A prototype image has been shared online of the Apple Watch Series 3 that sports a unique possible Smart Connector on the device. A hidden connection port is a regular feature of Apple Watches, and this enables easy internal diagnostics by Apple and other internal tests. The prototype was shared by Guilio Zompetti and indicated the presence of two other ports which were not hidden, with a close semblance to the Apple iPad’s Smart Connector, but much smaller. The Apple Watch has evolved over the years from a simple gadget to a potent smart wearable device in some cases, capable of providing an array of health and fitness advisory and data. The Apple Watch became even more poignant during the coronavirus pandemic. They were transformed into devices capable of predicting the onset of the coronavirus several days before symptoms appeared.

Apple might have experimented on some “smart bands” in earlier revisions of Apple Watch S3.

On this prototype unit, two unusual pads are exposed to the band, as a sort of “Smart Connector” we’ve already seen on iPads.#AppleCollection #AppleWatch pic.twitter.com/uVFZHuvuAe

— Giulio Zompetti (@1nsane_dev) June 24, 2021

Authoritative Apple tipster, Zompetti, in his Twitter feed relating to the prototype, says that the prototype is an Apple Watch 3 prototype which the company was testing back then. From the prototype image, it seems Apple was working on including a pair of Smart Connectors which may function for blood pressure monitoring. The connectors are located where the band of the watch would sit, meaning it would work with the smart band to perform the function. However, the optics of how the blood pressure sensor will interface with the Smart Band is unknown, as the tipster did not provide any additional information in this direction.

Apple is getting set to launch the Watch Series 7 but we can’t say if this feature will make it into the model.

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Apple Watch Series 3 was announced at Apple’s annual event same day the iPhone 8, 8 Plus and iPhone X were unveiled. The standout feature on the third-gen Apple smartwatch series is the addition of cellular connectivity that allows users to make calls, send and receive text messages. The watch also enables users to access the internet without having to pair with a nearby iPhone. The timepiece went on sale on September 22 globally, including in China. 

Right from the start of sales, qualified users in China were able to connect to China Unicom’ cellular network but just a few days after the sales commenced, precisely on September 28 China Unicom abruptly shut down wireless connectivity to the Watch Series 3 users. China has three wireless carriers, all controlled by the government who usually monitors users of the networks. The reason for the network shutdown shouldn’t be unconnected with how China monitors its citizens who use cellular enabled devices. The Watch 3 uses an e-SIM which is a micro SIM card embedded inside the smartwatch and it allows users to choose the carrier and plan he/she prefers to use. In this kind of situation, it would be difficult for the government to track down users.

Read More: Apple Rules in Market Share in China as Samsung Slips to Sixth Position

China Unicom had clearly indicated on its website when the Apple Watch series 3 went on sales on September 22 that cellular connectivity was offered on a trial basis. That trial may have ended. Apple has responded by releasing a statement which states that it was informed by China Unicom that the cellular feature on the Apple Watch Series 3 “has been suspended.” There are no signs at the moment that the cellular connectivity would be turned back on for APple Watch 3 users who paid as much as $600 for the smartwatch.

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Apple’s first product launch at its annual event is the Apple Watch Series 3. As predicted the biggest change coming to the Apple Watch is the addition of cellular connectivity.

To keep the Apple Watch Series 3 exactly the same dimensions as the Series 2, Apple used an e-sim instead of a nano SIM. The watch uses the same number as the one in your phone, so friends and family can reach you even when away from your it. While other manufacturers with LTE smartwatches include the antenna in parts like the straps, the antenna for the watch is the display itself.

Another advantage of having cellular connectivity is the ability to stream from Apple Music. This feature will be available next month.

The watch features a new dual core processor that is 70% faster and a new W2 chip that offers better Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity as well as better battery performance.

There are a bunch of new straps that will work with previous series too. One of them is the Sports Loop band for outdoor activities.

Apple has also improved the software. The heart rate app will now alert you when your heart rate is elevated even when you are not active. This is targeted at helping users detect heart issues early enough.

The Apple Watch Series 3 will sell for $399. A WiFi only version without the red crown will also be available for $329. Apple also announced that the first gen Apple Watch will now sell for $249.

Like the previous series, there will be a ceramic Watch Edition that comes in white with a white/pebble sport band and a black variant with gray/black sport band. They will sell for $1299. A special Hermes edition will be priced at $1199 and up.

READ MORE: Apple Rules in Market Share in China as Samsung Slips to Sixth Position

All variants of The Apple Watch Series 3 excluding the Nike+ version, will be available for pre-order on Friday, September 15 and be available for purchase on September 22. The Nike+ version will be available on October 5.

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