Apple may launch its ‘cheapest’ ever smartwatch on September 7 – Times of India

We are getting closer and closer to Apple’s biggest event of the year. As expected rumour mills have been in overdrive mode with leaks flying thick and fast around what all Apple could unveil at the Far out event. The latest one comes from a New York Times report which suggests that Apple could launch a really affordable smartwatch.
According to the report, Apple could unveil a smartwatch that will be cheaper than the Apple Watch SE. Apple Watch SE made its debut in 2020 and was launched at Rs 29,990 in India. The new affordable Watch is targeted at young smartwatch users. The report makes a rather interesting point about Apple using the Family Setup feature as a big selling point for this rumoured Watch.

What is Family Setup, why does it matter for an ‘affordable’ Watch
Two years ago with watchOS 7, Apple introduced the Family Setup feature. The feature allows anyone to use an Apple Watch — with cellular connectivity — even without an iPhone. Users can make calls, send/receive messages, use apps, share location and do more with the Family Setup feature. Apple’s idea, as per the report, is to give parents the option of giving a device that can be used “a stopgap cellphone for kids.” What it could also do is reduce screen time as well as curb internet addiction among kids.
The report also says that Apple has been working on this device for three years. However, using an Apple Watch without an iPhone could hamper the battery life. Apple, according to the report, has addressed the issue and is now ready to launch a really affordable Watch.
Another reason why Apple could launch an affordable Watch is that in all probability the Watch Series 3 will be discontinued this year. The Watch Series 3 is the cheapest Apple Watch one can buy as it sells for just under Rs 20,000 in India.

How many Apple Watch models can we expect?
As per rumours, we could see as many as three Apple Watch models being unveiled at the Far out event on September 7. These will include a high-end ‘Pro’ variant of the Apple Watch, the ‘regular’ Watch Series 8 and the more affordable variant. It will be interesting to see how Apple goes about pricing this affordable Watch if it does feature cellular connectivity then chances are it will cost more than the outgoing Watch Series 3.