Apple has seemingly discontinued the 12-month-old Apple Watch Series 2 to make way for the brand new LTE-enabled Apple Watch Series 3.
The 2016 model has now disappeared from the Apple Store website, leaving users a choice between various Series 3 editions and the 2015 Series 1 smartwatch.
The move is a shift from Apple’s usual policy of phasing out the oldest devices and moving the newer model to the entry level option.
However, given the Series 3 upgrade is largely centered around the inclusion of an LTE antenna it’s easy to understand Apple’s thinking.
Related: Apple Watch Series 3 vs Series 2
There are further improvements, including a new S3 processor promising a 70% power boost over the S2.
The W1 connectivity tech has also been boosted to a new W2 chip that’s 50% more efficient than its predecessor. Additionally, Wi-Fi performance will be 85% better.
The LTE antenna will use an e-SIM, which cuts down on size requirement for the new tech too.
Freedom from iPhone
Apple’s network partners will be hoping most customers opt for the Series 3, and the departure of Series 2 certainly furthers that potential.
The new watch will allow users to make and receive calls without the need for the iPhone to be present. It will also enable consumers to use the same phone number.
EE has a timed exclusive in the UK and is planning to charge users an additional £5 a month on top of their contracts to add an Apple Watch 3.
Do you plan on buying the third-generation Apple Watch when it arrives later this month? Tell us whether LTE has been a deal-sealer for you @TrustedReviews on Twitter.
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
