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TECH NEWS

Apple Watch Series 3: Key features that could be useful for cyclists

New third-generation smartwatch offers improved fitness tracking and works independently from the iPhone

Apple might have wowed and shocked the world in equal measure with the launch of its new iPhone X last night, its most expensive smartphone ever produced, but we were more interested in how the latest Watch Series 3 could be useful for cyclists.

We’ve previously looked at how Apple’s smartwatch could be utilised by cyclists as an alternative to handlebar mounted computers, but the third-generation smartwatch looks to take that usefulness to another level.

The key update is that it is now available in a version that works independently from a connected iPhone. The Watch 3 will use the same phone number as your regular phone, there’s no need for another SIM card as it uses an eSIM. A regular GPS-only version will be available as well.

watch_series_3_heartrate_app.jpg

The mobile version means you can leave your phone at home and head out on the road with the Apple Watch 3 tracking your activity and heart rate, and allow you to take and make phone calls and send messages, handy if you need to be contactable during a lunchtime ride.

There’s more of a push from the likes of Wahoo and Garmin to bring in smartphone connectivity and push messages and phone call alerts through to the handlebar mounted computer, and this might or might not interest you as a feature, and the Apple Watch Series 3 looks to make staying connected easy.

Being connected also means you have access to maps, useful for navigation, out on the road, and can stream music, though we know that's more controversial amongst cyclists. We’re yet to see third-party apps like Strava updated to make use of this latest change to the Apple Watch.

There’s now a barometric altimeter that assists with tracking activity, so total climbing on a ride should be more accurate.

- 10 of the best cycling GPS units

The new Apple Watch Series 3 is also powered by a faster dual-core processor so app launch times have been reduced and the graphics are smoother. It’s is the same size as the previous second-generation watch, and the battery is still claimed to last all day. 

“Whether users are out for a run, at the pool or just trying to be more active throughout their day, Apple Watch Series 3 with cellular allows them to stay connected, make calls, receive texts and more, even without iPhone nearby,” says Apple.

This third-generation Apple Watch’s latest watchOS 4 operating system provides improved fitness tracking functions. There’s still a heart rate sensor integrated into the back panel but the app has been improved to provide a better insight into resting, workout and recovery periods.

- Strava fitness app updated for Apple Watch 2

That means there’s better fitness tracking. It can now provide resting and recovery heart rate times, and custom High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) workout type. If heading to the gym in the off-season, GymKit connects to various cardio equipment so you can keep tracking your training away from the bike.

The Watch Series 3 with mobile capabilities costs £399 or £329 without, and be available from the end of September.

Sadly there was no news on cycling power measurement at the launch, as we speculated on earlier this year.

 

David worked on the road.cc tech team from 2012-2020. Previously he was editor of Bikemagic.com and before that staff writer at RCUK. He's a seasoned cyclist of all disciplines, from road to mountain biking, touring to cyclo-cross, he only wishes he had time to ride them all. He's mildly competitive, though he'll never admit it, and is a frequent road racer but is too lazy to do really well. He currently resides in the Cotswolds, and you can now find him over on his own YouTube channel David Arthur - Just Ride Bikes

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7 comments

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BarryBianchi | 6 years ago
1 like

About as robust and waterproof as a meringue, and with about the same battery life.  Great.

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NorthEastJimmy | 6 years ago
2 likes

Still prefer my Garmin Fenix 3 to this, hardly use the smart watch features but it's useful to have if needed.  Does turn-by-turn, even if it is a bit of a faff to set up.  Bullet proof so no need to be careful with it and the battery lasts 5 times longer than this pish.

Avatar
ChrisS9 | 6 years ago
0 likes

Apparently the only carrier planning to support the independant LTE connection in the UK is EE though..... so tough luck if you are on O2 etc.

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kil0ran | 6 years ago
0 likes

If you can connect cadence/speed sensors to this it has the potential to be a Garmin killer.

Breaking the tether to the phone finally makes it exactly what a connected watch should be. I've no desire to receive notifications whilst riding but being able to track a workout with a single device and potentially get turn by turn navigation is a big plus. One less thing to leave connected to your bars (or to have to remember to remove after every ride)

Avatar
Pub bike replied to kil0ran | 6 years ago
0 likes

kil0ran wrote:

If you can connect cadence/speed sensors to this it has the potential to be a Garmin killer.

Apple would need to make it waterproof, and sort out the battery life.  Unfortunately for Apple, the battery life issue is fundamental to the technology used in the watch.  Garmin on the other hand has always designed its wearables from a low power perspective first, hence slow processors, transflective displays etc. leading to batteries lasting weeks, so I doubt they are worried.

Avatar
Kendalred | 6 years ago
0 likes

£399 with mobile, £329 without, according to Apple. I did think £7 difference between the two models was a little strange!

 

 

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simonmb | 6 years ago
0 likes

The Watch 3 offers more of a leap forward in technology than anything packaged in any of their three 'new' phones. It's getting to be a very desirable and essential piece.

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