Buy a cellular watch but not activate it? (kayaking)

[Eauboy]

Hi,

Prospective Apple Watch owner here. I'm sure I'd enjoy many of the features of a smart watch, but the primary driving factor is ease of use/integration with fitness apps while biking and paddling. In particular, paddling (flat water kayaking in my case) is an especially strong use case. Extracting my phone, pulling it from its waterproof case, and using it is kind of a fraught experience. The ability to track my workouts and keep somewhat in touch with the outside world while I splash around is appealing.

But paddling seems like a risky activity for a watch. The paddle, the kayak, and the top of my car (loading/unloading) are all potential impact opportunities for something on your wrist. With that in mind I'm leaning toward the sapphire screen, but so far as I can tell that's only available in the cellular model.

Could I buy the cellular model and simply not register it with my mobile provider? I'm w/ Verizon and it's like $20 per month to add a smart watch. I'm not really sure I see the advantages of the cellular watch (for my purposes), so the idea of shelling out that much per month for features I'm terribly interested in is pretty unappealing.

Thoughts?

 

[StumpyBloke]

You do NOT have to register the cellular part

 

[ApfelKuchen]

My first Watch did not have cellular, and with the exception of a few times when I accidentally left the house without my iPhone, I never felt the need for cellular. Nonetheless, I did get the cellular model of my second (current) Watch (series 4). I've had it for about 1.5 years, but have never activated cellular service - "just in case I may want to use it in the future" has turned into "I really don't seem to need it at all." Even during my outdoor activities I prefer to have my iPhone with me; for the camera, for viewing hiking maps on a decent-sized screen, etc.

If you feel you must receive texts and phone calls while on the water, then by all means, get cellular. Alternately, you could tuck your iPhone away in a good waterproof box, take it with you in the boat, and save that $20/month.

I was an avid whitewater paddler for many years (although I rarely get out on the water now), so I understand your concerns about damaging the watch, although I don't share them. In my experience, the palm/pulse side of your wrist tends to get most of the hits, while the side on which we traditionally wear our watch faces does not.

My first Watch had the sapphire screen, my second has the glass. If you look closely in the right kind of light you can see some fine scratching/scuffing in a few places, but overall it looks pristine - so that Ion-X Glass is pretty tough stuff. At this point, for my needs and usage, I've concluded that sapphire isn't necessary. If it was an heirloom watch that would still be in use for 10 years or more, I could see the investment in sapphire, but for a piece of tech that's likely to be replaced in 3-5 years, no. Considering the sapphire models cost two times or more what the aluminum models cost, you're assuming you're going to avoid one or more replacements. Since there's not a 100% likelihood of that happening, and because the cost of AppleCare+ coverage for the Watch is much lower than that... my feeling is, unless you want the stainless, titanium, or ceramic models for other reasons, save your money, buy AppleCare+ and stop worrying.

 

[Apple_Robert]

Twenty a month (plus taxes) is a lot for cellular if you don’t have need. I wouldn’t pay that price. When I was with Verizon. I paid $13 and change a month for my cellular watch.

If you find a great price on a cellular model, by all means get and if you ever want to activate it later, you can.

Use your Apple Watch without your iPhone nearby - Apple Support

Learn what you can do with your Apple Watch when your iPhone isn't with you.

support.apple.com

 

[44267547]

Just purchase the sport watch model. For abusive activities like rafting, you can purchase a bumper case and a screen protector, and you’re good to go. Both watches share the same water resistance. If you really want the sapphire display, then realize what the Added cost is given the Abuse it will take. I am preferential to the Sapphire display, but I also don’t have use my watch either for ‘extreme activities‘ like that.

 

[antbob]

2nd what ApfelKuchen said. With Ion glass you will get scratches eventually sport activity or not but they usually just cosmetic and dont affect what you see on the screen. I ride bike park and crash every now and then (on rock littered hardpack) and my series 3 Ion glass is pretty scratched but it doesnt affect what I see on the screen. Any real hard deep scratches and serious hit damage to the screen sapphire wont be able to handle either. I think the choice is if small cosmetic scratches/damage gonna bother you or not but keep in mind that Watch casing/paint/whatever can get scratched too. In general just keep in mind that you are not wearing G-Shock (is it still a thing?) and take it off if you are doing something where it can take a hit like dunno working on your car or something but for normal sport activities I wouldnt worry about it too much.

 

[Eauboy]

My first Watch did not have cellular, and with the exception of a few times when I accidentally left the house without my iPhone, I never felt the need for cellular. Nonetheless, I did get the cellular model of my second (current) Watch (series 4). I've had it for about 1.5 years, but have never activated cellular service - "just in case I may want to use it in the future" has turned into "I really don't seem to need it at all." Even during my outdoor activities I prefer to have my iPhone with me; for the camera, for viewing hiking maps on a decent-sized screen, etc.

If you feel you must receive texts and phone calls while on the water, then by all means, get cellular. Alternately, you could tuck your iPhone away in a good waterproof box, take it with you in the boat, and save that $20/month.

I was an avid whitewater paddler for many years (although I rarely get out on the water now), so I understand your concerns about damaging the watch, although I don't share them. In my experience, the palm/pulse side of your wrist tends to get most of the hits, while the side on which we traditionally wear our watch faces does not.

My first Watch had the sapphire screen, my second has the glass. If you look closely in the right kind of light you can see some fine scratching/scuffing in a few places, but overall it looks pristine - so that Ion-X Glass is pretty tough stuff. At this point, for my needs and usage, I've concluded that sapphire isn't necessary. If it was an heirloom watch that would still be in use for 10 years or more, I could see the investment in sapphire, but for a piece of tech that's likely to be replaced in 3-5 years, no. Considering the sapphire models cost two times or more what the aluminum models cost, you're assuming you're going to avoid one or more replacements. Since there's not a 100% likelihood of that happening, and because the cost of AppleCare+ coverage for the Watch is much lower than that... my feeling is, unless you want the stainless, titanium, or ceramic models for other reasons, save your money, buy AppleCare+ and stop worrying.

This is helpful, thank you. I do currently carry my iPhone with me in a waterproof sleeve. I would almost always have it with me, since even if I had the cellular watch, I'd probably still take my phone with me in my car, which means I'd want to have it with me in the boat (as opposed to leaving it in the car while I paddle). The appeal of the watch is being able to leave my phone tucked away but still have access to workout information, the time (weird, I know), and to see if any urgent calls or texts come in. Same for when I'm on my bike; I'd probably still have my phone with me, but would want the watch on my wrist for workout information, time, and *some* connection with the digital world. So, in those scenarios it does seem like it isn't worth paying $20 (or even $10) per month for a feature I don't need.

The only reason I'm considering the cellular model is the durability of the sapphire screen. It's frustrating that I have to make that investment just for a more durable watch. From what you say, the durability difference between the two screen materials may not be significant enough to justify the extra expense.

I don't see a case happening. I'd never want to bring a case with me, put it on the watch, then take it off once I'm done. It would either be on all of the time, or off. IMO, the cases I've seen are ugly enough that I'd rather have a slightly elevated chance of damaging the watch than uglify it.

I'll reconsider the aluminum/Ion-X models.

Thanks again!

 

[Aspasia]

I regularly paddle the Great Lakes in my 17-foot CD Prana LV kayak, wearing my AW5 (aluminum case) It's not cellular; I want my phone with me anyway so the phone is in its Lifeproof case tucked into an Aquapac drybag, and stashed in my snack hatch.

No scratches on the watch face; the phone is waterproof and my only caveat is that the sport loop, which I prefer to wear, stretches when wet so I switch over to the sport band before leaving for the next adventure.

If you're worried about scratching the face when loading, pull your sleeve over the watch or take it off and set it on your car seat. I've not had that issue.

 

[kesennnnn]

You can do that exactly. I had cellular service for my watch for a few months and then just disconnected the line, wasn’t really worth it for me.

 

[DeepIn2U]

Hmmm. Some thoughts.

Initially I'd think why buy a cellular model if you're not going to use it, yet I think the sapphire crystal for the display is the reason why you're choosing the cellular model. If not available on the stainless steel, non-cellular model then it makes sense.

* Get AppleCare+ !! of all the Apple products that you'd find THE most benefit from this warranty service - it's on THE most personal device: Apple Watch!
Reason: It's not just going kayaking, surfing that you'll potentially get nicks and dents from while wearing. You'll soon get used to wearing the watch in the shower, and during hobbies or the odd activities. Regarding the shower ... if yours has that traditional, yet horrible soap dish ... most likely in 3months of having the Apple Watch you'll give it a SMACK right on that soap dish: enough to make you shudder and cringe as much as a convict in prison for dropping the soap (lmao) sorry the comedy was needed to make light of when it happens to you and you did NOT get AppleCare+ like my first S2 AW Nike+ model

Joking aside ... from what I know of Kayaking as a fun sport there is a LOT of danger! Should you EVER get underwater and not be breathing having cellular service for an emergency call when you're barely coherent just might save your life. Actually I just spawned an idea!!

Q: Those with Apple Watch with Cellular service or not activated (especially): can the cellular Apple Watch STILL make a 911 call for emergencies if NOT activate or with a cellular plan on a cellular network in N.America? I had thought for cellphones - this was a mandatory service available EVEN if the phone did NOT have a SIM card would connect to any available network for a 911 call. It's been a long while since I worked for a service provider so I'm not too certain now.

A: my answer .. if you can setup a temporary pay go line with a pre-determined amount of calls and data for a month to month ... then I'd suggest getting this for the times were you're going to go all out on your sporting activities.

Otherwise get into the habit the first week of owning your Apple Watch (cellular / Wi-Fi) to connect to ALL the public Wi-Fi hotspots close to you: McDonald's, StarBucks, Tim Hortons, etc. You'll never know on a jog or a walk where an emergency call (using your iCloud account) will be needed. not just for your emergency or safety yet maybe for others whenever you're in range.

 

[Aspasia]

Joking aside ... from what I know of Kayaking as a fun sport there is a LOT of danger! Should you EVER get underwater and not be breathing having cellular service for an emergency call when you're barely coherent just might save your life. Actually I just spawned an idea!!

Good grief. I don't think you know much about kayaking. There's more danger driving on a highway than paddling a kayak.

if you're underwater and not breathing, you're drowning and won't have the presence of mind to make a phone call.

Over 80% of kayak related drownings were because the paddler not wearing a PFD. That's why they're called LIFE jackets. So, use the $$ you'll save by not going cellular and buy a good paddling specific PFD.

 

[Night Spring]

I don't see a case happening. I'd never want to bring a case with me, put it on the watch, then take it off once I'm done. It would either be on all of the time, or off. IMO, the cases I've seen are ugly enough that I'd rather have a slightly elevated chance of damaging the watch than uglify it.

Have you looked at bumper cases? They are really thin, and make almost no visual difference to the watch. As someone else said, get a screen protector and a bumper case, and your watch is protected, with almost no discernible difference in look and feel.

 

[Eauboy]

Have you looked at bumper cases? They are really thin, and make almost no visual difference to the watch. As someone else said, get a screen protector and a bumper case, and your watch is protected, with almost no discernible difference in look and feel.

Okay, I'll check them out more. The cases I'm thinking of are probably more 'comprehensive' than a bumper case. Thank you.

 

[DeepIn2U]

Good grief. I don't think you know much about kayaking. There's more danger driving on a highway than paddling a kayak.

if you're underwater and not breathing, you're drowning and won't have the presence of mind to make a phone call.

Over 80% of kayak related drownings were because the paddler not wearing a PFD. That's why they're called LIFE jackets. So, use the $$ you'll save by not going cellular and buy a good paddling specific PFD.

I was thinking about kayaking in rapids. That said “ if you're underwater and not breathing“ means you’re holding your breathe possibly swimming not necessarily immediately drowning just an FYI.

 

[poorcody]

I do a lot of kayaking with my Apple Watch. I initially had the same concerns as you, but dozens of trips later, I have never scratched the screen or had any problems with water. Even loading and unloading the kayak from the car each trip hasn't been any issue for me.

It's definitely nice having the watch on the water. I no longer have to fish the phone out to check to see if a text or message was important. I like tracking distance and heart rate as well.

They do sell little stick-on plastic screen protectors for the screen which might save you from the occasional scratch and provide peace-of-mind, but I run my naked.

 

[techno-Zen]

I really hate that Apple forces the cell model on premium material users.

Cellular is nearly useless in my opinion and not worth the cost

 

[justiny]

I've had my SS S4 for over 18 months, and I've never activated the cellular nor have I ever felt the need to.

While I have never tried it myself, there have been reports that the SOS/fall detection/emergency call feature will still function even without a cellular plan activated in North America (someone please correct me if this not the case). The only time I'm ever without my iPhone is when I go running, and the only time I could ever imagine needing cellular is if I encountered an emergency. So while I paid extra for a feature I'm not actively using, I look at it as I paid extra for a "break glass in case of emergency" feature I hope I never need.

 

[Significant1]

I really hate that Apple forces the cell model on premium material users.

Cellular is nearly useless in my opinion and not worth the cost

I disagree. Here in summer time I love running around in shorts without phone and wallet.

But subscription sounds crazy expensive in US and I would be much more stingy about when to activate it, if I had to pay those prices. I pay less than 5$ a month and just have it activated all year round.

 

[techno-Zen]

I disagree. Here in summer time I love running around in shorts without phone and wallet.

But subscription sounds crazy expensive in US and I would be much more stingy about when to activate it, if I had to pay those prices. I only pay less than 5$ a month and just have it activated all year round.

I'd say 1/4 users of the premium material users actually use the cell connection at least from my personal experience

 

[Significant1]

I'd say 1/4 users of the premium material users actually use the cell connection at least from my personal experience

Mine is still aluminium and 40mm, since I value lightness and titanium didn't exist (s4). It is also holding up very well for me, so no regrets.

 

[DontGetTheCheese]

I disagree. Here in summer time I love running around in shorts without phone and wallet.

But subscription sounds crazy expensive in US and I would be much more stingy about when to activate it, if I had to pay those prices. I only pay less than 5$ a month and just have it activated all year round.

I looked at this and it was around $15.00/mo in most places, if you already had a plan. For me, because I do a pay-as-you-go plan, the increase was almost $40/mo because the watch wouldn't work with my plan. There's something there, just not something for $40/mo.

The cheapest place I found service, and it was completely unexpected, was Comcast. I didn't even know they did cellular, much less that they'd do something at a fair price. I don't remember the price, and checking was harder when I tried just now, but I remember it being fair.

 

[perezr10]

I believe if you buy a cellular watch but never hook up service that you can still dial 911 in an emergency. Assuming you’re within range of a cell tower.

I always activate my cellular so I can run without my iPhone. It’s a total of $13.86 per month on AT&T in Texas.

 

[Eauboy]

I really hate that Apple forces the cell model on premium material users.

Yes, this is driving me nuts as well. I'd happily pay more for the premium materials, but not $700US versus $400US.

That said, from multiple responses to this thread, it sounds like my concerns about damaging the IonX glass are overblown. For the extra $300US I could buy AppleCare and also replace the watch more often over the long-term.

 

[DontGetTheCheese]

Jeez, the watch is either $529 or $429, do you need a $300 insurance policy on that? Or even a $100 policy? And does it work with a smashed screen? Honestly, I don't know, never bought Apple Care.

And, why cellular for kayaking? Maybe you addressed this but the only reason I see for this is 911 but you could be somewhere where there's no cell signal, so no 911. I run hills, and always got the 911 because there was cell service and literally while not crazy off the beaten path, it could be an hour or two before someone came along.

 

[sjinsjca]

If your Watch has a cellular radio and is series 5, emergency alerts will call local emergency services wherever you may be in the world (as long as there is a cell signal, of course). See https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT206983 and https://www.apple.com/watchos/feature-availability/#branded-international-emergency

For me, as a frequent flyer (well, until 2020...), this was a significant benefit.

The cell service does not need to be activated for this to work.