watch Series 3. This is entirely possibly considering that U.S. carriers are already doing the same thing for the Cellular+Wi-Fi models of Apple’s iPads.

Even if the LTE model of the Apple Watch 3 might have a limited availability, there’s still a non-LTE model. Some might be disappointed by this, but at least they are getting an updated version of the Apple Watch. The Series 3 is expected to have improved processing speeds, longer battery life and new watch band options.

In terms of shipments, Kuo believes that the Apple Watch Series 3 will reach 8 to 9 million units during the second half of 2017. He also claims that around 35 to 40 percent of these shipments will be for the LTE model. The KGI Securities analyst also projects that Apple will be able to ship between 17.5 to 18 million Apple Watch units by the end of 2017, which is up by 70 percent year-over-year.

Kuo didn’t give out a specific release date for the new Apple Watch, but previous rumors claim that it might be announced alongside the new iPhones this September.

IBT reported late last month that the Apple Watch Series 3 would arrive later this fall, with Quanta Computer returning as Apple’s main supplier. Compal Electronics is expected to take responsibility being the supplier for the older-generation Apple Watches. This means that the original Apple Watch and the Series 2 are both expected to be sold alongside the Series 3.