Apple discovers issues in new smartwatch 48 hours before shipping

Tech juggernaut Apple announced on Wednesday that its new Series 3 smartwatches had been experiencing significant connectivity issues just days before they were due to be shipped.

Multiple reviewers of the Apple Watch Series 3 noted connectivity issues with the device, the first of Apple's smartwatches with built-in LTE capabilities that allowed it to be used without the assistance of a connected mobile device.

The device was said to continuously attempt connections to unknown WiFi networks as opposed to using its own cellular data when users were out without their phones.

"We have discovered that when Apple Watch Series 3 joins unauthenticated Wi-Fi networks without connectivity, it may at times prevent the watch from using cellular," an Apple spokesperson said. "We are investigating a fix for a future software release."

The statement provided no date on the potential software update.

As of 1700 BST, the announcement had caused shares to slip 2.47% on the NASDAQ to $154.76