The Apple Watch lineup might get a little smaller this year, as Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reports that the Apple Watch Series 3 could be discontinued later in 2022. When it was released in September 2017, the Apple Watch Series 3 was the best Apple Watch money could buy. It had an upgraded processor over the Series 2, added optional cellular connectivity for the first time, and dramatically improved Wi-Fi and Bluetooth performance. If you wanted an Apple Watch, the Series 3 was the one to get.
In the years since then, the Apple Watch Series 3 has remained a constant in Apple’s portfolio. The Apple Watch Series 7 is now the flagship model with the best features/specs, the sleekest design, and the highest $399 starting price. The Apple Watch SE lacks some of the Series 7’s advanced health features, but it delivers a modern and reliable Apple Watch experience for just $279. The Apple Watch Series 3 is now the cheapest version of the Apple Watch you can buy, coming in at $199.
After nearly five years, it looks like 2022 will be the year that the Apple Watch Series 3 is finally discontinued. According to a recent Tweet from Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, “Apple Watch Series 3 may go to end-of-life (EOL) in 3Q22 [The third quarter of 2022].” Why? According to Kuo, the Series 3’s “computing power can’t meet the requirements of the new watchOS.” Kuo’s likely referring to the watchOS 9 update that’s expected to launch later this year. It’s unclear what new features Apple’s including with the update, but whatever’s planned, it’s enough that the Series 3 won’t be able to handle it.
Why It’s Time For Apple To Kill The Apple Watch Series 3
![The Apple Watch Series 3 Might Get Discontinued Soon, And That’s Great](https://static1.srcdn.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/apple-watch-series-3-official-render.png)
Although the discontinuation of a gadget isn’t normally an exciting thing, the death of the Apple Watch Series 3 has been a long time coming. While the Series 3 was at the top of its game in 2017, it’s become an ancient relic in 2022. Hardware-wise, the Apple Watch Series 3 has a much smaller display than the SE and Series 7, considerably larger bezels, and an aging processor. Apps open more slowly, the interface isn’t as smooth, and the Series 3 is missing some of the SE and Series 7’s best watch faces.
Perhaps even more damning, the Apple Watch Series 3’s limited storage can prove to be unbelievably frustrating. Where the Apple Watch SE and Series 7 have 32GB of storage, the Apple Watch Series 3 has just 8GB. Not only does this mean there’s hardly any room for apps, photos, and downloaded music, but trying to update the Series 3 over the last couple of years has proven all but impossible for some users. Just how bad have things gotten? When Apple released its watchOS 7.4 update in May 2021, it recommended users unpair their Apple Watch and reset it to factory settings — just to install an update. It’s that bad.
With the Apple Watch Series 3 (hopefully) bidding farewell this year, it’ll be interesting to see how Apple replaces it. With a new Apple Watch SE expected later this year, the current SE could take the Series 3’s spot and get a new $199 price tag. The Apple Watch SE isn’t the most advanced Apple Watch today, but it’s infinitely better than the Series 3 in virtually every way. The Apple Watch Series 3 had a long and good run, but it’s about time Apple laid the thing to rest.