At present, Apple's smart watch must be connected to iPhone through wireless network to realize music playing, map updating, information sending and other functions. According to informed sources, the new watch that Apple plans to launch before the end of this year will be equipped with LTE chips, which can accomplish many tasks without connecting to the iPhone. For example, even if the iPhone is at home, users can download new songs using applications on smart watches.
According to another person familiar with the matter, Intel will provide an LTE modem for this new watch. For the chip maker Intel, this is undoubtedly a huge victory. Over the years, Intel has been committed to adding its own components to more Apple mobile devices. Qualcomm has always been a major supplier of iphone and other Apple mobile devices, but last year, Apple and Qualcomm launched a fierce legal lawsuit over patent infringement. Last year, Apple began to cooperate with Intel, which became a modem supplier for some iPhone phones.
People familiar with the matter also said that Apple has started negotiations with wireless operators in the United States and Europe to provide smart watches that support cellular network versions. One of the people familiar with the matter said that at least when the new LTE version of Apple Watch goes on the market, there will not be too many support operators. However, according to other people familiar with the matter, AT & amp； T, Verizon Communications, Sprint and T-Mobile America all plan to sell this equipment.
In addition, the release of this new device may be delayed until after 20 17. In fact, Apple delayed the release of a smart watch supporting cellular network last year.
Apple declined to comment on the report.