Samsung Gear S3 release date, specs rumors: New wearable to debut Aug. 31

The Samsung Gear S2GSM Arena

According to reports, Samsung will reveal its next wearable before the IFA officially kicks off.

The Verge reports that the South Korea-based tech giant has already sent out invites for a press event scheduled for Aug. 31. The industry follower believes that based on the invite itself, Samsung is hinting that its next wearable, the Gear S3, will debut on the said event. This means that the Gear S3 will launch even before its previously-rumored debut at the annual IFA in Berlin, scheduled for Sept. 2 to 7.

Meanwhile, though the new smartwatch is expected at the end of the month, not much is known about the Gear S3, as Samsung has kept a tight lid on it. However, rumors suggest that the Gear S3 will come out in at least three editions, including a top-tier Explorer edition that reportedly features a crown, additional buttons for more features, and variable watch bands.

As for its under-the-hood specs and design, Samsung has kept the Gear S3 under wraps. What is known though is that the new wearable will retain the same shape and form factor as the current-gen Gear S2, and will also feature a rotary bezel. In addition, signature features like integrated GPS, different fitness- and wearable sensors, and IP68 certification will also be features in the upcoming Gear S3 smartwatch.

If Samsung sticks to its roll out schedule for the current-gen Gear S2, its follow-up will also most likely be available in the market before the year ends, though it remains to be seen when the company will schedule a global launch. The Gear S2 launched in September last year at the 2015 IFA. In addition, Samsung will have to double its efforts to push upwards for the smartwatch market. Reportedly, with an influx of smartphone flagship releases this year, smartwatch sales dropped by one-third to date.