Series 3 Today?

[Shirasaki]

On the phone?

If it's a smartphone, you typically use rich messages containing graphics, video and sound, browse the internet and read email with it.

All of which are common attack vectors (via spam or other "spray" attack method) for compromising devices. The device that you likely have Apple Pay on, do your internet banking with, have location tracking on, have 2 factor codes for work applications / banking sent to, etc. The device that has an onboard camera and microphone and knows where you are at all times.

Now, if you don't think that's worthy of keeping secure - you do you. Personally though I'd consider my phone to be just as, if not more important to keep secure than any of my other devices!

While I agree having a secured device is important, the importance of security update has been way overblown, and there have been active scams on windows (maybe even macOS?) long before iPhone existing tricking people into installing nefarious malware disguised as security updates.

Has Apple devices been hacked to an extend fake security update is being pushed to end users? I don’t think so. Still, the weakest link of using any device is on YOU, the user, not on Apple, Google, Microsoft or others. And Apple’s opaque support policy (other than 12 month full support of the latest major version of iOS) means you either always use the latest software or take the risk of being attacked by exploits probably never going to be fixed in older versions.

I do keep all of my devices updated as much as I can, but I also don’t just update to a brand new version if there is no security benefits, for example windows 10 vs windows 11, both of which are still supported by security updates. It’s bad that Apple doesn’t have this policy (you cannot install security update of your current iOS version if there is a newer major version iOS available that your device support), but it is what it is.

 

[MacPoulet]

If you happen to be near a microcenter, they often have holdover products that they sell at a discount. My family bought me my S3 several years ago for 100 dollars new in box. They might have an s4 or six in stock.

I’m in Canada so no Microcenter. I‘ve found a couple of them in stores, but they’re across the country. Will keep looking for something local.

 

[RinkDinkus]

I thought they changed that in iOS 15 and newer? If you want to retain your current version and there’s a patch along side an upgrade, they give you the option at the bottom under “Also Available…” in the software update portion of settings? Did they do away with that? Genuinely curious because I saw it once upgrading my XS from iOS 15 to 16, but did not see it once I got my 14 plus and went iOS 16 to 17,

 

[throAU]

While I agree having a secured device is important, the importance of security update has been way overblown, and there have been active scams on windows (maybe even macOS?) long before iPhone existing tricking people into installing nefarious malware disguised as security updates.

There are exploits in the wild for older unsupported Apple devices to compromise the device via an iMessage or hostile wireless access point with minimal or no user response required.

This is likely to continue to be the case for old unsupported devices in future when they go end of support.

 

[Shirasaki]

There are exploits in the wild for older unsupported Apple devices to compromise the device via an iMessage or hostile wireless access point with minimal or no user response required.

This is likely to continue to be the case for old unsupported devices in future when they go end of support.

Unless your device can run the latest iOS, you are out of support from Apple. iPhone 7 is unfortunately one of such devices running unsupported iOS version.

 

[MacPoulet]

Unless your device can run the latest iOS, you are out of support from Apple. iPhone 7 is unfortunately one of such devices running unsupported iOS version.

No it isn't. iOS 15 is still supported, as is the iPhone 7.

EDIT to add screenshot.

 

[profcutter]

No it isn't. iOS 15 is still supported, as is the iPhone 7.

EDIT to add screenshot.

That’s actually very good to know.

 

[Shirasaki]

No it isn't. iOS 15 is still supported, as is the iPhone 7.

EDIT to add screenshot.

I see where you get this from.

However, for all intents and purposes, Apple only provides support to the latest supported iOS version based on their devices. Unless their terms and conditions or some legally binding documents stipulate commitment to support non-current iOS version for security, I still consider iPhone 7 an unsupported device for practical purposes, especially since iPhone 7 cannot run iOS 17.

 

[Shirasaki]

That’s actually very good to know.

Take it with a grain of salt from Apple and don’t get your hope too high.

 

[MacPoulet]

I see where you get this from.

However, for all intents and purposes, Apple only provides support to the latest supported iOS version based on their devices. Unless their terms and conditions or some legally binding documents stipulate commitment to support non-current iOS version for security, I still consider iPhone 7 an unsupported device for practical purposes, especially since iPhone 7 cannot run iOS 17.

I don’t think we’re gonna agree on this And likely because we seem to have two different definitions of “support.”

To me, if Apple provides security updates and will service a device in their shops, it’s supported. After that it moves to vintage, and then obsolete.

 

[Slix]

I used a Series 0 from 2018 until 2021 when I got my Series 6, and while it was slow, it definitely told me the time and let me do things like set timers and reply to texts. I think getting a Series 3, while knowing the limitations it has, and the slower speed you'll get, would be a good idea for the time being. You can find Series 3s on eBay for around $50 recently. I don't think it's worth the risk and time you'd have to spend to find a newer watch that isn't updated yet. You can always get something newer when you upgrade your phone eventually too, and by that point, Series 5+ will be much cheaper probably. I totally get wanting a smaller phone too! I have a 2nd gen SE, and I wish they had continued to make a smaller phone. I don't like how big the SE is either.

 

[Shirasaki]

I don’t think we’re gonna agree on this And likely because we seem to have two different definitions of “support.”

To me, if Apple provides security updates and will service a device in their shops, it’s supported. After that it moves to vintage, and then obsolete.

Yeah we clearly both have different definitions Of “support” and mine is a bit more conservative, only counting supported iOS versions for full support, regardless of the hardware support status.

However, I think we both agree that it is generally not a good thing to use unsupported device.

Nevertheless, let’s agree to disagree.

 

[profcutter]

Perhaps part of the question is, how serious is a watch hack? If you’re storing personal data on the watch, like the wallet app, then I suppose it’s pretty serious. Likewise health and GPS data. If you worry about keeping your data safe, especially against companies like Pegasus/NSO whose country seems to specialize in phone hacking, then you probably are going to be persnickety about having the latest iOS support on your device. I think that’s the major concern, since older devices probably won’t support newer features in newer watch OS versions anyway.

 

[MacPoulet]

Perhaps part of the question is, how serious is a watch hack? If you’re storing personal data on the watch, like the wallet app, then I suppose it’s pretty serious. Likewise health and GPS data. If you worry about keeping your data safe, especially against companies like Pegasus/NSO whose country seems to specialize in phone hacking, then you probably are going to be persnickety about having the latest iOS support on your device. I think that’s the major concern, since older devices probably won’t support newer features in newer watch OS versions anyway.

That's a really good point. For me, I keep work stuff off my iPhone but that could change in the future. Even though I teach in a university and my area (fine arts) isn't a high target, I am still a vector into the system and thus have to remain vigilant.

 

[JustAnExpat]

To my knowledge, unless you're practicing very bad information security policies, OR you're a high target individual, an unsupported Series 3 watch will be secure enough. The days of a random attacker violating information security on a random's person device is long gone, and it requires effort to successfully violate information security.

I can't imagine how a Series 3 Apple Watch could be used as a vector to violate the Universities' information security system, unless you use the phone that will pair the watch for work purposes as well.

 

[profcutter]

To my knowledge, unless you're practicing very bad information security policies, OR you're a high target individual, an unsupported Series 3 watch will be secure enough. The days of a random attacker violating information security on a random's person device is long gone, and it requires effort to successfully violate information security.

I can't imagine how a Series 3 Apple Watch could be used as a vector to violate the Universities' information security system, unless you use the phone that will pair the watch for work purposes as well.

Eh, I’m not so concerned about protecting my employer’s data at the university, that’s on them. Though many including mine use duo authentication, I’m not sure if a hacked watch is a threat there since many folks use their watch app for the authentication. It’s more GPS, banking, email, anything else the watch has access to. I suppose if you never set up wallet, never set up email alerts, never set up messages… after a while the watch starts to seem significantly less useful than just getting a device that continues to be supported.

 

[Al Rukh]

Get the SE 2020 or SE 2022, and get the Apple Watch SE. It’s an outlay but it saves you a lot of headaches finding a Series 3, which is a piss poor device in 2024. Sometimes we have to part ways with our money even if our 8-year old iPhone works well.

 

[saudor]

No it isn't. iOS 15 is still supported, as is the iPhone 7.

EDIT to add screenshot.

It's not actually. Only the 8/8+/X is receiving updates via ios16 alongside iOS17 devices. The 7's last update was in October 2023.

It might still receive updates for bigger security issues (like with iOS12 devices) but it'll be infrequent.

 

[MacPoulet]

It's not actually. Only the 8/8+/X is receiving updates via ios16 alongside iOS17 devices. The 7's last update was in October 2023.

It might still receive updates for bigger security issues (like with iOS12 devices) but it'll be infrequent.

That’s like saying MacOS Ventura isn’t supported, though I consider it supported.

To my knowledge, unless you're practicing very bad information security policies, OR you're a high target individual, an unsupported Series 3 watch will be secure enough. The days of a random attacker violating information security on a random's person device is long gone, and it requires effort to successfully violate information security.

I can't imagine how a Series 3 Apple Watch could be used as a vector to violate the Universities' information security system, unless you use the phone that will pair the watch for work purposes as well.

Hmm. I use the Authy app on my phone and tablet for two-factor authentication. I wonder if it would work on the watch too…

Eh, I’m not so concerned about protecting my employer’s data at the university, that’s on them. Though many including mine use duo authentication, I’m not sure if a hacked watch is a threat there since many folks use their watch app for the authentication. It’s more GPS, banking, email, anything else the watch has access to. I suppose if you never set up wallet, never set up email alerts, never set up messages… after a while the watch starts to seem significantly less useful than just getting a device that continues to be supported.

Haven’t set up Wallet, but do use email and iMessage.

Get the SE 2020 or SE 2022, and get the Apple Watch SE. It’s an outlay but it saves you a lot of headaches finding a Series 3, which is a piss poor device in 2024. Sometimes we have to part ways with our money even if our 8-year old iPhone works well.

Yeah, I don’t see myself dropping hundreds on an SE just so I can buy a watch. I don’t need it that bad!

 

[saudor]

That’s like saying MacOS Ventura isn’t supported, though I consider it supported.

ventura gets updates as frequent as the current OS. it’s also well known that the last two get security support. it‘s different from ios15, which hasn’t seen an update in almost 3 months now (similar to big sur which hasnt been updated since around that time)

 

[salutcemoi]

I am still using the S3

There were some good deals for the latest SE model during boxing week but honestly my S3 does everything I need it to do.
Battery life is also great.

I have 0 compelling reason to upgrade.
I don't have the new watch faces but it's not like I'm staring at my screen all the time

So I bought a new watchband to get that new watch feeling lol


BUT since you are looking for your 1st AW, don't get the S3
The latest SE would be perfect for you

 

[salutcemoi]

I had an s3 for several years. Quite slow, and updates often failed and took forever. I don’t really think that old a watch is that useful. Not like a computer or a phone.

It's useful to me tbh

 

[MacPoulet]

I am still using the S3

There were some good deals for the latest SE model during boxing week but honestly my S3 does everything I need it to do.
Battery life is also great.

I have 0 compelling reason to upgrade.
I don't have the new watch faces but it's not like I'm staring at my screen all the time

So I bought a new watchband to get that new watch feeling lol


BUT since you are looking for your 1st AW, don't get the S3
The latest SE would be perfect for you

Thanks, I appreciate your experience. I had actually bought the latest SE and had to return it when I couldn't get it to work with my iPhone 7. My options are: 1- Get an Apple Watch 3 or older (likely used), 2- Get an Apple Watch 4-7 that hasn't been updated past WatchOS 8 (might be tricky), 3- Find a brand new Series 7 watch that will still have WatchOS 8.

I actually found a brand new green series 7 (one of the colours that I like) for a great price but it's on the other side of the country. Funny enough, I was just out there over Christmas but only found it now.

 

[salutcemoi]

Thanks, I appreciate your experience. I had actually bought the latest SE and had to return it when I couldn't get it to work with my iPhone 7. My options are: 1- Get an Apple Watch 3 or older (likely used), 2- Get an Apple Watch 4-7 that hasn't been updated past WatchOS 8 (might be tricky), 3- Find a brand new Series 7 watch that will still have WatchOS 8.

I actually found a brand new green series 7 (one of the colours that I like) for a great price but it's on the other side of the country. Funny enough, I was just out there over Christmas but only found it now.

The 7 was great for the colorways tbh, if I can get my hands on the blue one I may upgrade lol

You are right, since you have the iPhone 7 compatibility is a factor

 

[throAU]

Perhaps part of the question is, how serious is a watch hack? If you’re storing personal data on the watch, like the wallet app, then I suppose it’s pretty serious. Likewise health and GPS data. If you worry about keeping your data safe, especially against companies like Pegasus/NSO whose country seems to specialize in phone hacking, then you probably are going to be persnickety about having the latest iOS support on your device. I think that’s the major concern, since older devices probably won’t support newer features in newer watch OS versions anyway.

A watch is attached iCloud (and can access everything in iCloud), may have Apple pay loaded and can be used to unlock a Mac.

Anything logged into iCloud is important to secure.