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

[ipedro]

It's amazing how fast we've gone from a Watch that was disappointingly slow to a Watch so fast and so full featured that it could become someone's daily driver computer — in just under 3 years.

Now, before you of little imagination outside of your own use cases call me crazy, yes, I'm planning on using my Apple Watch LTE as my main device. The one that I always have on me.

• I use my iPhone to communicate — mostly iMessage. Email is less urgent and I need to be reachable by phone. The Apple Watch ticks all three boxes.

• I use my iPhone to manage my to do list, my schedule and reminders. The Apple Watch ticks those three boxes as well.

• I use my iPhone to get quick information or to make a quick calculation most of which I ask Siri and get an answer. Apple Watch does that too.

• I use my iPhone to control my home with HomeKit, to pay for things with ApplePay and to listen to music with AirPods. Yep, Apple Watch does all of those.

• I use my iPhone to stay connected with the world. I like to know about breaking news. I check Twitter periodically and have a few news apps that send me notifications when there's breaking news. Well, the Apple Watch does that.

• I also use my iPhone for things I'd rather not waste my time on but do so because it's right there: scrolling through Facebook/Instagram newsfeeds and watching videos that do nothing but kill time. I don't need my Apple Watch to do any of those and I'm looking forward to not having that temptation in my pocket. Facebook/Instagram/YouTube can wait until I'm in front of my computer or sitting on the couch with an iPad.

So, why do I need an iPhone again? For work. But work is a scheduled activity and since it’s predictable, I can do better than an iPhone: I can carry an iPad when I'm working.
How about a camera? Ok, now we're on to something. I like having a camera with me when something photo worthy shows up. But I'm a photographer and I'm picky. So I usually carry a much better equipped SLR with me.

Now, all this is to say that my Apple Watch can become my daily driver, not that I will forbid myself from ever carrying an iPhone. But just like most of us don't carry our MacBooks around everywhere, choosing to grab my iPhone can become just that, a choice, not a critical must carry device.

 

[44267547]

While I think the red dot is rather gaudy and pretentious, I realize that as I look down at my series 2, I can't even see that side of the crown. So, not an issue for me.

And I guess if I cared what others thought of my gadget wear, I wouldn't be hanging those silly Airpods from my ears every time I go out!

I think when someone first sees the red dot from pictures, it's because the pictures are specifically showing the red dot on the digital crown. But like you said, when you're actually wearing it, you can't even physically see that side of the digital crown unless you're really looking. But ultimately, the only reason Apple likely put the red dot on the digital crown, is strictly to differentiate between the other generation of Apple Watch is from the LTE version.

 

[mebehere]

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

Your bizarre attitude toward the red dot sticks out like a sore thumb. A little red dot. A. Little. Red. Dot.

 

[cruggles]

It's amazing how fast we've gone from a Watch that was disappointingly slow to a Watch so fast and so full featured that it could become someone's daily driver computer — in just under 3 years.

Now, before you of little imagination outside of your own use cases call me crazy, yes, I'm planning on using my Apple Watch LTE as my main device. The one that I always have on me.

• I use my iPhone to communicate. Mostly iMessage, email is less urgent, and need to be reachable by phone. The Apple Watch ticks all three boxes.

• I use my iPhone to manage my to do list, my schedule and reminders. The Apple Watch ticks those three boxes as well.

• I use my iPhone to get quick information or to make a quick calculation most of which I ask Siri and get an answer. Apple Watch does that too.

• I use my iPhone to control my home with HomeKit, to pay for things with ApplePay and to listen to music with AirPods. Yep, Apple Watch does all of those.

• I use my iPhone to stay connected with the world. I like to know about breaking news. I check Twitter periodically and have a few news apps that send me notifications when there's breaking news. Well, the Apple Watch does that.

• I also use my iPhone for things I'd rather not waste my time on but do so because it's right there: scrolling through Facebook/Instagram newsfeeds and watching videos that do nothing but kill time. I don't need my Apple Watch to do any of those and I'm looking forward to not having that temptation in my pocket. Facebook/Instagram/YouTube can wait until I'm in front of my computer or sitting on the couch with an iPad.

So, why do I need an iPhone again? For work. But work is a scheduled activity. But better than an iPhone, I can carry an iPad when I'm working.
How about a camera? Ok, now we're on to something. I like having a camera with me when something photo worthy shows up. But I'm a photographer and I'm picky. So I usually carry a much better equipped SLR with me.

Now, all this is to say that my Apple Watch can become my daily driver, not that I will forbid myself from ever carrying an iPhone. But just like most of us don't carry our MacBooks around everywhere, choosing to grab my iPhone can become just that, a choice, not a critical must carry device.

Does it have enough battery to do all that?

 

[TallManNY]

Smartphones are so useful, that I really never leave the house without mine. So I think the LTE feature for a relatively tech heavy niche item is kind of pointless. Or at least not worth spending $10 per month for the LTE feature. I guess runners might leave their phone at home and want the watch. But when I run, I use a running belt in which I put my phone, keys and a few emergency dollars. My keys and a few dollars are kind of non-negotiable, so if I'm using a running belt, I might as well stick my phone in there. At that point, why use the the LTE version?

Sadly Apple does not seem to have a full spread of non-LTE version because even if I buy the LTE version, I don't expect to regularly be signed up with my carrier for the watch. Oh well.

 

[Tech198]

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.

Perhaps, but just look at how much attention it gets on MR It's the only thing most talked about till Apple changes the color.

 

[pdaholic]

But ultimately, the only reason Apple likely put the red dot on the digital crown, is strictly to differentiate between the other generation of Apple Watch is from the LTE version.

Makes you wonder why the dot is needed...there was no differentiation between series 0 or 1 and 2 with the gps chip, so why is the LTE chip special? My guess is so clerks working at cellular service providers can immediately identify which watches have LTE and which don't. Either that or Apple is just trying to be pretentious!

 

[ipedro]

Does it have enough battery to do all that?

Yes, why not? I don’t stand there with my wrist raised for an hour like I’d do wasting time on my phone. Apple Watch interactions are quick. A glance, a quick Siri command, a couple of taps to check off some tasks, then lower my wrist. The beauty of having my daily computer be the one on my wrist means that I live in the real world, not behind a screen. When I need the power of the internet or a digital assistant, it’s just a wrist raise away. Then I return to the world around me.

My series 0 Watch lasts me all day with 20–30% battery left. The Series 3 will be far better since it is more efficient. LTE data is also minimal. It’s not transferring videos and large images like a phone does. It mostly transmits text for messages and notifications.

 

[mikecorp]

I'm more interested in the e-sim and when it will be integrated into the iphone. Technically iphone could become completely IP68 water resistant. and if they would ensemble it in atmosphere you could snorkel 150M deep without any problems. But this will take another 25 years with Apple

 

[576316]

Seems like LTE is just another one of those half baked features boot strapped into an Apple product and sold at a premium. Doesn't sound ready yet. It sounds like even having the Watch your network deal is more effort/money that it's worth.
[doublepost=1506156168][/doublepost]

Apple is just trying to be pretentious!

They did it so their customers can rest easy in the knowledge that those around them will know they have the MORE EXPENSIVE LTE VERSION.

 

[Patriks7]

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...

Are you sure about that?

Series 2:
Chipset Apple S2
CPU Dual-core 780 MHz Cortex-A7

Series 1:
Chipset Apple S1P
CPU Dual-core 520 MHz Cortex-A7

I'm no expert, but I think those 260 MHz might make enough of a difference.

 

[simonmet]

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.

Seems pretty disposable to me...

 

[G5isAlive]

As an original Apple Watch owner I’m holding out for series 4. Plus, I bought the black stainless steel model so if I get an aluminum watch it’ll feel like a downgrade.

As an original Apple Watch owner i’m loving the speed upgrade of my new series 3. Plus I bought the aluminum so I wouldn’t mind upgrading earlier

 

[simonmet]

This video highlights how big the bezels are relative to he size of the display area, contributing to its overall chunky appearance.

 

[Tricky22]

Until my network in the UK (O2) supports LTE, I can't see the benefit going from a 2 to 3..

 

[ipedro]

This video highlights how big the bezels are relative to he size of the display area, contributing to its overall chunky appearance.

This is where I think Apple can make the biggest difference. An edge to edge screen would grant precious extra millimeters that would allow bigger touch targets on the Watch’s small screen without increasing the case size. It would make everything feel roomier.

It’s also a relatively easy move that could’ve made a dramatic improvement in the appearance of the Watch. Not sure why they didn’t do it. Maybe the same reason why they kept the same exact case design for a third generation in a row. Seems like they want to master the internals before starting to reduce the case size. I don’t think they can get away with it a fourth time. We’ll see.

 

[rtrutter]

I do not understand why Apple did not improve the battery life of the Apple Watch since it has LTE and GPS which eat up a lot of battery. The 18 hour capacity is a deal breaker for me. I have a Sleep Disorder and need a watch which tracks my sleep. I have a Garmin vivoactive HR which has a 5 day battery life and does sleep tracking. I was looking to upgrade to a better watch like the Garmin fenix 5X which has more features for working out and longer battery life but decided to wait and see what Apple was offering in the AW 3 on the advice of the Apple Store at Best Buy . The battery life really disappointed me because the indication from the Best Buy employees was that Apple was going to improve the battery life. What a waste of time. I will never listen to another Apple Store employee again. It looks like I am going to pick up the Garmin fenix 5x. Apple really dropped the ball on this one.

 

[Seanm87]

I don’t think was ever designed to completely replace an iPhone just liberate someone like a jogger more from having to carry it around when it could become a hassle. Or if you just need to go out to a shop briefly or go swimming but still want to stay connected. At the end of the day you still need the phone to pair it in the first place.

 

[iamthedudeman]

I’ve had both Series 1 and 2 and now 3 with LTE. Mannnnn Series 3 is a beast. Coming
From 2 to 3 I noticed huge speed gains. Only took me 5 minutes or less to add the watch to my ATT plan. Easy As pie.

I had the opposite experience. Bought the stainless series 3 coming from a stainless series 2. Both on os4, i couldn't tell a difference in speed at all. None, zero. Its not the same as going from the s1 single core to the s2 dual core. I dont think the difference between the s2 soc and the s3 soc is that great and certainly not a reason to upgrade.

I returned the watch 3 after a day and went back to my series 2. I couldn't stand the red dot. They went from classy black onyx like a traditional watch and replaced it with a ridiculous red color.

Looks like a kids toy watch. Not a classy digital smartwatch which the series 2 is. Thanks tim cook. Next year it will be a rainbow color.

 

[maflynn]

I want.

But my damn Original Apple Watch keeps working flawlessly!

I was extremely close to pulling the trigger - so much so, I pre-ordered the Nike version, but I've since cancelled because for what I use my apple watch for, I cannot justify the LTE, nor the cost.

I may swing around next month and get the GPS model, but even then we're taking Christmas and I have kids and Christmas shopping to think about.
[doublepost=1506162330][/doublepost]

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.

I've heard only one other person complain, but many others laud the GPS. What's not accurate, can you be a little more specific. Being a S0 owner, I have no GPS, so I have nothing to compare it against.

 

[Abazigal]

People do realise there’s something called a power bank, right. Nothing stopping you from charging your watch in the middle of the day when it starts to run low on battery.

I don’t think was ever designed to completely replace an iPhone just liberate someone like a jogger more from having to carry it around when it could become a hassle. Or if you just need to go out to a shop briefly or go swimming but still want to stay connected. At the end of the day you still need the phone to pair it in the first place.

Not yet, but it’s something Apple may eventually work towards.

I agree that right now, I don’t see much value in ditching the iPhone and relying solely on the watch as your sole means of communication beyond some sort of personal challenge or thought experiment. It just seems needlessly limiting.

That said, an independent Apple Watch would mean that it is also accessible to people with android smartphones, though I admit that there are still many challenges facing this at the moment.

 

[muradabuseta]

The problem is this watch will not work outside of the country that you bought it from...

 

[maflynn]

People do realise there’s something called a power bank, right. Nothing stopping you from charging your watch in the middle of the day when it starts to run low on battery.

That's kind of a sad commentary that you need to take off a $400+ piece of luxury electronics because it's lasting only a few hours

 

[wtzouris]

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

I think I will put a round black sticker on the red dot.

 

[Abazigal]

That's kind of a sad commentary that you need to take off a $400+ piece of luxury electronics because it's lasting only a few hours

Well, people are already charging their phones midday anyways. I think it’s amazing that we are able to eke out as much functionality out of such a small wrist wearable as is. Battery life and performance are likely areas that Apple will continue to work on and improve, and I personally look forward to more standalone apps hitting the Apple Watch as a result.