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Cellular or not?

ivanwi11iams

ivanwi11iams

Contributor
Original poster
Nov 30, 2014
4,507
3,066
Georgia, USA
I did a search within the Apple Watch forum, but, did not see a dedicated thread for this question.

So...

Curious, are you, You, or YOU going to use/order the cellular service for your Apple Watch, AW4?

I had the service for about 5 days, on the AW3. But, felt that I was not going to use it. More than likely, I should have left it on for the entire month. Considering ATT charge a $30 connection fee; which I did not know about till I get the bill last week. By which time, I had already cancelled the cellular service.

Anyway…
 
I had LTE on my AW3 and now have it on my AW4. Though I don’t use it all the time I like having it when I occasionally need it. With T-Mobile it costs $10 taxes included so to me it’s inexpensive. Though $5 would really be a deal
 
I can’t justify cellular for my needs yet, although there has some been really interesting stories for those who have use LTE where they did use it when They least expected they thought they wouldn’t need it. It really depends if you can justify the cost from your carrier, which I think is prohibiting those from wanting to use it, because they don’t want to pay the extra $10-$15 a month on a line.
 
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I don’t mind the monthly cost ($10+ tax, with ATT).

However, ATT charge a $30 connection fee. To me, that is daylight robbery. They want me to use the service, yet I have to pay a monthly subscription (no issues with this), AND pay for the privilege.
 
Good thread. So, I can use a celluar AW, since I am on a business plan and work won't activate it. Is there any other advanatage to having the celluar AW? I think even if you don't have it activated, it would still dial 911, if the fall program is activated and you had a fall - right? Other than that I can't think of anything different the celluar AW does this year.

Other than all the ss versions come with celluar, which is probably what I would get.
 
I had cellular service on my AW3 and used it so rarely I couldn’t justify the upfront $100 cost plus the monthly expense when I got my aluminum AW4. Especially since both the cellular and the gps models now have the same case back and on-board storage capacity. But each person’s needs are different...
 
Last edited:
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You can make a 911 call from the cellular watch without having a cellular plan.

I think if more people knew that, they would choose the cellular version but not activate the service.
 
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tromboneaholic said:
You can make a 911 call from the cellular watch without having a cellular plan.

I think if more people knew that, they would choose the cellular version but not activate the service.
Click to expand...

That is definitely a good benefit.
 
You know, I am almost embarrassed to type this.
I just noticed that the GPS model, in size 44MM, is $100 cheaper (I was under the impression that they ALL came with cellular, but, you had a choice to activate, or not). And, if I am not going to enable the cellular option, I might as well had purchased just the GPS option.

DUH!

As I review Apple's website now, I see they have GPS models in stock, for pick up (Atlanta, GA).
Bloody tempted to return (I have till 13th Oct), and purchase the GPS model.

Ugh...!
 
the ONLY reason I bought the lte version was because I wanted stainless. had I had a choice, I wouldn't have paid the extra money for lte. I have no intention of activating the lte and paying and extra $120+ a year for something I would rarely use.
 
ivanwi11iams said:
I don’t mind the monthly cost ($10+ tax, with ATT).

However, ATT charge a $30 connection fee. To me, that is daylight robbery. They want me to use the service, yet I have to pay a monthly subscription (no issues with this), AND pay for the privilege.
Click to expand...
I just got the 4 last Saturday and when I set it up at home with T-Mobile Apple gave me free connection and 3 months of free service. Then $10 extra with auto pay.
 
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Ive been using mine every day. But I go to the gym alot and wear running shorts without pockets.

I have airpods connected with bluetooth and leave my phone in the truck.
 
caligurl said:
the ONLY reason I bought the lte version was because I wanted stainless. had I had a choice, I wouldn't have paid the extra money for lte. I have no intention of activating the lte and paying and extra $120+ a year for something I would rarely use.
Click to expand...

Exactly.
 
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actually if u want cellular ... get SS price difference is quite reasonable..... but if u dont use cellular ... savings is a lot if u will take GPS model...



SS Sport band 44mm= $749
Aluminum 44mm LTE = $529

Difference $220

SS Sport band 44mm = $749
Aluminum 44mm GPS= $429

Difference $320
 
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mackie8 said:
actually if u want cellular ... get SS price difference is quite reasonable..... but if u dont use cellular ... savings is a lot if u will take GPS model...



SS Sport band 44mm= $749
Aluminum 44mm LTE = $529

Difference $220

SS Sport band 44mm = $749
Aluminum 44mm GPS= $429

Difference $320
Click to expand...
The SS is over 40% more than the aluminum LTE. You have a very different definition of "quite reasonable" than I do.
 
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I personally don't see any need for a cellular watch. 90% of the time, I have my phone with me, with the final 10%, its not worth the cost for it.
 
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Well, I went from a S2 to a S4 LTE. Not impressed at all. I never had an issue with Verizon service on my bike route, but streaming Apple radio is a no go with the watch only. I'm hoping my watch is defective and a replacement will have better reception. If the replacement is the same I'll stick with the S2.
 
Cellular due to emergency services, the ability to leave your phone behind and go for a run/jog/walk without something flopping around in your pocket or wearing a sweaty arm band is nice. If you're an outdoor person and an active person with going to the gym - the cellular is worth it.
 
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magicschoolbus said:
Cellular due to emergency services, the ability to leave your phone behind and go for a run/jog/walk without something flopping around in your pocket or wearing a sweaty arm band is nice. If you're an outdoor person and an active person with going to the gym - the cellular is worth it.
Click to expand...
 
turbineseaplane said:
It is super frustrating that prepaid users can’t use the cellular functions.
Click to expand...
Yea I finally upgraded my T-Mobile plan from prepaid to the standard ones last year just so I could get my Apple Watch up and running. Well worth it to me - cellular on the watch has been game changer - leave my phone behind often without worry about not being reachable.
 
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I find it funny that so many people wanted cellular in the Apple Watch and then they released it and now I feel like the majority on the AW forum on macrumors says it isn't worth it, lol.
 
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