LTE version question

[philpalmiero]

I apologize in advance. I am sure this has been asked before but I cannot find the thread using search.
Are the LTE watch tied to a carrier or will any LTE watch connect to any carrier? (Verizon or TMobile or ATT or Sprint) thanks

 

[Apple_Robert]

It will work on any carrier, provided it is paid in full.

 

[philpalmiero]

For those with the LTE version, how often do you actually use the LTE? Is it worth the extra money

 

[ApfelKuchen]

You have to use the same LTE carrier as your iPhone - it's an add-on plan, and not every carrier supports Watch.

 

[iCorz87]

For those with the LTE version, how often do you actually use the LTE? Is it worth the extra money

I find it convenient, I can leave the house without my phone and still have all the features I would use on my phone right at my wrist. Most times I do have my phone with me but it is definitely worth it for me on the odd occasion when I don’t have my phone.

 

[i486dx2-66]

For those with the LTE version, how often do you actually use the LTE? Is it worth the extra money

Many of us consider the LTE connection to be like "insurance".

It's a feature you buy, fully expecting to not use it very often. But those few times you *do* use it, such as when your phone has died, can't be carried, slipped out of your pocket while hiking, or has accidentally been left behind when you left the house... THOSE are the times when the watch's LTE connection pays for itself a thousand times over. 👍

 

[digitalexplr]

For those with the LTE version, how often do you actually use the LTE? Is it worth the extra money

My wife use LTE regularly because she forgets to put her phone in her pocket/purse.

I have the GPS only version and always have my phone or am on wifi, so if I do want to take/make a call I can.

LTE for my wife is a safety net, should she fall without her phone available (it has happened more than once).

 

[missbing]

I just upgraded to the Series 5 and decided not to get LTE this time around. I had LTE on my prior 2 watches, but I can count on one hand the amount of times I've used it over the last 2 years. I always have my phone on me and the call quality is so low and horrible IMO that I don't bother with it.

 

[DevinNj]

I almost never go anywhere without my phone, so for me, LTE isn't worth it for my needs. I only got the LTE version because I got a really great deal, cheaper than I'd have paid for a non-LTE version.

 

[revmacian]

For those with the LTE version, how often do you actually use the LTE? Is it worth the extra money

I use it a few hours each day - I don't carry my iPhone with me all the time. I feel it is definitely worth the money for my needs.

 

[oeagleo]

I have the LTE version due to the fall feature. If I should take a nasty fall, it will automagically call the emergency services with my location. I don't have it connected to any carrier, in fact, my carrier doesn't support the watch, but it will make an emergency call without the carrier. For me, this feature and the peace of mind that comes with it, is a small price to pay for LTE.

 

[cappo3]

I have the LTE version due to the fall feature. If I should take a nasty fall, it will automagically call the emergency services with my location. I don't have it connected to any carrier, in fact, my carrier doesn't support the watch, but it will make an emergency call without the carrier. For me, this feature and the peace of mind that comes with it, is a small price to pay for LTE.

Same for me, got the LTE because of the emergency call feature. My carrier does support the watch but at added cost. Based on my usage pattern and the limitations of the watch on LTE (mainly battery life, but lack of Spotify and Whatsapp support as well) it's not worth it for me yet.

 

[Lorenzo F]

I have the LTE version due to the fall feature. If I should take a nasty fall, it will automagically call the emergency services with my location. I don't have it connected to any carrier, in fact, my carrier doesn't support the watch, but it will make an emergency call without the carrier. For me, this feature and the peace of mind that comes with it, is a small price to pay for LTE.

Hopefully you haven't taken a fall yet, but in the off chance you have, curious if you've actually seen this work?

That is, has the watch actually called Emergency sevices while on LTE and not on WiFi after it's detected you've fallen? And this is in the United States? I'm having a hard time getting a straight answer from Apple, and these articles don't explicitly clarify:

Use Emergency SOS on your Apple Watch - Apple Support

With Emergency SOS, you can quickly and easily call for help and alert your emergency contacts from your Apple Watch.

support.apple.com

Use Fall Detection with Apple Watch - Apple Support

If Apple Watch detects a hard fall, it can help connect you to emergency services if needed.

support.apple.com

It would be nice to avoid paying for a monthly cellular subscription for the watch.

 

[Apple_Robert]

I use the LTE function even if I have my phone in my pocket. A lot of times it is easier to answer or initiate from the watch, than pull the phone out of the pocket. I also like not having to worry about taking my phone everywhere all the time. At $10 a month with no extra fees, I think it is worth the price.

 

[Otflyer]

I activated cellular but, deactivated after a couple months. I rarely used it. I always have phone with me. If the environment was too loud I couldn’t hear the person on the other end well. Not worth $120 + tax per yr.