Which Apple Watch is discontinued?

Answered by Randy McIntyre

I recently came across the news that Apple Watch Series 3 is being discontinued and will not receive support for the upcoming watchOS 9. This came as a surprise to me, as I have been considering purchasing the Series 3 for a while now.

I decided to do some research and found that despite this announcement, Apple is still selling the Apple Watch Series 3 on its online store. This seems a bit contradictory to me, as why would Apple continue to sell a product that will soon become outdated and unsupported?

The Apple Watch Series 3 was first released in September 2017, and it quickly gained popularity due to its improved features and performance compared to its predecessors. It introduced cellular connectivity, allowing users to make calls, send messages, and stream music without the need for a paired iPhone. This was a significant advancement and made the Series 3 a desirable choice for many.

However, with the release of watchOS 8 later this year, the Series 3 will not be able to receive the update. This means that users will miss out on the new features and improvements that come with the latest operating system. It is worth noting that watchOS updates often bring important security fixes and performance enhancements, so the lack of support for Series 3 could potentially leave users vulnerable to security risks.

Despite these limitations, Apple’s decision to continue selling the Series 3 might have some valid reasons. One possibility is that there is still a demand for the Series 3, especially considering its lower price point compared to the newer models. Some users might be willing to compromise on the latest features and updates in exchange for a more affordable option.

Additionally, Apple might be phasing out the Series 3 gradually, allowing existing stock to be sold before completely discontinuing it. This strategy would ensure that Apple doesn’t have excess inventory and can transition smoothly to the newer models.

From a personal standpoint, I can understand why Apple would continue to sell the Series 3 despite its impending lack of support. As a consumer, I appreciate having different options at various price points. Not everyone needs or wants the latest and greatest features, and for those users, the Series 3 could still be a viable choice.

While it is surprising that Apple is still selling the Apple Watch Series 3 despite its lack of support for watchOS 9, there could be valid reasons behind this decision. It could be a way to cater to the demand for a more affordable option or a strategy to phase out the product gradually. Ultimately, it is up to the consumers to decide whether they are willing to compromise on the latest updates in exchange for a lower price.