Early Adopters of Apple Watch Series 3 Share First Impressions and Unboxing Photos

[MacRumors]

As customers around the world begin to unbox their new Apple Watch Series 3 models, some early adopters have started to share their first impressions and unboxings of the device in the MacRumors discussion forums.

Apple Watch Series 3 with LTE shared by MacRumors reader gatorknight904​

We've already seen Apple Watch Series 3 reviews from the media, but opinions shared by regular customers can provide additional insight. We've rounded up some of the comments below, which we've edited very slightly for clarity.

While there appear to be some early activation issues, particularly for AT&T and Verizon customers, those who have been able to set up their Apple Watch Series 3 are generally impressed with LTE connectivity and call quality.

"LTE seems to be working great here in Dallas-Fort Worth On AT&T," said MacRumors forum member gatorknight904.

"Agreed," replied MacRumors forum member 3goldens. "I've had no issues whatsoever."

In the Apple Watch Series 3 pre-order thread, several MacRumors readers have shared unboxing photos of their new Apple Watch Series 3 models. Others are still patiently waiting for couriers like UPS or FedEx to arrive.

There is a general sense of excitement throughout the entire discussion topic, with many customers upgrading from an original Apple Watch.

Rose gold colored Series 1 (left) vs. gold Series 3 (right) shared by MacRumors reader sinerized​

"I have to say, this thing is super fast," said MacRumors forum member roncito. "Way faster than I thought, even coming from my first-generation Apple Watch. And the screen is bright too. I love my Apple Watch all over again!"

"Just picked mine up from my local Apple Store," wrote MacRumors forum member virginblue4. "I haven't done much with it, but there is a definite noticeable speed improvement. Also loving the red crown!"

Unsurprisingly, the red Digital Crown that differentiates the Apple Watch Series 3 with built-in cellular is a subjective matter.

"I must say that the red dot on the Digital Crown sure sticks out like a sore thumb," opined MacRumors forum member largefarrva. "Was hoping it would be a little more subdued in person, but it doesn't appear to be the case."

Apple Watch Series 3 unboxed by MacRumors forum member puckhead193​

MacRumors forum member rstark18 said he recently purchased an Apple Watch Series 2, but he plans to return it now, as he purchased an Apple Watch Series 3 and found it better delivers the watch experience he was expecting.

I picked up an aluminum Apple Watch Series 2 last week when they went on sale because I didn't want an LTE watch and I liked the idea of the sapphire back. It was my first Apple Watch, and honestly I wasn't that impressed. I liked it, but everything seemed a little slow to me. I guess I'm used to the iPhone 7 being nice and snappy. I decided to place an order for an Apple Watch Series 3 and compare the two. If they seemed similar then I'd just keep the Series 2 and return the Series 3. [...]

The Series 3 is noticeably much faster. On the Series 2, when I would swipe watch faces, it seemed to lag and sometimes take a few swipes to move to the next face. With the Series 3, it is super fast and smooth. Opening any app is almost instantaneous.

This is the watch experience I was expecting. I will be returning the Series 2.

Keep an eye on the Apple Watch forum section and a new first impressions topic over the weekend for more customer opinions.

Article Link: Early Adopters of Apple Watch Series 3 Share First Impressions and Unboxing Photos

 

[PsykX]

I wanna know the boot time! Sold my Series 1 to get a Series 3 w/o LTE.
My Series 1 used to take like... 3 minutes to boot.

 

[44267547]

That red dot though is off putting somewhat. But regardless, easily a nice upgrade from the first Generation Apple Watch owners.

 

[rezwits]

My Series 2 with watchOS 3 and iOS 11, seemed really snappy with Siri requests, finally.

And you're looking at Series 3 with watchOS 4 and iOS 11, so things SHOULD be OK?

 

[duervo]

I got the Series 1 Aluminum 42mm when they came out, with the expectation to eventually get a SS one once the platform matured a little bit. Unfortunately, the only SS options I see have LTE, which I don’t want.

Maybe I’m just not looking in the right place.

 

[Nozuka]

This is the product i want apple to redesign the most, to be honest...

 

[mikefj2004]

I would love to have mine already but BestBuy seems to be having issues with AT&T and activating devices. I had an in store pickup today in NYC and i can’t get mine until it’s activated. Nice job BB. Reviews of the watch however are very encouraging.

 

[44267547]

This is the product i want apple to redesign the most, to be honest...

Agreed. I like the rectangular design. But a round variant would be appreciated and perhaps an offering of a larger display as well, but in a slightly thinner form factor. Aside from that, I would and many others would like to a see Watch Face store or addtional Watch faces.

 

[FelixDerKater]

That red button will become a status symbol just like white earbuds when iPod came out.

 

[wilderkun]

TheApple watch edition series 3 (white ceramic). Love it.

 

[BaltimoreMediaBlog]

I would love to believe this story, but the cable news networks are calling this, "The Rotten Apple" saying the Apple Watch 3's LTE doesn't work and criticizing the 1 hour battery life on phone calls.

I doubt both are completely lying about this serious a bug, but I'm guessing this product is a miss this go round at least as far as LTE.

 

[Giantscruz]

I wanna know the boot time! Sold my Series 1 to get a Series 3 w/o LTE.
My Series 1 used to take like... 3 minutes to boot.

How often is it booting, and in that situation is it not usually on the charger?

I noticed mine took a while yesterday after the WOS 4 update, but attributed it to the new install.

Maybe if I was without a charger I would turn it off to conserve power. I rarely see mine boot.

 

[helyar]

What watch face is the OP?!

 

[JGIGS]

View attachment 720209 View attachment 720210 View attachment 720211 TheApple watch edition series 3 (white ceramic). Love it.

Nice, the red dot actually looks pretty decent on that model as well.

 

[hotsauce]

I’m sitting here with the Watch 3 LTE on my wrist, AirPods in my ears all while holding my phone. I get a call and I’m so ****ING CONFUSED!

 

[eoblaed]

I just got the UPS delivery notice. My black SS Series 3 is waiting for me at home. Going to be a huge spec bump over the Series 0 Black stainless I'm currently wearing!

 

[CEmajr]

Got the Airpods on and LTE activated trying to figure out why the music won't play.

 

[Pakaku]

the cable news networks are calling this, "The Rotten Apple" saying the Apple Watch 3's LTE doesn't work and criticizing the 1 hour battery life on phone calls.

Ah, the humble cable news, looking for any scandal they can make headlines for.

 

[44267547]

I just got the UPS delivery notice. My black SS Series 3 is waiting for me at home. Going to be a huge spec bump over the Series 0 I'm currently wearing!

Good choice with the black stainless. The Diamond like carbon coating is nice a advantage with the protection against scratches. I still don't have any scratches on my black stainless Watch and it looks brand new with the help of the sapphire display as well.

 

[seatton]

View attachment 720209 View attachment 720210 View attachment 720211 TheApple watch edition series 3 (white ceramic). Love it.

I start to love the white ceramic more and more every day. I just cannot justify paying 100 bucks for AppleCare and 800 bucks for repair if the watch is out of warranty just yet. Maybe once of these days I will finally go for that beautiful white watch.

 

[djcerla]

There’s no way you guys could be happy with this thing as The Verge gave it a 5 score. You sheep.

/s

 

[Yumbo]

Can’t see the dot when wearing the Watch.

Music from iPhone needs to start from iPhone, and is only visible on wrist raise or Siri Face.
Watch Music App is only for Watch Music.

 

[BaltimoreMediaBlog]

Ah, the humble cable news, looking for any scandal they can make headlines for.

Apple did publicly respond to the LTE bug btw that causes it to NOT WORK and has promised a fix. Apple's response was on national news so it's not like it did not happen.

Timmy has some explaining to do.

 

[TofSanity]

I didn't know just how solid the stainless steel models were until I received my Space Black SS series 3 today. It feels really good to wear. a lot more flash than my original Apple Watch in Space Grey aluminum

 

[Boardiesboi]

Anyone with a S3 Hermes that can share some pics?