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With the launch of a new Apple Watch comes a few refreshed collections that the device is available in, requiring users to choose from specific case/band combinations to enter the Apple Watch ecosystem. The Apple Watch Series 3 is available in both non-LTE and LTE-capable models, but there is one downside: if you want a Series 3 in Stainless Steel or Ceramic, you have no choice but to buy a cellular-enabled Apple Watch.

Apple's non-LTE Series 3 Apple Watch brings about all of the usual performance improvements over the previous generation, including a faster processor, W2 chip, barometric altimeter, and more. The LTE models include all of this, on top of cellular capabilities that further de-tether your iPhone from your Apple Watch, so you can make calls, send messages, stream Apple Music, and more right on your wrist.

splashyapplewatchseries3.jpg

Apple added in non-LTE versions of the Series 3 for those users who don't think they need a cellular Apple Watch, but it's limited collections for these models to just Aluminum cases. All Series 3 collections in Stainless Steel -- of which there are only four non-Hermés models -- come with LTE, as do both White Ceramic and Gray Ceramic collections. There are also eight Hermés collections with Stainless Steel cases, each one backing the new cellular features.

If you want the improved features of a new Apple Watch Series 3 without LTE, you'll have to choose from four Apple Watch Sport models: one Silver Aluminum Case with Fog Sport Band, one Gold Aluminum Case with Pink Sand Sport Band, and two Space Gray Aluminum Cases (one with a Gray Sport Band and one with a Black Sport Band).

apple-watch-s3-aluminum.jpg

There are also two Series 3 Nike+ collections without LTE, both in Aluminum: a Silver Aluminum Case with Pure Platinum/Black Nike Sport Band and a Space Gray Aluminum Case with Anthracite/Black Nike Sport Band.

nike-series-3-watch.jpg

That makes six total Apple Watch Series 3 collections without LTE among Apple's 31 new collections of the revamped wearable device. Also of note is that in launch countries where Apple isn't yet offering cellular support, buyers will then be left with Aluminum as their only option.

Launch Countries

Non-cellular available: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, the UK, the US and US Virgin Islands.

Cellular available: Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Japan, Puerto Rico, Switzerland, the UK and the US

The first impressions of the Apple Watch Series 3 have been largely positive, particularly thanks to its improved performance, Siri's ability to speak aloud, and new heart rate detection metrics. Some initial hands-on reports have noted uncertainty about LTE, but like most premium features the usefulness of a cellular-capable Apple Watch will vary greatly person-to-person.

For a look at all of the new bands that Apple launched yesterday, check out our blog post right here.

Article Link: If You Want Apple Watch Series 3 in Stainless Steel or Ceramic, LTE Models Are Your Only Option
 
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Reactions: hank moody
That's rather poor on apple's part I must say

Think wil be getting series 3 with EE so SS is what i may go for.
 
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Reactions: !!!
I was really looking to replace my series 0 SS with the new series 3 SS. But I really don't want LTE on my watch, so I'll probably go the space gray route. Or I'll try to find a mint series 2 SS on Swappa.
 
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Quite disappointing considering they all feature this annoying red dot. But besides that it seems like EE in the UK is the exclusive partner for the LTE feature, so my carrier Three isn't supported and isn't mentioned for a roll-out in 2018 so who knows when or if they'll support this?

That red dot is annoying though, people are saying just put a sticker over it but that'll get worn so fast and fall off or start half peeling, especially when you go swimming with it.
 
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I was really looking to replace my series 0 SS with the new series 3 SS. But I really don't want LTE on my watch, so I'll probably go the space gray route. Or I'll try to find a mint series 2 SS on Swappa.
I am all in, and I was planning on selling my ss series 2, black body w black sport band if you're interested. I would call it mint, w another year of apple care. No worries if not. As it is a bit weird over forums!
 
And this is why I'll be keeping my SS S2. I have no desire for LTE on a watch, but quite liked the thought of the other improvements. Considering I'd be paying a premium of £70 for LTE (£329 vs £399 for Aluminium) that I wouldn't be using, I'll be skipping this gen
 
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This is so unApple, way too many offers on Apple Watch as in iPhones with so little improvements, and well, almost every other product has way too many choices, although some might say that's good.
 
That's rather poor on apple's part I must say

Think wil be getting series 3 with EE so SS is what i may go for.

I don't necessarily agree with Apples decision here. It's likely a sale tactic, if you want LTE, you purchase the most expensive watch. Just like giving Siri a voice, is only exclusive to the series 3 as well. I have no need for LTE and series 3 does have some nice features, but won't be upgrading to this model.
 
The Cellular Watches now have 16 Gb of storage...So they are a good value
 
I was really looking to replace my series 0 SS with the new series 3 SS. But I really don't want LTE on my watch, so I'll probably go the space gray route. Or I'll try to find a mint series 2 SS on Swappa.

There are refurbished stainless series 2 on Apple's website.
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The Cellular Watches now have 16 Gb of storage...So they are a good value
Maybe so, but wasn't the whole point of LTE that you can stream music and not have to store it locally? What good is the extra 8 GB?
 
The non-cellular version of the new Apple Watch is only $50 cheaper. Unless you're forced to pay an additional cellular fee, why would anyone choose it over the cellular version?
 
if you buy the SS, do you have to Activate LTE? can't you just choose not to use it?

That is the same question that I have. No need for cellular. Not once did I ever find myself in a situation where I wished I had a cellular connection on my watch (and certainly not going to pay $10 per month to have one either).
 
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I guess that makes sense. If you’re willing to pay up for the more expensive model, you’re going to go all in.
Or perhaps not...

Ugh... can't think of replacing my steel/sapphire model with the aluminium/glass one, and I don't really need LTE.

I was really looking to replace my series 0 SS with the new series 3 SS. But I really don't want LTE on my watch, so I'll probably go the space gray route. Or I'll try to find a mint series 2 SS on Swappa.

And this is why I'll be keeping my SS S2. I have no desire for LTE on a watch, but quite liked the thought of the other improvements. Considering I'd be paying a premium of £70 for LTE (£329 vs £399 for Aluminium) that I wouldn't be using, I'll be skipping this gen
 
That is the same question that I have. No need for cellular. Not once did I ever find myself in a situation where I wished I had a cellular connection on my watch (and certainly not going to pay $10 per month to have one either).

But you'll be paying a premium for a feature you won't be using, because you don't have a choice. Looks at the price difference between the LTE and non-LTE aluminium models.
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I don't necessarily agree with Apples decision here. It's likely a sale tactic, if you want LTE, you purchase the most expensive watch. Just like giving Siri a voice, is only exclusive to the series 3 as well. I have no need for LTE and series 3 does have some nice features, but won't be upgrading to this model.

They should concentrate on getting Siri to actually work as opposed to giving it a voice to further frustrate you with.
 
Typical Apple...reminds me of when they got rid of the 32GB option for the iPhone so people would have to buy the 64GB option because 16GB was too little.
 
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I guess that makes sense. If you’re willing to pay up for the more expensive model, you’re going to go all in.
No, there are plenty of us who want a nicer looking watch, especially one that matches our SS bands, who don't want to pay for LTE or service plans because we don't need it. We also don't want a stupid red dot that clashes with our bands.
 
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