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Can you switch off the LTE functionality?

W

will0407

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
May 20, 2006
609
57
I was all set to order a S3 nike model however the Composite back on the GPS version is putting me off- having had a ceramic back on my nike S2 and it looking pristine after 8 months, it doesn't seem right getting the new version and downgrading in material (despite increased speed etc) and I'd be annoyed if the composite back got scratched as I like to keep my stuff pristine.

I'm thinking of buying the S3 LTE model to retain the ceramic back, and if I buy using gift vouchers purchased for below face value my spend won't be a great deal more than the GPS S3. I'm not on the correct UK network to utilise the LTE functionality (not that I would use it much anyway) so can I turn LTE off?

Guessing that would potentially help battery life as well.

EDIT: turns out you can... https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT207578
 
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If you never enable the cellular function, then LTE/cellular will never be on or used.
 
will0407 said:
I was all set to order a S3 nike model however the Composite back on the GPS version is putting me off-
Click to expand...
Wow, that's quite a catch. Wouldn't paid attention until I read your post. Not cool for Apple to differentiate something small like this for the same "Series 3" lineup. I guess the price cut has to come from somewhere... :(
 
pika2000 said:
Wow, that's quite a catch. Wouldn't paid attention until I read your post. Not cool for Apple to differentiate something small like this for the same "Series 3" lineup. I guess the price cut has to come from somewhere... :(
Click to expand...

Yeah I only noticed this morning when I was about to order and then spent the next hour looking for details on the composite backs. Consensus seems to be that they will scratch more easily (which is obvious I guess!).

The problem is if I scratch the body, I know it will have been from my own doing, but if it scratches on the back from just wearing it, then that's just plain annoying!
 
Saw an LTE watch in person today. Red dot didn't stand out to me.

I'm curious to find out if the LTE watches, if unactivated, will be able to call emergency services (911) as can inactive cellphones. Anyone have any info?
 
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I doubt it. If you aren't going to be without your phone you should just use your phone to make 911 call
 
That kinda makes no sense. Someone who wasn't planning to be without their phone wouldn't have reason to wonder whether an unactivated LTE watch could reach emergency services.
 
I would use my phone if i had wifi only apple watch and it was an emergency.
 
What would you use if you had an unactivated LTE watch and didn't have your phone?

I regularly run without my phone, don't want to carry it on lunchtime runs. It'd be nice to know if the LTE watch, unactivated, offers an advantage over the wifi-only watch in those circumstances.
 
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deeddawg said:
What would you use if you had an unactivated LTE watch and didn't have your phone?

I regularly run without my phone, don't want to carry it on lunchtime runs. It'd be nice to know if the LTE watch, unactivated, offers an advantage over the wifi-only watch in those circumstances.
Click to expand...
The LTE AW3 is made for people like you who go running without the phone. I would activate it.
 
edhchoe said:
The LTE AW3 is made for people like you who go running without the phone. I would activate it.
Click to expand...
I would too if the price were $5/mo. $10 seems excessive.

We'll see.

Be nice to know the answer to the question though.
 
deeddawg said:
What would you use if you had an unactivated LTE watch and didn't have your phone?

I regularly run without my phone, don't want to carry it on lunchtime runs. It'd be nice to know if the LTE watch, unactivated, offers an advantage over the wifi-only watch in those circumstances.
Click to expand...
As far as benefits, besides LTE, would be the 16gb storage on the watch. Meaning you can store up to 8gb of music on the watch locally, vs just 2gb on non LTE models.
 
TheColtr said:
As far as benefits, besides LTE, would be the 16gb storage on the watch. Meaning you can store up to 8gb of music on the watch locally, vs just 2gb on non LTE models.
Click to expand...
Has this been shown yet? Saw earlier posts suggesting there was still a 2GB limit but haven't followed the topic.
 
I still think the Series 3 Apple Watch is enough of an upgrade for those from the first generation Apple Watch want the speed increase and don't desire to use LTE. At least Apple gives you the option of toggling it on or off.
 
will0407 said:
I was all set to order a S3 nike model however the Composite back on the GPS version is putting me off- having had a ceramic back on my nike S2 and it looking pristine after 8 months, it doesn't seem right getting the new version and downgrading in material (despite increased speed etc) and I'd be annoyed if the composite back got scratched as I like to keep my stuff pristine.

I'm thinking of buying the S3 LTE model to retain the ceramic back, and if I buy using gift vouchers purchased for below face value my spend won't be a great deal more than the GPS S3. I'm not on the correct UK network to utilise the LTE functionality (not that I would use it much anyway) so can I turn LTE off?

Guessing that would potentially help battery life as well.

EDIT: turns out you can... https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT207578
Click to expand...
As mentioned earlier, just don’t add a plan and LTE will remain off.
 
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