Apple Watch 3 reportedly won't need your iPhone to make calls

Apple Watch could soon go where it hasn't gone before, adding LTE support and therefore ditching the need to have your iPhone nearby for tasks that require a network connection.

Sources speaking with Bloomberg say Apple has a version of its smartwatch in the works that can tap into cellular networks sans mobile handset.

The new model, likely the Apple Watch 3, could release in the latter part of 2017, though its launch may be pushed to a later date.

One possibility is for the new Apple Watch to debut alongside the iPhone 8, which Apple is expected to debut in September.

With cellular support, the new Apple Watch could make calls, send messages, stream songs, request an Uber, and download info from maps, to name a few functions that currently require your iPhone be close by.

According to Bloomberg, Intel will source the new Watch's LTE modems. The chip giant is seeing its stock rise as a legal tussle between Apple and Qualcomm continues.

Talks to sell and support the LTE-equipped Apple Watch are said to be underway with service providers in the US and Europe, and the big four in the US (AT&T, Verizon, Sprint and T-Mobile) reportedly plan to carry Apple's updated wearable.

One major concern is battery life, though Apple is reportedly looking at solutions to keep battery power from depleting too quickly with LTE.

Whenever the Apple Watch 3 makes its debut, it will likely run WatchOS 4. The new wearable operating system will feature more robust workout functions, tighter Siri integration, peer-to-peer payment support, and updates to the Apple Music app.

We expect Apple's new smartwatch to be ready to go for the Christmas shopping season, though if the tech giant can't get all the features right, such as decent battery life, then it's likely we won't see the Apple Watch 3 until 2018.