Do you have cellular data enabled on your Apple Watch?

[The Cockney Rebel]

Thinking of cancelling mine, as I’ve stopped my walking routine.

But it’s only £5 per month, so I’ve kept it active “just in case” I need it.

If you have cellular enabled on your Apple Watch, what do you use it for? How does it benefit you?

 

[Howard2k]

I don’t. My watch doesn’t support I it, but even if it did I wouldn’t bother activating it.

The watch can call 911 without a plan. That’s perfect IMO.

For everything else it could go through my phone.

 

[xxFoxtail]

I have it on. I like to go out without my iPhone a lot. Walking the dog, going to the store, restaurants, wherever.

I usually only have my iPhone with me when I go to work or somewhere new where I might want the GPS navigation for my car.

 

[nburwell]

I’ve had cellular on two separate occasions and rarely even used it (I always have my phone on me). I primarily bought the cellular model because the case I wanted (stainless steel) only came in GPS/cellular. For S8, I opted for the GPS only model.

 

[BenGoren]

Thinking of cancelling mine, as I’ve stopped my walking routine.

But it’s only £5 per month, so I’ve kept it active “just in case” I need it.

If you have cellular enabled on your Apple Watch, what do you use it for? How does it benefit you?

Eh, that’s “bass-ackwards.” A walking routine is worth its weight in gold for both physical and mental health. And it only costs you a few quid a month? There ain’t a gym on the planet where you can get that kind of a bargain.

Keep the plan. Make damned sure you get every penny out of it. Walk!

b&

 

[bigjnyc]

I don't really have a need for it since I always have my phone on me.... but for 5/month I would keep it if I were you.... worth it as insurance in the event of an emergency one day.

 

[metman888]

I regularly leave the house without my phone, walking the dog, cycling, washing car/motorbike etc so for me the £5 a month is worth it.

 

[BillGates1969]

I have it and use it, again for £5/month. Forgotten my phone a few times on short trips to the shops and means I don't bother turning around. Also love walking without my phone in the summer as it is too bulky.

 

[stanza.richi]

Never activated it on my SS series 4. For two reasons: my iPhone is always with me and, since one year, I’m using mechanical watches most of the time, reserving AW for fitness purpouse.

 

[blinker]

I never take my phone with me when I go for a run (nearly every day) and the peace of mind in knowing I'm still in phone contact with the world through my watch is worth a lot to me.

 

[OCS12]

I like having the cellular enabled for many reasons. It makes for a nice backup if you lose, break, or drain the battery on your phone while out and about. I don’t like bringing my phone along when I ride my bike. And it’s nice if I want to do something like leave my phone on a charger while I take my dog out. I suppose it also helps that it only costs $5 a month on my plan.

 

[Piscestg]

The poll doesn't have my choice listed so I didn't mark one. I have three watches, all cellular but only have cellular turned on when I'm doing work that I don't want to carry my phone to avoid damage. It's only $5 per watch so that's worth it to me.

 

[Jackbequickly]

Not for me. I carry my cell phone with me so no need to activate the cellular on my AW.

 

[DontGetTheCheese]

It's not hugely worth it but I found a US company where it's only $5/mo. so I keep it. Basically, it's good for,

* Telling Siri to open the garage or a door.
* I've set a reminder or three with it. Can't use it for notes.
* Emergency download of a podcast or two.
* Think I might have made a phone call with it.

But, really it's a huge luxury, far beyond a need.

 

[- rob -]

I’ve had every watch version since series zero except series 1 and the current gen.

Twice I’ve bought cellular versions, and subscribed to a line for most of the year I had the watch.

Both times I’ve been let down by the behavior of the watch, battery tradeoff and ability to playback Music or other audio via cellular to AirPods while running. I’ve had it stutter or just severe lag to download audio only, even in good coverage.

Also, it is supposed to be a low price in the US for the cellular, however we have so many fees involved it doubles the cost, so it isn’t really the price it appears.

I’m going back to Wi-Fi only with the next watch release. The value just hasn’t been there.

One other reason I’ve gotten it for me and my partner was for emergency services if a phone died.

The thing is we upgrade iPhones every year, and between that and Magsafe charging we don’t have battery problems like we used to back in the day. The new iPhone has satellite too, so the case for a connected watch has been degraded.

If the carriers charges $1.50 a month, with fees…maybe? But probably just no. I’ll just preload audio to the watch or run w the phone

 

[Howard2k]

I’ve had every watch version since series zero except series 1 and the current gen.

Twice I’ve bought cellular versions, and subscribed to a line for most of the year I had the watch.

Both times I’ve been let down by the behavior of the watch, battery tradeoff and ability to playback Music or other audio via cellular to AirPods while running. I’ve had it stutter or just severe lag to download audio only, even in good coverage.

Also, it is supposed to be a low price in the US for the cellular, however we have so many fees involved it doubles the cost, so it isn’t really the price it appears.

I’m going back to Wi-Fi only with the next watch release. The value just hasn’t been there.

One other reason I’ve gotten it for me and my partner was for emergency services if a phone died.

The thing is we upgrade iPhones every year, and between that and Magsafe charging we don’t have battery problems like we used to back in the day. The new iPhone has satellite too, so the case for a connected watch has been degraded.

If the carriers charges $1.50 a month, with fees…maybe? But probably just no. I’ll just preload audio to the watch or run w the phone

You can also buy the cellular version and just not activate it. Even if you don't have your iPhone you can still make emergency calls in most countries.

 

[OCS12]

I forgot one other reason I can justify the cellular on my watch. I work in industrial automation, and frequently visit our subcontractors. Most of them do not allow any types of cameras or camera phones on the shop floors because prototypes for different companies are around. iPhone isn’t allowed.

 

[BenGoren]

You can also buy the cellular version and just not activate it. Even if you don't have your iPhone you can still make emergency calls in most countries.

Depends on your definition of “emergency.”

911: What’s your emergency?

Howard2k: Can you let my Airbnb host know that the code they gave me to the lockbox doesn’t work? I would call directly, but I forgot to plug in my phone and the battery died on the Uber ride here and I’m too cheap to pay for a cellular plan for the wristwatch I’m using to call. Hello? Why did you hang up?

… and that’s before we get to much more mundane “emergencies,” like calling ahead that you’re running late while you’re stuck in traffic, rather than try to dig the phone out of your jacket pocket that you tossed to the back seat.

Doesn’t take too many of those for an entire year’s worth of monthly service to pay for itself.

b&

 

[Howard2k]

Depends on your definition of “emergency.”

911: What’s your emergency?

Howard2k: Can you let my Airbnb host know that the code they gave me to the lockbox doesn’t work? I would call directly, but I forgot to plug in my phone and the battery died on the Uber ride here and I’m too cheap to pay for a cellular plan for the wristwatch I’m using to call. Hello? Why did you hang up?

… and that’s before we get to much more mundane “emergencies,” like calling ahead that you’re running late while you’re stuck in traffic, rather than try to dig the phone out of your jacket pocket that you tossed to the back seat.

Doesn’t take too many of those for an entire year’s worth of monthly service to pay for itself.

b&

I don't consider those emergencies.

 

[BenGoren]

I don't consider those emergencies.

Being in a strange city locked out of shelter and no way to contact the otherwise-trivial solution to your problem isn’t an emergency and not worth a few dollars per month? Even for a single guy, that’s a stretch to believe.

Even if that particular scenario is utterly unimaginable to you, it’s trivial to come up with others. You set your phone on top of the car as you get into it, drive away, and your car breaks down. Not an emergency?

You’re having a nice quiet lunch away from the office, you forgot your phone at your desk, and your boss has his one actual emergency this year where his netherbits really are on the line unless you pick up the phone. Not an emergency?

You go to the pharmacy to pick up some prescriptions while your spouse makes a quick grocery store run and you remember that there aren’t enough eggs in the ’fridge to make the cake for your kid’s birthday party tomorrow. Not an emergency?

I mean, sure. Nobody’s bleeding out in any of these examples. But the Airbnb and broken-down car both carry clear and present danger to personal safety; the panicking boss could cost you your livelihood; and who wants to ruin a kid’s birthday?

Yes, lots of people are overusing technology, glued to social media, and the like. But it’s also a fact that it’s nigh on unavoidable to be a responsible adult these days without always having the option to call or text.

Even if it’s just, “Honey, I’m running late; sorry I can’t cook dinner. Would you rather I grabbed Chinese or Mexican take-out on my way home? Oh — that’s right, I forgot that we still had leftovers from this weekend. Thanks! I won’t be so late after all. See you soon!” That one call just saved you, no joke, enough money to pay for six months of cellular service for your watch — not to mention the little bit of goodwill it earned you with the love of your life.

b&

 

[Howard2k]

Being in a strange city locked out of shelter and no way to contact the otherwise-trivial solution to your problem isn’t an emergency and not worth a few dollars per month? Even for a single guy, that’s a stretch to believe.

Even if that particular scenario is utterly unimaginable to you, it’s trivial to come up with others. You set your phone on top of the car as you get into it, drive away, and your car breaks down. Not an emergency?

You’re having a nice quiet lunch away from the office, you forgot your phone at your desk, and your boss has his one actual emergency this year where his netherbits really are on the line unless you pick up the phone. Not an emergency?

You go to the pharmacy to pick up some prescriptions while your spouse makes a quick grocery store run and you remember that there aren’t enough eggs in the ’fridge to make the cake for your kid’s birthday party tomorrow. Not an emergency?

I mean, sure. Nobody’s bleeding out in any of these examples. But the Airbnb and broken-down car both carry clear and present danger to personal safety; the panicking boss could cost you your livelihood; and who wants to ruin a kid’s birthday?

Yes, lots of people are overusing technology, glued to social media, and the like. But it’s also a fact that it’s nigh on unavoidable to be a responsible adult these days without always having the option to call or text.

Even if it’s just, “Honey, I’m running late; sorry I can’t cook dinner. Would you rather I grabbed Chinese or Mexican take-out on my way home? Oh — that’s right, I forgot that we still had leftovers from this weekend. Thanks! I won’t be so late after all. See you soon!” That one call just saved you, no joke, enough money to pay for six months of cellular service for your watch — not to mention the little bit of goodwill it earned you with the love of your life.

b&

Nope.

I just can’t see my watch being my last line of defence in any of those situations.

But all cool. I agree. $5 is not a huge amount. And if I spent that then yes, those are not outrageously unreasonable situations. They’re just situations I’ve successfully avoided and believe I’ll continue to do so. I live in a city, there is always a phone around.

When I’m out and about and away from the city then I am more careful. I ensure devices are charged and carry a battery if I think it’s needed. I’m not belittling the “be prepared” approach at all. And again, if I bought the ultra I’d appreciate the cellular option without activation for 911. The tech is great for sure.

Lastly, my employer pays for my phone, so there is no standalone $5 option for me. If there was would I take it? Probably not, but maybe.

 

[chiefs1968]

Here is why I no longer have cellular on my watch enabled.....everybody is aware of Wifi calling?
Many places that offer free Wifi such as (here in Longwood FL) Winn Dixie supermarket as well as Publix, BestBuy, McDonalds, Panera Bread, Wallmart, Target etc etc....once connected to their Wifi you can make free calls to anywhere if you do not have your Iphone with you. That's why I dumped Cellular.

 

[FireFish]

Cellular data on Apple Watch is a no brainer

 

[GlenK]

Love not having to take my phone everywhere I go.

 

[FloridaScrubJay]

It’s great for taking a call while driving. Both hands are available for driving.