Sell Me on LTE Apple Watch

[Kermit262]

I'd be very surprised if it was even close. The space for antenna and battery are limited. But I'll find out.
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Thanks! As soon as the Unindicted Co-Conspirator finishes her coffee, I'm on my way to the nearest Apple store. (It's only fifty miles away...)

I’ve noticed that it’s perhaps not as strong of a signal, but when it has a good lock it works amazingly well. Almost every time I use the voice feature on the watch people on the other end say they have no idea I’m using my watch.

Sounds like you have a fun day of Apple shopping ahead of you. Enjoy!

 

[CNebs]

Love my Series 3 with LTE. Great to respond to messages while I leave my iPhone at my desk on a charger. Love having the freedom of leaving my iPhone behind whether it be walks with the family, or on a run. Especially since with LTE I can still control HomeKit devices like the front door to get back in without needing my iPhone. Got mine for Christmas and T-mobile still offered 3 months free to try it out. I won’t be ending LTE capabilities based upon my usage so far. Plus as said earlier, I’ve taken and made calls on it and no one has said what are you on? Most are surprised I was talking to them on my watch, if I let them know.

 

[nightcap965]

Well, I drove 70 miles to my nearest Apple Store today to pick up a Series 3 LTE Watch.

Sadly, it's defective. I'll be bringing it back on Saturday, which was the earliest convenient Genius Bar appointment time. I have a childish feeling of disappointment. (The sensors on the bottom don't appear to be working. Wrist Detection doesn't work, which means you have to type in your passcode every time you glance at the watch. Heartrate monitor doesn't work, no green lights show.)

The only other issue I've ever had with an Apple purchase (and Lordy, there have been a lot of them) was several years ago when I noticed an annoying squeak on the spacebar of a MacBook Air. I brought it in (this was before you needed an appointment to see the Genius) expecting them to squirt a little high-tech lube on it. "It's supposed to be perfect," said the Genius. "I'll get you another." I protested that it was just a little squeak, it wasn't any big deal. "It's supposed to be perfect," he repeated. And he replaced it on the spot.

Apple earned a lot of brownie points with me that day. So I guess I'll take this glitch in stride. But my inner child is sulking.

 

[Kermit262]

Well, I drove 70 miles to my nearest Apple Store today to pick up a Series 3 LTE Watch.

Sadly, it's defective. I'll be bringing it back on Saturday, which was the earliest convenient Genius Bar appointment time. I have a childish feeling of disappointment. (The sensors on the bottom don't appear to be working. Wrist Detection doesn't work, which means you have to type in your passcode every time you glance at the watch. Heartrate monitor doesn't work, no green lights show.)

The only other issue I've ever had with an Apple purchase (and Lordy, there have been a lot of them) was several years ago when I noticed an annoying squeak on the spacebar of a MacBook Air. I brought it in (this was before you needed an appointment to see the Genius) expecting them to squirt a little high-tech lube on it. "It's supposed to be perfect," said the Genius. "I'll get you another." I protested that it was just a little squeak, it wasn't any big deal. "It's supposed to be perfect," he repeated. And he replaced it on the spot.

Apple earned a lot of brownie points with me that day. So I guess I'll take this glitch in stride. But my inner child is sulking.

Oh man that's crazy. The odds must have been extremely low that you would have gotten a defective watch, but like they say, someone's gonna win the lottery no matter the odds. Well don't let it get you down - my space black LTE watch has been flawless from day 1.

 

[Endorphine88]

As an owner of the Nike LTE you may not use LTE often but it’s nice to have

Something as simple as going to the shops quickly you can leave your phone and wallet at home for me is great. The option of going to the gym without needing to worry about where to put your phone when doing weights for example.

Or going for walks with your dog it’s just handy I feel.

Those were really the selling points for me. After switching to the lager iPhone, it became really annoying trying to strap it to my arm or to find a gym short pocket it didn't try to fall out of. The new watch works independently and more importantly - it works well. I have dictated full text responses and taken and placed calls and it is very intuitive and easy to get used to. I also use ApplePay daily and it is so convenient to have it right there on your wrist. I find myself leaving my phone home more and more often now unless I know I'm gonna need the camera function.

 

[nightcap965]

Those were really the selling points for me. After switching to the lager iPhone, it became really annoying trying to strap it to my arm or to find a gym short pocket it didn't try to fall out of. The new watch works independently and more importantly - it works well. I have dictated full text responses and taken and placed calls and it is very intuitive and easy to get used to. I also use ApplePay daily and it is so convenient to have it right there on your wrist. I find myself leaving my phone home more and more often now unless I know I'm gonna need the camera function.

For the second time in two weeks, we lost power (third Nor'easter in two weeks). Since pretty much the whole Lower Cape was out, I decided to kill two birds with one stone: replace the defective Apple Watch and recharge our phones in the 140 mile round trip. I'm now provisioning Apple Watch Series 3 LTE (2.0). Looking forward to testing the phone feature.

 

[Endorphine88]

For the second time in two weeks, we lost power (third Nor'easter in two weeks). Since pretty much the whole Lower Cape was out, I decided to kill two birds with one stone: replace the defective Apple Watch and recharge our phones in the 140 mile round trip. I'm now provisioning Apple Watch Series 3 LTE (2.0). Looking forward to testing the phone feature.

Hope the second device is not a dud like the first one. That's never happened to me with an Apple product, but I can imagine how aggravating it would be. Hope your power is back on. Enjoy the watch

 

[Chupa Chupa]

Give me a good excuse to buy the LTE model.

1. You like to run without a phone but like a phone for safety. I have a LTE but have never activated it. Another $10/mo for a service I already pay for, no thanks. Also I don't use my AW for running -- I use a Garmin for that. I'd look a bit funny running with two watches. Heh.

2. You want the sport loop (assuming you want the sport/Nike version) I didn't need LTE but I wanted the sport loop band which is $50 by itself. So the difference between the non-LTE and buying the band vs the LTE was only a few bucks (Had 10% off birthday coupon from BestBuy).

 

[nightcap965]

Hope the second device is not a dud like the first one. That's never happened to me with an Apple product, but I can imagine how aggravating it would be. Hope your power is back on. Enjoy the watch

I've been buying Apple products for a long time, and have almost never had issues. It wouldn't have even been an aggravation except that I no longer work a block from an Apple store; the closest is 70 miles away. By the time I'd run through all of the troubleshooting and determined beyond doubt that it was a hardware problem, it was too late to drive back. Tuesday we were under blizzard warnings all day, which knocked out the power, so when I got up this morning my spare Apple Watch (Series 0) was down to 10%. It's silly, but I'm just so used to having it on my wrist, keeping me up to date on weather, stocks, messages, mail, and alerts. When I put on this one, my first words were from Sweeney Todd, "My arm is complete again!"

Anyway, it's now working perfectly. The phone works very nicely, and I think it will be a great addition. Like you, I have the big phone (old eyes...), and it will be nice not to have to carry it everywhere.

Thanks!
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1. You like to run without a phone but like a phone for safety. I have a LTE but have never activated it. Another $10/mo for a service I already pay for, no thanks. Also I don't use my AW for running -- I use a Garmin for that. I'd look a bit funny running with two watches. Heh.

2. You want the sport loop (assuming you want the sport/Nike version) I didn't need LTE but I wanted the sport loop band which is $50 by itself. So the difference between the non-LTE and buying the band vs the LTE was only a few bucks (Had 10% off birthday coupon from BestBuy).

I bought the sport loop model. You're right, it's much more comfortable than the elastomer or the metal. It's also easier on my MacBook. The metal stud in the elastomer model has left marks on the left-side wrist rest.

 

[lsutigerfan1976]

I don’t have LTE service. But I still have the LTE model simply for double the storage, and some of the other upgrades like the better back etc.

 

[44267547]

I don’t have LTE service. But I still have the LTE model simply for double the storage, and some of the other upgrades like the better back etc.

The Ceramic backing is nice to have, because it is very scratch resistant. But I also believe that when someone’s not wearing the watch, they likely have it on the charger or they set a watch on its side. I have not read too many complaints about those experiencing a lot of scratching with the composite backing on the non-LTE models/Sport models.

 

[Macalway]

This thread is relevant. Many of us want the LTE but need a little push

"Convince me to spend the extra cash".
"Well I think"
"Ok thanks, i'm sold!"

 

[douglasf13]

This thread is relevant. Many of us want the LTE but need a little push

"Convince me to spend the extra cash".
"Well I think"
"Ok thanks, i'm sold!"

I can chime in a bit as a new owner of the Series 3. Since I work from a home office, I'm finding the LTE to be a revelation in the few days that I've owned the Watch (previously owned a Series 0.) Most of my weekdays consist of working on my laptop at home, working on my laptop at a coffee shop, walking/driving to go to lunch and run errands, and occasionally playing hookie from work, so I'm barely even removing my iPhone from its charger with the Series 3. Of course, I was able to do much of this with the Series 0 at home, but not needing to bring my iPhone when I leave the house really is the next level. Obviously, if I'm traveling or something, I'd bring my iPhone, and I'd probably use my iPhone if I had an hour long+ conversation with someone, but I've already had phone calls that last 20 minutes or so and it was no issue at all.

Of course, I'm not on social media, and I like that keeping my iPhone off my person prevents me from falling into an internet hole on Safari, so YMMV. Between my Series 3 and my little Macbook, I could almost see getting rid of my iPhone altogether, if that was an option. Still, it's only been a few days, so take this opinion with a grain of salt!

 

[macdragonfl]

I was apprehensive about the LTE, but went with it. It is a really nice feature as I leave my phone home for short errands and such. I also had a epiphany about LTE today. I left my phone in a restaurant that closes after lunch and did not realize until after they closed. I run small business and went 24 hours without my phone. I did calls through a bluetooth headset, used bluetooth for handsfree calls and streaming playlists in the car. Used Siri on the watch for texting. So in this case I am so glad I went with LTE, it is a great backup system.

 

[cynics]

I was on the fence. I got the non cellular model. As long as I'm on a wifi network my phone once connected to I can make and receive calls, text, etc etc. It never has been an issue that I even need that let a lone LTE. Not knocking it at all just not something I personally need.

This will sound pretentious but the thing I like the most about the LTE model is the red crown. Lol.

 

[Macalway]

It's kind of amusing really. They come out with this thing that is sort of unbelievable, and people are like 'meh'.

It's also transparent, which in itself is amazing. Then again, time marches on....

What's next?

 

[44267547]

I was on the fence. I got the non cellular model. As long as I'm on a wifi network my phone once connected to I can make and receive calls, text, etc etc. It never has been an issue that I even need that let a lone LTE. Not knocking it at all just not something I personally need.

This will sound pretentious but the thing I like the most about the LTE model is the red crown. Lol.

Off-topic, but the red digital crown actually I like as well. I first wasn’t sure what I thought of it, but the more I actually see it on the black stainless and regular stainless model, the contrast is really nice. I question how long Apple will continue with the red digital crown, but for the time being, I like that it has a little flair to it. Its Not as obtrusive as others seemingly make it.

 

[Endorphine88]

So this is an example of the LTE watch saving me:
I had to go get the screen replaced on my phone last night. I went to a store I don't usually go to cause it's out of the way and sees less traffic. It's in an area I'm not really familiar with. They looked at the phone and were like "Ok, body seems in great shape so it looks like it's just the glass that needs replacing. This shouldn't take more than an hour". I dropped it off and went to do some shopping. Came back 70 minutes later and they tell me the phone is being replaced because it malfunctioned after replacing the screen. That's all fine and dandy, but they couldn't activate the new one with the carrier and were like "You're gonna have to go to a store or call them". It's almost 9pm at this point so I'm sure as hell not going to a store. I figured I'd just go home and call the carrier. Once I got in the car however I realized I don't really know where the hell I am. As skeptical as I was about using my watch for navigation while driving I yelled at Siri to take me home. She pulled up directions immediately. It was not the most pleasant experience, but it worked. She gave me directions right before I needed to switch lanes or turn and gave me ample time to plan my movement in busy traffic. The only thing that was inconvenient is I had to constantly pull up my watch to look at the directions and the watch would not hook up to the bluetooth in my car at all (idk if that's even possible). Point is, I avoided driving in circles for an hour and got home with no issues (even got dinner on the way with ApplePay

 

[montycat]

Apple's website (which you should have looked at first instead of looking for other people to do your own research) gives you the pros of having a LTE watch. Whether you want to pay the monthly fee after the trial is another is up to you.

It's not the forum's duty to convince you of a purchase. If you need that, you need to reassess your financial reasoning.

I think he asked a great question. There have been many informative answers that I find useful.

 

[bigjnyc]

Because the sport version is ugly and stainless steel looks great... And the stainless steel only comes in LTE

 

[johngordon]

Apple's website (which you should have looked at first instead of looking for other people to do your own research) gives you the pros of having a LTE watch. Whether you want to pay the monthly fee after the trial is another is up to you.

It's not the forum's duty to convince you of a purchase. If you need that, you need to reassess your financial reasoning.

Oh come on. The whole point of forums is surely to share experiences, perhaps of more real world usage.

If people asking advice on forums bothers you, perhaps you need to reassess your usage of forums!

In answer to the question - I just bought my first AW, and went for LTE. I figure it would be useful for music whilst running or at the gym without having my phone on me. So for me it’s teally about that, than making calls or sending texts. In my use case, I’d only have the watch with no phone when I wouldn’t be making calls or sending texts anyway.

So I think basically if either or both of those scenarios apply, then it’s worth it. If not, then probably not.

 

[Black Tiger]

I just zorched my Series 2 Apple Watch. What I thought was a scratch on the crystal must've been a crack, because after five minutes in the pool ... dead.

I've been hooked on the Apple Watch since the first one. The only reason I'm not in serious withdrawal is that I still have my Series 0. But that won't cut it for long. I'm going to need a new Apple Watch, soon.

Give me a good excuse to buy the LTE model.

LTE watch paired with AirPods is a killer combo. It may be the way of the future as tech becomes more “transparent” and especially if SIRI improves. It’s still limited though (ie doesn’t support roaming for example), but there is potential down the road. To me it is a glimpse of the future today.
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I was on the fence. I got the non cellular model. As long as I'm on a wifi network my phone once connected to I can make and receive calls, text, etc etc. It never has been an issue that I even need that let a lone LTE. Not knocking it at all just not something I personally need.

This will sound pretentious but the thing I like the most about the LTE model is the red crown. Lol.

Looks particularly good on the white ceramic edition.

 

[gorkt]

I find my series 3 very handy, and the first Apple Watch that I would say is a real asset to me. The series 0 was so slow that most Apps were unusable. The series 2 was decent, but a tad sluggish. The series 3 is very snappy and responsive, has a great battery life and the ability to make calls and play music is awesome for outdoor running and activities where you don’t want to bring your phone. The series 3 is what I wanted the watch to be when it first came out.

If you get the watch, do yourself a favor and grab the AirPods.

 

[nightcap965]

I find my series 3 very handy, and the first Apple Watch that I would say is a real asset to me. The series 0 was so slow that most Apps were unusable. The series 2 was decent, but a tad sluggish. The series 3 is very snappy and responsive, has a great battery life and the ability to make calls and play music is awesome for outdoor running and activities where you don’t want to bring your phone. The series 3 is what I wanted the watch to be when it first came out.

If you get the watch, do yourself a favor and grab the AirPods.

Got ‘em, thanks! I vividly recall hitting the bricks when I got my headphone cord tangled in the spokes. Never again!

 

[Gorms]

I just zorched my Series 2 Apple Watch. What I thought was a scratch on the crystal must've been a crack, because after five minutes in the pool ... dead.

I've been hooked on the Apple Watch since the first one. The only reason I'm not in serious withdrawal is that I still have my Series 0. But that won't cut it for long. I'm going to need a new Apple Watch, soon.

Give me a good excuse to buy the LTE model.

I was a day one series 0 guy and I finally upgraded to the LTE 3 around Christmas. It’s great, fills in all the hardware wants and speed issues that were becoming an issue with the 0. As for how much you use the LTE part it really depends on your lifestyle. I tend to like the fact the the 3 means I can leave my phone at home when I walk the dogs, go for a run or even just leave it on my desk at work and head into a meeting and still be in contact when needed and, quite importantly for me I can continue to listen to any music I choose.

Saying that there is an annoying AirPods bug where they connect but don’t play music when you leave the phone behind. I don’t know what the exact conditions are but it’s something to do with starting a work out, leave phone radius, putting in AirPods then trying to activate music. This kind of kills the dream of seamlessly transitioning your connected state as you have to quit your workout, resets the device, restart workout. Restarting the device still takes, what appears to be, several lifetimes.

For me, I find those times when I need connection and it’s missing that the whole connected world we live it becomes a huge frustration for me. It’s like my iPad, when I upgraded this time, I went for 64gb rather than 128, but got the LTE version. It’s been more annoying for me over the years in the instances I didn’t have LTE and I wanted it than it ever was thinking about issues with space on device.

So to surmise, for me the 3 is a really fast upgrade to the 0. I know you were a 2 user so you already had speed improvements and gps. So in this instance, you’ll probably just enjoy a bit more speed. However if you think there could be times in your day when you’d like leave your phone behind and just enjoy the world a bit more but still know if you’ll need a brolly through the dark sky app or get the lates sports scores or even just to stay reachable I highly recommend the LTE 3.