Apple watches will soon be able to run independently without much dependence on the iPhone. According to a report by Bloomberg, Apple is planning to release a version of its smartwatch that can directly connect to cellular networks.
Apple watches currently need to be connected wirelessly to an iPhone to be able to stream music, access maps, send messages and more. But Apple is now planning to release some Apple Watches with LTE chips by the end of this year. This will allow the watch to perform tasks without needing an iPhone in range.
Bloomberg reports that Intel will supply the LTE modems for the new watch. Until now, Qualcomm has been the main modem supplier for iPhones and other Apple mobile gadgets. But given the legal dispute between the two tech giants, Apple seems to have gone with Intel this time.
Apple is reportedly already in talks with carriers in the US and Europe to offer the cellular networks. But sources told Bloomberg that in the US, AT&T, Verizon Communications, Sprint and T-Mobile US plan to sell the device. There are also chances that the new device could be delayed beyond 2017.
Apple CEO Tim Cook claims that the Apple Watch is the best-selling smartwatch ‘by a very wide margin’, despite it being only a small part of Apple’s overall revenues.
Bloomberg reports that making the Apple Watch more of a standalone device may boost sales of the product. And analysts believe that it could be a game changer and give the tech giant a new direction for the business if it works out.
Apple’s first step towards making the Apple Watch a more independent device was when it sold some new models with a GPS chip last year.
Now, apart from adding a cellular chip, Apple is also looking at software changes for the device with more Siri voice-enables features, payment options in iMessage, new stories and much more in the WatchOS 4.