Samsung Gear S3 Specs And Release Date: What To Expect Before The IFA 2016 Smartwatch Launch

Samsung is announcing a new smartwatch, the Gear S3, in Berlin Wednesday. Press invites, teasers and leaks have all but confirmed the launch of the device. However, Samsung will showcase full details about the wearable during IFA 2016. The Gear S3 follows the Galaxy Gear S2, which was announced during IFA 2015.

Recent leaks have possibly revealed the design for the Samsung Gear S3. Images of surfaced on Walmart's website for screen protectors for Gear S3, showing how the product fits over the device. Each listing appears to show a high-end model Gear S3. However, pundits have noted since the listings are placeholders, it remains uncertain whether the wearables shown are actually the Gear S3.

Rumors have also suggested Samsung worked with the Swiss watchmaker de Grisogono on high-end models of the smartwatch and many supposed leaked images of the Gear S3 show a higher-end product with a metal design and linked chain. Reports suggests models will include the Gear S3 Classic, the Gear S3 Frontier and the Gear S3 Explorer.

Much like many predecessor smartwatches from Samsung, the Gear S3 is expected to run the Tizen operating system. There is no word on what version of Tizen the Gear S3 will run.

While news about hardware specs for the Gear S3 have been scarce, the wearable is expected to include an altimeter, a barometer, and a speedometer and integrated GPS among its sensors . Early reports indicated the Gear S3 codename is “Solaris,” which is is Latin for “sun.” Pundits wonder if the codename could allude to a feature having to do with light.

Model number leaks suggest the Gear S3 will be available at carriers including Verizon and Sprint.

The Gear S3 may also introduce iOS compatibility , which Samsung announced in January; however, it has not been seen on any Gear products. Compatibility with Apple’s operating system would allow users to control the wearable with an iPhone.

The Samsung Gear S3 will be announced Aug. 31 at noon EDT. Samsung will have a livestream available at Samsung.com/galaxy .