Apple memo says it will replace some Apple Watch series 3 units with something better

If you have an Apple Watch series 3 model that needs to be replaced by Apple, you might be in luck. According to 9to5Mac, the company is apparently running low on the 2017 version of its timepiece; as a result, some Apple customers expecting a brand new series 3 timepiece will receive a new Apple Watch series 4 unit instead. The latest version of the device features a new edge-to-edge display and an electrocardiogram (ECG) monitor.

The ECG monitor is the breakout new feature on the Apple Watch series 4, and it looks for abnormal heart rhythms that could be caused by Atrial fibrillation (AFib). The latter can lead to a stroke, blood clots or heart failure. Combined with the heart rate monitor that has been available on the Apple Watch since the beginning, the device has been credited with saving the lives of several wearers.

Today's report cites unnamed sources who say that Apple has issued an internal memo to repair staff at Apple Stores and authorized repair centers. The upgraded replacement applies to those who are expecting a replacement unit for the Apple Watch series 3 Stainless Steel (GPS + Cellular) model. The memo covers replacement units for this version globally but doesn't mention whether this is a temporary situation or a permanent solution.

We could see Apple introduce the Apple Watch series 5 later this year, and there is speculation that it will finally include sleep tracking. And we could see Apple allow users to navigate through certain content with the use of some gestures. A patent application filed by Apple shows how someone wearing an Apple Watch would be able to scroll through information on the screen with a flick of the wrist. Answering a call could be accomplished by clenching a fist for a few seconds. Design-wise, the next Apple Watch should resemble the current model. If Apple sticks with tradition, the new model should be introduced this September.