Apple will reportedly release an LTE Apple Watch: report

Apple will reportedly introduce an Apple Watch with LTE capabilities later this year, according to a report Friday.

The cellular-enabled smartwatch would let consumers send messages, download apps and stream music without an iPhone nearby, Bloomberg reported. Apple Watch currently need to be tethered to an iPhone's LTE network to connect to the Internet.

People familiar with Apple's plans told Bloomberg that the watch is meant to reduce its reliance on the iPhone.

It is not clear if users will have to buy a separate cellular data plan for an LTE Apple Watch nor is it clear which carriers will support it. However, Bloomberg reported AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile plan to sell the new device.