It’s time for Apple to “retire” the Watch Series 3

When Apple first introduced Apple Watch Series 3 In the market, the device was welcomed by users and set the trend for wearable devices. However, as the years have passed, this device has become less competitive – especially since its price advantage is gone in the face of competition. Apple Watch SE.

At this point, there’s little reason for a new Apple Watch buyer to choose the Series 3 over a newer model. There’s even less reason for Apple to keep it up.

The end of the product life cycle

There have been some recent rumors suggesting that Apple may finally discontinue production of the Apple Watch Series 3 in 2022.

This past February, it was rumored that Apple would release three new Apple Watch models in 2022. The updated lineup will also include the discontinued Apple Watch Series 3. At the time, the report didn’t give any indication as to why Apple would scrap the model.

In addition, on March 21, famous TF Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicted that Apple Watch Series 3 will be discontinued in the third quarter of 2022. Since Apple still sells the Apple Watch Series 3, Kuo’s prediction essentially means that Apple will continue to sell the model until production is discontinued. That’s uncommon for Apple, but it’s not unheard of.

Of course, there are also many features missing on the Apple Watch Series 3 compared to newer models. The gap between the cheapest Apple Watch and Apple’s current generations has widened over the years.

Feature is missing

At this point, it’s hard to recommend any user buy an Apple Watch Series 3 instead of a new model unless price is the deciding factor.

Apple Watch Series 3 has an old design that almost marks the 5 year mark. The device has thicker bezels than newer models, a smaller display and case, and is a bit more boxy and rectangular than any of Apple’s current wearables.

And while the Apple Watch Series 3 is still supported by software updates and Apple’s integration, its processor is also starting to show signs of “outdated”.

Apple Watch Series 3 does not support watch face width like its successors. Apple’s 2017 Apple Watch also lacks many of the health and safety tools of newer devices, such as fall detection and electrocardiogram (ECG).

There is also the issue of updating. Due to the smaller internal memory size of the Apple Watch Series 3, the device now needs to be unpaired and reset to install software updates. That turns a minor inconvenience into more of a headache for the user.

Time to “death” Apple Watch Series 3

Apple’s Series 3 has outlasted any previous model in its 5-year lifespan. For example, the Apple Watch Series 0 was discontinued when Apple released the Apple Watch Series 1 and Apple Watch Series 2. The original Apple Watch discontinued watchOS 5 support three years after its release. Software support for Series 1 and Series 2 has ended four years after launching with watchOS 7 in 2020.

The Apple Watch Series 3 has served users well for 5 years, giving users a solid wearable at a good price, and expanding the Apple Watch user base. But now, five years after the device’s release, it’s definitely time for the iPhone maker to stop making low-cost wearables.

Of course, that would leave a gap in Apple’s current lineup. However, that could easily be filled by a new model made to lower cost specifications or an older model sold at a reduced price. Since the Apple Watch SE currently costs only about $80 more, Apple could easily replace the Apple Watch Series 3 with the SE.

Whether Apple replaces the Series 3 in its lineup or simply increases the price of its lowest priced device, there’s no doubt that the Apple Watch Series 3 is nearing the end of its useful life.

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