Apple Watch Series 3 Apple’s smart watch makes a splash

Everything at hand

This third version of Apple’s Watch is hardly any different on the outside except for a red insert in the side knob (or Crown) to let everyone know you’ve bought the latest version. But on the inside the hardware and software have been updated, with watchos 4 (also available for older models) bringing Siri voice assistance, improved health and fitness apps, and Gymkit, which connects to compatible gym equipment.

Fitness is increasingly the focus, although the Watch is also good for notifying you about incoming messages and letting you take phone calls and reply to text messages without having to get your phone out. For the first time, it’s waterproof, so you can wear it swimming and it’ll track your lengths and heart rate, although it lacks advanced options like stroke detection – available on specialised fitness bands.

The other big innovation is built-in 4G, which lets you connect to the internet when you don’t have your iphone. With GPS already added, this makes the Watch a fully standalone device, but you still need an iphone to make it work, and if you opt for 4G both must be on the EE network.

The Series 3 starts at £399 with 4G or £329 without, with prices rising – depending on size (38mm or 42mm strap), colour, strap and finish to well over a grand. The Series 1 (a slightly upgraded version of the original model without GPS or 4G) is still available from £249.

VERDICT: It’s only for iphone users, but this is as good as smart watches get right now, and the ability to wear it underwater is a great leap forward ★★★★☆

ALTERNATIVE: Huawei Watch 2 Sport £329 It’s not fully waterproof and the betterlooking Classic version is pricey, but with GPS and optional 4G this is the nearest Android rival

SPECIFICATIONS Retina

AMOLED touchscreen

• Heart-rate monitor

• GPS

• Optional 4G

• Fits 135-210mm wrist size

• One-year warranty

• Requires iphone 5s or higher (6 for 4G) with IOS 11 www.snipca.com/16795