One factor I like about my Apple Watch Sequence 9 is how unbiased it’s. I typically depart my iPhone behind when heading out for my morning runs, as carrying a cellphone whereas exercising can gradual me down. Even with out mobile, I can nonetheless hearken to downloaded music, report the exercise, view real-time metrics, and pay for water on my approach again dwelling.
Even so, it’s nonetheless a far cry from my iPhone. Ever since Apple added mobile to the Apple Watch with the Sequence 3, the dream has been a tool that lets us depart our iPhones behind for longer than a brief run, however even the just-announced Sequence 11 doesn’t actually get us any nearer to that actuality. However the Apple Watch Extremely 3 simply may.
Placing the ‘cell’ in mobile
In the event you’re critical about utilizing your Apple Watch as a primary smartphone, you’ll need all the newest and best connectivity options. The Apple Watch Extremely has lengthy supported LTE mobile, however the newest technology takes it to the subsequent stage.
With the Third-gen mannequin, Apple is boosting its high-end watch with 5G and satellite tv for pc connectivity. So, you’ll get to load maps even sooner, take pleasure in smoother FaceTime audio calls, and hearken to radio stations with out interruption. And by bringing the Emergency SOS by way of satellite tv for pc function to watchOS, adventurers now not want to fret about getting stranded in the course of nowhere, even when their iPhone is miles away.

The Apple Watch Extremely has sufficient options to depart your iPhone behind for a weekend.
Apple
Nevertheless, the most important drawback with utilizing mobile capabilities on such a tiny system is how small the battery is in comparison with that of an iPhone. Apple itself warns that battery life varies primarily based on mobile protection, and anybody who has expertise with one will testify that the battery drains extra shortly when related to a mobile community.
The Apple Watch Extremely 3 tackles this problem by extending the battery life. Now, you’ll be able to rise up to 42 hours of battery life with out utilizing Low Energy Mode, a notable bump from the Extremely 2’s 36 hours. Equally, charging it from 0 to 80 p.c now takes round 45 minutes as an alternative of an hour. So, for those who’ve received restricted entry to energy throughout your journey, you’ll get to retailer extra juice in much less time.
All the things you want on full show
In the event you’re avoiding utilizing your iPhone, you’ll desire a watch with a big display screen that may stand out in all situations. The Apple Watch Extremely 3 maintains its 49mm design however stretches the show a bit. Extra importantly, it switches from an LTPO2 OLED panel to an LTPO3 wide-angle OLED one with 3,000 nits of brightness. This contributes to a superior viewing expertise at an angle or in direct daylight and makes the show extra vitality environment friendly. You continue to in all probability gained’t be watching too many movies on the tiny display screen, however a little bit extra display screen makes a giant distinction—particularly with out rising the scale of the watch.

The Apple Watch Extremely isn’t only for athletes.
Apple
Whereas organising an Apple Watch nonetheless requires an iPhone, the smartwatch can function independently past that time. So, even for those who’ve left your iPhone behind, you’ll be able to nonetheless connect with 5G or Wi-Fi networks, obtain watchOS apps, stream music, audiobooks, and podcasts, talk with others, use Apple Pay, acquire well being information, and many others. In truth, you’ll be able to have a member of the family arrange your Apple Watch utilizing their iPhone for those who don’t have one.
As within the previous iPhone and iPad days, I can see the corporate finally letting customers arrange Apple Watches and not using a companion system. At this level, there seemingly aren’t any technological challenges barring Apple from utterly untethering the smartwatch and letting it function as a completely standalone system—setup and all. Such a transfer might increase Apple Watch gross sales by luring Android customers—and perhaps even flip them into iPhone switchers.
The Apple Watch Extremely 3, just like the iPhone 17, begins at $799 with 5G connectivity normal. Whereas the wearable isn’t as succesful because the flagship cellphone, it may well carry out lots of its primary actions.
If somebody is actually seeking to disconnect from social media and doesn’t care about snapping pictures with a cell system, the Apple Watch Extremely 3 can realistically double as a primary cellphone, even when they aren’t an excessive athlete. And it’ll seemingly get extra sensible within the coming years, as Apple continues to spice up the accent with {hardware} and software program upgrades.