Hands-On With the New LTE-Enabled Apple Watch Series 3

[MacRumors]

With the new LTE Series 3 Apple Watches now out in the wild, we got our hands on one of the new devices to give MacRumors readers a closer look at its design, features, and improvements compared to previous-generation Apple Watch models.

In the video below, we took a look at one of the new 42mm Aluminum Sport models connected to the AT&T network.

Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos.​

Design wise, the new Apple Watch LTE models are almost identical to the Series 2 models, with the exception of a 0.25mm thicker back glass that houses the heart rate sensors and the glaringly red Digital Crown that denotes its LTE status.

That red Digital Crown definitely stands out, and it's kind of a love it or hate it aspect of the new Apple Watch.

Inside, the Apple Watch Series 3 is sporting an upgraded S3 processor, and this thing is fast. It's noticeably quicker than the Series 2 Apple Watch and if you're coming from a Series 0 or a Series 1, you're going to see some serious speed gains.

Quite a few new LTE Apple Watch owners have been running into activation issues trying to get their new devices set up, but we had no problems getting it connected to the AT&T network and up and running. When using cellular, it's going to drain a decent amount of battery, so while this watch can work without an iPhone, you're still going to want one around at least some of the time.

The Series 3 Apple Watch can be purchased from the online Apple Store and Apple retail stores around the world starting today. There are both LTE and non-LTE models available, with LTE models starting at $399 and non-LTE models starting at $329. LTE models are largely sold out and harder to come by, so you may need to wait a few weeks to get your hands on one.

Article Link: Hands-On With the New LTE-Enabled Apple Watch Series 3

 

[artfossil]

I want.

But my damn Original Apple Watch keeps working flawlessly!

 

[dampfnudel]

The red dot sticks out like a sore thumb. Anyone else hopes it gets removed for Series 4?

 

[840quadra]

Really happy with mine so far, minus the issues with ATT at first. Coming from a series 0 the speed improvements on this device are worth the upgrade alone. Provided the WIFI / GPS version is equally fast, I say it is a worthwhile upgrade.

Cellular signal has been good in my use, and calls I have made have been done without others noticing anything. In fact, people were amazed (as they were with my Series 0) that I was talking to them on a watch.

Siri being able to respond back via voice is a MUCH appreciated upgrade now too!

 

[Macalway]

The red dot sticks out like a sore thumb. Anyone else hopes it gets removed for Series 4?

Sore thumb . Good.

But seriously, Sharpie?

 

[skywalkerr69]

I want.

But my damn Original Apple Watch keeps working flawlessly!

So is mine! I can't fathom, not even one need to have a watch with LTE, I always have my phone with me.

 

[bjjp2]

The red dot sticks out like a sore thumb. Anyone else hopes it gets removed for Series 4?

Red dot’s a dealbreaker for me.

So is mine! I can't fathom, not even one need to have a watch with LTE, I always have my phone with me.

Same

No desire to upgrade from my Series 2.

 

[TxExCxH]

I returned my Series 3 with LTE and just got the Gps. Much happier. Upgraded from series 1, and its so much faster.

 

[Chatter]

I love the red dot and might find a sticker to replicate it. I know I know...many of you don't like it.

 

[Kabeyun]

The red dot sticks out like a sore thumb. Anyone else hopes it gets removed for Series 4?

Red dot’s a dealbreaker for me

Deal unbroken.

 

[rezwits]

I want.

But my damn Original Apple Watch keeps working flawlessly!

Exactly, I had series 1, then got a series 2 (works amazing, especially with iOS 11), and I am like 1st GEN LTE? a nah, I'll wait for series 4, and be really happy!

 

[a.gomez]

my grandfather always told me - only 3 types of watches. Disposable, Dress and the ones you buy to leave your grandkids.

A $399 chunky gadget watch made in Taiwan is non of those. well, unless you the kind of person who thinks coca-cola is a dinner drink.

 

[skids929]

So is mine! I can't fathom, not even one need to have a watch with LTE, I always have my phone with me.

If you were a runner you wouldn't say that. Carrying your phone when you run is an encumberment no matter how you look at it. For anyone who exercises will appreciate the LTE, and that's a huge segment of the population. Apple knows what they are doing and who they are targeting with this device. It's NOT aimed at the dodo that wants to talk to his/her wrist, it's aimed to move the needle in fitness wearable market and take on the competition. e.g. Garmin.

 

[bluespark]

The red dot sticks out like a sore thumb. Anyone else hopes it gets removed for Series 4?

For sure. While it might work for a sport watch, those of us who went with stainless steel, Hermes, etc. or who want to wear the Apple Watch in a boardroom-type situation simply couldn't do so with the red dot. And for those suggesting a Sharpie, that's not exactly the ideal solution with a nice watch. The red dot is an abomination and must be destroyed.

 

[tromboneaholic]

Inside, the Apple Watch Series 3 is sporting an upgraded S3 processor, and this thing is fast. It's noticeably quicker than the Series 2 Apple Watch and if you're coming from a Series 0 or a Series 1, you're going to see some serious speed gains

The Series 1 and Series 2 share the same processor. Why does this article imply otherwise?

Series 1 owners will see the same non-specified, opinion-based “serious speed gains” as Series 2 owners making the switch.

I understand CNET confusing Series 1 as a first-gen product, but it’s inexcusable here...

 

[richsw]

Deal unbroken.

I know what you mean about the red dot. I would never buy a Leica camera because they have a big red dot.

 

[artfossil]

Sore thumb . Good.

But seriously, Sharpie?

Sharpie, enamel paint, vinyl sticker . . . So many possibilities.

Send me your watch and for $100 I guarantee you’ll never see red again!
[doublepost=1506133185][/doublepost]

For sure. While it might work for a sport watch, those of us who went with stainless steel, Hermes, etc. or who want to wear the Apple Watch in a boardroom-type situation simply couldn't do so with the red dot. And for those suggesting a Sharpie, that's not exactly the ideal solution with a nice watch. The red dot is an abomination and must be destroyed.

Speaking just for myself, I’ve been in a lot of boardrooms. And I care much more about what you say than what you wear.

 

[douglasf13]

my grandfather always told me - only 3 types of watches. Disposable, Dress and the ones you buy to leave your grandkids.

A $399 chunky gadget watch made in Taiwan is non of those. well, unless you the kind of person who thinks coca-cola is a dinner drink.

I’m sure he would’ve thought spending hundreds on a phone is crazy, too. Times change, and wristwatches themselves have only been around a hundred years, and they were initially looked down on by pocket watch wearers.

 

[Fousthvk]

I want.

But my damn Original Apple Watch keeps working flawlessly!

Yeah mine wasn't on watchOS4 and after having the S3 there is no way I will likely wear my SS S0

 

[Boatboy24]

my grandfather always told me - only 3 types of watches. Disposable, Dress and the ones you buy to leave your grandkids.

A $399 chunky gadget watch made in Taiwan is non of those. well, unless you the kind of person who thinks coca-cola is a dinner drink.

Coca-cola is never an advisable drink. Wine is for dinner - except for those times when beer is called for. But I really like my apple watch.

BTW: the watches are made in China, if I'm not mistaken.

 

[QCassidy352]

If you were a runner you wouldn't say that. Carrying your phone when you run is an encumberment no matter how you look at it. For anyone who exercises will appreciate the LTE, and that's a huge segment of the population. Apple knows what they are doing and who they are targeting with this device. It's NOT aimed at the dodo that wants to talk to his/her wrist, it's aimed to move the needle in fitness wearable market and take on the competition. e.g. Garmin.

Totally agree with you. The only problem is that the apple watch really isn't a very good running watch. GPS accuracy is substandard, feature set is limited, and pace smoothing is just awful. I really want apple to make an apple watch that can replace my garmin... but it's just not there yet. (that said, Garmin REALLY needs to offer on-board music storage... like yesterday.)

 

[sclawis300]

So is mine! I can't fathom, not even one need to have a watch with LTE, I always have my phone with me.

The real question is why do you always have your phone with you? If you could still have the functionality of the phone, without having to take it everywhere, do you really not see at least some opportunities for leaving it behind?
[doublepost=1506133796][/doublepost]

I returned my Series 3 with LTE and just got the Gps. Much happier. Upgraded from series 1, and its so much faster.

Why? You didn't even give it a day. Curious as to what you didn't like about it that fast.

 

[GetSwole37]

Totally agree with you. The only problem is that the apple watch really isn't a very good running watch. GPS accuracy is substandard, feature set is limited, and pace smoothing is just awful. I really want apple to make an apple watch that can replace my garmin... but it's just not there yet. (that said, Garmin REALLY needs to offer on-board music storage... like yesterday.)

Nailed it. As much as I think it's a perfect watch now for running, if you are a runner, you aren't going to replace your garmin with an Apple Watch.

 

[sclawis300]

For sure. While it might work for a sport watch, those of us who went with stainless steel, Hermes, etc. or who want to wear the Apple Watch in a boardroom-type situation simply couldn't do so with the red dot. And for those suggesting a Sharpie, that's not exactly the ideal solution with a nice watch. The red dot is an abomination and must be destroyed.

In a boardroom? Unless you are at a tech company I assure you the red dot won't be the reason your watch is sticking out like a sore thumb.

 

[KPOM]

Red dot’s a dealbreaker for me.



Same

No desire to upgrade from my Series 2.

It isn’t as if you stare at the side of the crown. Apple does tinker with colors, though, so it wouldn’t surprise me if it changes in Series 4.