The Apple Watch Series 3 is a significant part of Apple’s smartwatch lineup. Released in 2017, it combines the convenience of Apple’s cutting-edge technology with the portability and functionality of a wrist-worn device. Despite being an older model, the Apple Watch Series 3 still holds its ground in the market, offering essential features for users who want a stylish yet functional smartwatch. This article will explore what the Apple Watch 3 can do, including its fitness features, connectivity, and other capabilities that continue to make it a popular choice.
What Can the Apple Watch 3 Do?
The Apple Watch 3 was one of the first models to truly emphasize fitness and health tracking. It includes many features that make it an essential companion for users who care about their well-being.
Heart Rate Monitoring
One of the key features of the Apple Watch 3 is its heart rate monitoring system. Using advanced sensors, it constantly measures your heart rate throughout the day, giving you insights into your resting heart rate, active heart rate, and heart rate recovery. This data can help you understand how your heart responds to various activities, from casual walks to intense workouts.
The Apple Watch Series 3 also includes heart rate alerts, which notify you if your heart rate is too high or too low. This is particularly useful for people who are actively managing their cardiovascular health.
Activity and Exercise Tracking
The Apple Watch 3 comes equipped with built-in sensors to track a wide range of physical activities. Whether you are running, cycling, swimming, or even doing yoga, the watch can track your movements and provide detailed activity reports. It encourages users to complete their daily “Move,” “Exercise,” and “Stand” goals, which are designed to motivate users to stay active throughout the day.
Additionally, the Apple Watch 3 has a built-in GPS, making it ideal for outdoor exercises such as running and cycling, as it can track your routes and provide accurate data on distance and pace. With watchOS 4, the Series 3 introduced advanced workout features that allowed for more detailed tracking of various exercise types.
Sleep Tracking and Wellness
While the Apple Watch 3 doesn’t offer native sleep tracking features, it can still monitor sleep patterns through third-party apps like AutoSleep or Pillow. These apps utilize the watch’s accelerometer and heart rate sensor to track your sleep and give you insights into your sleep quality. However, to get the most advanced sleep tracking features, you would need to upgrade to newer models like the Apple Watch Series 6 or Apple Watch Ultra.
Connectivity and Communication
One of the most notable features of the Apple Watch 3 is its ability to keep you connected while you are on the go. The device integrates seamlessly with your iPhone, offering a range of communication and connectivity options that allow you to stay connected without having to constantly check your phone.
Cellular Capability
The Apple Watch Series 3 comes in two versions: a GPS-only model and a GPS + Cellular model. The GPS + Cellular model allows you to make calls, send messages, and stream music directly from the watch without the need for an iPhone. This is especially convenient when you are out for a run or at the gym and don’t want to carry your phone with you.
With the cellular model, you can also receive notifications, check emails, and use apps like Maps or Weather even when your iPhone is out of reach. The Apple Watch 3’s cellular capabilities make it more independent, giving users the freedom to stay connected even when they’re away from their phones.
Notifications and Alerts
The Apple Watch 3 syncs with your iPhone to provide real-time notifications right on your wrist. You can receive alerts for texts, emails, phone calls, calendar reminders, and even social media updates without having to pull out your phone. This feature makes it easy to stay informed without interrupting your activities or being glued to your device.
Additional Features and Benefits
The Apple Watch 3 offers several additional features that enhance its overall functionality and make it a versatile device for everyday use. These features include:
Siri Integration
Just like other Apple devices, the Apple Watch 3 comes with Siri, Apple’s virtual assistant. You can use voice commands to ask questions, set reminders, control smart home devices, and even messages send or make calls. The integration of Siri allows for hands-free control of your watch, making it more convenient during your daily activities.
Music and Media Control
With the Apple Watch 3, you can listen to music, podcasts, and audiobooks directly from your watch. If you have the GPS + Cellular version, you can stream music and podcasts directly without needing your iPhone nearby. You can also control media playback on your iPhone, which is a great feature when you’re listening to music on Bluetooth headphones or speakers.
Water Resistance and Durability
The Apple Watch 3 is water-resistant up to 50 meters, making it suitable for swimming, showering, and other water-based activities. Its durable design ensures that it can withstand daily wear and tear, even during intense workouts or outdoor activities. This feature is particularly appealing for users who lead an active lifestyle and need a smartwatch that can keep up with their routine.
Apple Pay and Contactless Payments
The Apple Watch 3 supports Apple Pay, allowing you to make secure, contactless payments directly from your wrist. This feature is especially useful when you are out running errands or exercising, as it eliminates the need to carry your wallet or phone. Simply Double-click the side button and hold your wrist near the payment terminal to complete the transaction.
Limitations of the Apple Watch 3
While the Apple Watch 3 offers a wide range of features, there are some limitations when compared to newer models. These include:
Performance and Speed
The Apple Watch 3, with its dual-core processor, can feel a little slower compared to the more recent Apple Watch Series. Apps may take longer to open, and certain features like Siri may not be as responsive. However, for most users, the speed is still sufficient for everyday tasks and fitness tracking.
Battery Life
The battery life of the Apple Watch 3 is estimated to last up to 18 hours, which is similar to other Apple Watch models. However, the battery can deplete faster when using features like GPS or cellular data, especially on long workouts or while streaming music. Charging the watch every night is recommended to ensure it’s ready for the next day’s activities.
Lack of Advanced Features
The Apple Watch 3 lacks advanced features found in newer models, such as ECG functionality, blood oxygen monitoring, and an always-on display. For users who prioritize these advanced health features, upgrading to a newer model like the Apple Watch Ultra would be more beneficial.
Conclusion
The Apple Watch Series 3 remains a solid choice for those who are looking for a reliable smartwatch that offers essential features like fitness tracking, heart rate monitoring, and cellular connectivity. While it may not have the latest health features or the fastest performance, it provides excellent value for its price. For users who are looking for a more budget-friendly option, the Apple Watch Series 3 still offers great functionality and versatility, especially when combined with the right apps.
If you’re considering purchasing the Apple Watch Series 3, it’s important to weigh its features against your personal needs. The Apple Watch price remains relatively affordable compared to newer models, making it an attractive choice for anyone looking for a dependable smartwatch without breaking the bank. To explore more about the Apple Watch Series, check out our full collection for more details.
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