Apple's new smartwatch may not require an iPhone for cell connectivity

Apple Watch may not have become a sensation like Apple's other products like iPhone or Mac but the smartwatch is still quite popular and has many takers. Now, to up that smart quotient in its watch, Apple, reportedly is planning a new update that won't require the watch to be constantly paired with iPhone to work. Bloomberg reports that Apple is planning to release a new version of the Apple Watch later this year that can tap into cellular networks without an iPhone.

With built-in cellular support, the new Apple Watch could make calls, send messages, stream songs, request an Uber, and download info from maps, to name a few functions that currently require your iPhone to be close by. Equipped with LTE chips, the Apple Watch will be able to conduct many tasks without an iPhone in range.

Apparently, it's Intel that will supply the LTE modems for the new Watch. The report further adds that Apple is already in talks with carriers in the US and Europe about offering the cellular version. The carriers supporting the LTE Apple Watch, at least at launch, may be a limited subset of those that carry the iPhone.

Skeptics have already started raising concerns about the battery life of the new smartwatch as added LTE functionality would only deplete the humble battery life of Apple's watch.

The new model, likely the Apple Watch 3, may release in the latter part of 2017, though its launch could always be pushed past this year. In addition to adding a cellular chip, the California-based company, reportedly is planning few software changes for the device too.