Cellular Use Cases

[erihp]

I'm on my fourth AW and consider it one of Apple's very best achievements. Thus far I have managed to avoid cellular. I simply can't come up with a good reason to have one, even if it was only $5/month.

On only two occasions over the past 10 years, I've left my phone behind. The second time was a couple of years ago; I learned then that I can use Apple Pay without having my iPhone present. Who knew?

I simply always have it with me. It's not a difficult thing to do.

I suppose if I had a plus size phone, perhaps I'd consider it more of an inconvenience to carry. Maybe.

My preference is to have a readable screen available in case I need to respond with more than a few words to a text or an email. Or look at a map. Or look at a website. And so forth.
Other than going into a restricted area, such as a courthouse, I always have my phone and my watch with me.

while this reasoning makes sense, but consider the flip side - when you intentionally don't have/bring your phone, and can still do nearly everything your phone can do.

see my sig

 

[qpid360]

I’d love to be able to leave my phone at home when I go out running, but the MyQ app has the tendency to log me out of the watch app and it needs the phone to reauthenticate. I’d be locked out of my place if this happened. It’s an annoying issue that has never been fixed after years.

 

[mk313]

I’d love to be able to leave my phone at home when I go out running, but the MyQ app has the tendency to log me out of the watch app and it needs the phone to reauthenticate. I’d be locked out of my place if this happened. It’s an annoying issue that has never been fixed after years.

If you're talking about using MyQ for your garage door opener, you might want to look at the meross smart garage door opener.

I had myQ, with the bridge, but I had nothing but problems with it. I'd have to reset it every few months (maybe every 4) and there was always a lag when I hit the app to open it (or did it through HomeKit). At the end, I was getting a ton of errors saying that the garage was unable to be closed (I forget the exact message, but something about obstructions detected).

After I couldn't fix that, I moved to the meross one & wish I had done it sooner. It works much quicker, so no 10s second delay to open/ close, and it's been 100% reliable in the year that I've had it. And it was really cheap.

 

[QCassidy352]

Yah, I'll bet that if someone took a poll, the vast majority of cellular watch users would be athletes that primarily want the cellular for outdoor activities (running/ swimming/ cycling, hiking, etc), and people who are on call & don't want to carry 2 phones. If I wasn't in the former group, I would probably drop the cellular, but it's so nice to not have to bring my phone running, cycling, or hiking.

I also find that I use it other times, and find that convenient as well, but not convenient enough to pay $16/month for it.

Yes, I am a runner and would no longer buy a running watch without a stand alone cellular connection. But if I weren’t a runner, I wouldn’t have a good use case for it.

 

[shakopeemn]

If you're talking about using MyQ for your garage door opener, you might want to look at the meross smart garage door opener.

I'm with you - voice command for garage door. I considered the Meross, but chose the latest Gotailwind as it integrates directly with the MyQ Chamberlain without an intermediate battery operated remote.

This should work with the Apple watch on the home or cellular network as well. I'm looking forward to "Siri, open the Garage door". No more distance issues with battery remotes or authentication issues with MyQ.

For what it's not worth, apps on the Watch should be completely independent from the iphone. I also am sick of apps that don't function without the phone.

 

[erihp]

I'm with you - voice command for garage door. I considered the Meross, but chose the latest Gotailwind as it integrates directly with the MyQ Chamberlain without an intermediate battery operated remote.

This should work with the Apple watch on the home or cellular network as well. I'm looking forward to "Siri, open the Garage door". No more distance issues with battery remotes or authentication issues with MyQ.

For what it's not worth, apps on the Watch should be completely independent from the iphone. I also am sick of apps that don't function without the phone.

thats the best part about native homekit support, no need for or reliance on any third party (cr)app.

 

[Howard2k]

why do you buy the more expensive cellular version if you have no intention of using it?

Even unactivated it can still call 911. I'd always buy the cellular, activated or not.

 

[BigMcGuire]

Ever since cellular was an option I’ve always gotten it for my wife and I. Have we really used it? No. Now that we’re paying $13/mo x 2 with Verizon Wireless for this (used to be half this) - really considering turning this off.

I download all my exercise music offline so the battery isn’t hit hard. Yes, getting an important call is probably the #1 reason why I keep it (wife has a flat tire on freeway or something, loved one in hospital). But I can just jog with my iPhone in an arm band.

But really getting tired of paying $26/mo for something we almost never use is getting old. How many times is Verizon going to raise the price on something we never use?

I have used my watch to call 911 several times while jogging throughout the years, so I’d always get a cellular capable watch (a suicide attempt and someone collapsed in front of me).

 

[erihp]

Ever since cellular was an option I’ve always gotten it for my wife and I. Have we really used it? No. Now that we’re paying $13/mo x 2 with Verizon Wireless for this (used to be half this) - really considering turning this off.

I download all my exercise music offline so the battery isn’t hit hard. Yes, getting an important call is probably the #1 reason why I keep it (wife has a flat tire on freeway or something, loved one in hospital). But I can just jog with my iPhone in an arm band.

But really getting tired of paying $26/mo for something we almost never use is getting old. How many times is Verizon going to raise the price on something we never use?

I have used my watch to call 911 several times while jogging throughout the years, so I’d always get a cellular capable watch (a suicide attempt and someone collapsed in front of me).

free on visible+

 

[Matz]

while this reasoning makes sense, but consider the flip side - when you intentionally don't have/bring your phone, and can still do nearly everything your phone can do.

see my sig

The watch actually isn’t capable of being a standalone device that meets my needs. It wasn’t designed to be.

It works wonderfully in conjunction with my iPhone. Carrying my phone is a non-issue.

That said, I can understand why some people would want to be able to leave the phone behind in certain contexts. It’s nice that Apple offers a choice for such folks; plus it contributes to Apple’s bottom line. As a shareholder, I see this as a good thing.

So far, though, none of those contexts apply to me.

 

[erihp]

The watch actually isn’t capable of being a standalone device that meets my needs. It wasn’t designed to be.

It works wonderfully in conjunction with my iPhone. Carrying my phone is a non-issue.

That said, I can understand why some people would want to be able to leave the phone behind in certain contexts. It’s nice that Apple offers a choice for such folks; plus it contributes to Apple’s bottom line. As a shareholder, I see this as a good thing.

So far, though, none of those contexts apply to me.

I agree, trying to use your watch like a phone isn’t an ideal experience.

But when moving about with a Cellular watch phone less, it achieves a sort of ‘passive’ mode. You can still receive (and make) a quick call or text, pay for things, listen to music and access HomeKit as needed.

And while it won’t replace the full phone experience, it enables a huge amount of functionality you would be without if/when your paired phone dies or is left behind (intentionally or otherwise).

If you have situations where you ‘needs’ or expectations are minimized during certain functions or tasks, it is very serviceable without feeling completely disconnected. Meanwhile helping enable an opportunity for healthy, mostly-distraction free engagement of the real world due to the limited capabilities.

It’s kinda like someone who would miss a nice stroll or leisurely bike ride to a waterfront due to ‘needing’ to drive there only to be frustrated and honking at traffic, stressed and circling to find parking because they ‘couldn’t go without their car’.

 

[McScooby]

I'm on my fourth AW and consider it one of Apple's very best achievements. Thus far I have managed to avoid cellular. I simply can't come up with a good reason to have one, even if it was only $5/month.

On only two occasions over the past 10 years, I've left my phone behind. The second time was a couple of years ago; I learned then that I can use Apple Pay without having my iPhone present. Who knew?

I simply always have it with me. It's not a difficult thing to do.

I suppose if I had a plus size phone, perhaps I'd consider it more of an inconvenience to carry. Maybe.

My preference is to have a readable screen available in case I need to respond with more than a few words to a text or an email. Or look at a map. Or look at a website. And so forth.
Other than going into a restricted area, such as a courthouse, I always have my phone and my watch with me.

I've only got it for emergencies or if someone nicks the iPhone I can brick it immediately using Find My on the watch, better to have than have not.

 

[macphoto861]

I’d love to be able to leave my phone at home when I go out running, but the MyQ app has the tendency to log me out of the watch app and it needs the phone to reauthenticate. I’d be locked out of my place if this happened. It’s an annoying issue that has never been fixed after years.

Ugh, yes, I encounter this too… SO annoying.

 

[teh_hunterer]

But really getting tired of paying $26/mo for something we almost never use is getting old. How many times is Verizon going to raise the price on something we never use?

Damn that's rough. I'm paying $5 AUD which is a bit over $3 USD, can't believe they're charging that much over there.

 

[erihp]

Ugh, yes, I encounter this too… SO annoying.

Retro fit with a native HomeKit opener and never have this problem again. Should be able to keep existing setup, just add new opener to button/control box.

I’ve used the meross one on multiple garages and it’s been flawless for me.

 

[mk313]

Retro fit with a native HomeKit opener and never have this problem again. Should be able to keep existing setup, just add new opener to button/control box.

I’ve used the meross one on multiple garages and it’s been flawless for me.

I can also vouch for the Meross one. Super easy to sin tall & operation has been flawless (though the HomeKit app) since installation.

 

[Matz]

I agree, trying to use your watch like a phone isn’t an ideal experience.

But when moving about with a Cellular watch phone less, it achieves a sort of ‘passive’ mode. You can still receive (and make) a quick call or text, pay for things, listen to music and access HomeKit as needed.

And while it won’t replace the full phone experience, it enables a huge amount of functionality you would be without if/when your paired phone dies or is left behind (intentionally or otherwise).

If you have situations where you ‘needs’ or expectations are minimized during certain functions or tasks, it is very serviceable without feeling completely disconnected. Meanwhile helping enable an opportunity for healthy, mostly-distraction free engagement of the real world due to the limited capabilities.

It’s kinda like someone who would miss a nice stroll or leisurely bike ride to a waterfront due to ‘needing’ to drive there only to be frustrated and honking at traffic, stressed and circling to find parking because they ‘couldn’t go without their car’.

You feel very passionate about this. I understand.

 

[quarq]

When I had an AWU 1 (waiting on the 3) I used it mostly instead of my phone. It failed in a few areas one being that you can't connect it to your car to stream music (you can get a little BT with audio out to fix that).. No camera obviously.. And reading and searching emails is near impossible. But I didn't find those missing things came up enough to warrant bringing a phone with me. As a result, the phone mostly stayed at home. Honestly, if you could own an AWU without needing a phone, I'd probably even skip buying a phone.

But for me the real advantage is when I go for a run. No more finding shorts that fit my phone ! Just go and run with the watch. I am available in case of emergencies.. or if I am in need of help.. buy groceries on my way home.. so very useful.

 

[erihp]

When I had an AWU 1 (waiting on the 3) I used it mostly instead of my phone. It failed in a few areas one being that you can't connect it to your car to stream music (you can get a little BT with audio out to fix that).. No camera obviously.. And reading and searching emails is near impossible. But I didn't find those missing things came up enough to warrant bringing a phone with me. As a result, the phone mostly stayed at home. Honestly, if you could own an AWU without needing a phone, I'd probably even skip buying a phone.

But for me the real advantage is when I go for a run. No more finding shorts that fit my phone ! Just go and run with the watch. I am available in case of emergencies.. or if I am in need of help.. buy groceries on my way home.. so very useful.

check the thread in my sig

 

[4sallypat]

Just ordered the iPhone 17 Air to replace my 16 Pro and Ultra 3 watch to replace my S9.

Apple's announcement of satellite messaging using the U3 was the kicker.

Now I am complete on my flight missions for tech:

• iPad Mini w/ cellular using ForeFlight GPS and ADS-B mode C & S satellite aviation traffic alerts
• iPhone 17 Air for FBO messaging for aviation fuel ordering, GPS, etc....
• Ultra 3 w/ cellular & satellite messaging for emergencies, SpO2, BP/HR, etc...
• Vertex hand held portable 2 way aviation radio for avionics emergencies.

 

[Student of Life]

Everyone has different needs and uses so while this might be great to some, to others it is a waste of money.

I have older parents and my dad always likes to be out of the house but he does have a tendency to forget his phone but not his watch, so for me cellular is worth it. One time he had a flat, didnt know the exact location where he was or the number to AAA. I was able to find his location and call it in. For me personally if I go outside walking or running it's so much more convenient to not bring my phone with me. Just keys and im good. If I want to get something in a store I can use Apple Pay on the watch etc.

 

[stu.h]

Everyone has different needs and uses so while this might be great to some, to others it is a waste of money.

I have older parents and my dad always likes to be out of the house but he does have a tendency to forget his phone but not his watch, so for me cellular is worth it. One time he had a flat, didnt know the exact location where he was or the number to AAA. I was able to find his location and call it in. For me personally if I go outside walking or running it's so much more convenient to not bring my phone with me. Just keys and im good. If I want to get something in a store I can use Apple Pay on the watch etc.

Apple Pay works without any connection to wireless or cellular.

 

[wilberforce]

Apple Pay works without any connection to wireless or cellular.

That’s correct, it basically works like a typical credit card with an embedded NFC chip, which doesn’t need any sort of wireless connection.

 

[BillGates1969]

Apple Pay works without any connection to wireless or cellular.

Correct. My credit card doesn’t have cellular and works everywhere 😀.

The sales terminal has the internet connection.

 

[A1423]

I’d love to be able to leave my phone at home when I go out running, but the MyQ app has the tendency to log me out of the watch app and it needs the phone to reauthenticate. I’d be locked out of my place if this happened. It’s an annoying issue that has never been fixed after years.

Do you have those keypads? They work decently well. And they are linked to the door, like a remote.