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1rottenapple

macrumors 601
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Apr 21, 2004
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??? Just curious if anyone bought the LTE but with no intention of activating the cellular plan. Did you buy it for the glass sensor? 16gb memory? 911 capability?
 
I buy it cause I am allergic to composite back and plastic in general. Ceramic back works for me. Also 16GB is another selling point. LTE in Australia is also not an issue.
 
How much music can you store on the 16gb? The 8gb seems paltry in none lte, given the operating system takes up so much.
 
Never intended to use LTE but bought the Black stainless anyway. No regrets.

Bought LTE even though I didn't connect it because:

1. I might change my mind and don't want to have to buy another watch anytime soon
2. The ceramic back seems more durable; people report scratching on the plastic backs
3. Resale value and times might be better

But it's all guesswork. YMMV.
 
Bought LTE watch because I also wanted the stainless steel and sapphire screen. I did activate LTE but, opted out at the end of the trial period. I never used other than trying it out to see how well it works. It’s just not worth the $10 plus taxes and fees per month to have and not use. It did work well and is a great feature if you use it.
 
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LTE is the only way to get the more durable saphire/stainless steel watch.
 
LTE is the only way to get the more durable saphire/stainless steel watch.

And the stainless model is the only version to receive the ceramic backing versus the composite backing on the sport Apple Watch.
 
Not exactly. The Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) aluminum models also get the ceramic back instead of the composite back on the basic Series 3.

Dave

Yes, that's true. But the main complaint with the sport model is the composite back scratching, which the GPS model incorporates at a lower price point.
 
Not exactly. The Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) aluminum models also get the ceramic back instead of the composite back on the basic Series 3.

Dave

This. ^^^ You don't need to spring for the SS or even higher-end AW models to get the more durable ceramic back. $70 = composite back + LTE option + 2x local storage.*

* Putting 8gb of local storage of the wifi model, which cannot stream music, and 16gb of local storage on the LTE model, which can stream music, does not make sense to me. Does anyone have a theory on why Apple did that?
 
You don't need to spring for the SS or even higher-end AW models to get the more durable ceramic back.

I don't think it's a matter of "Needing.", Tech enthusiasts are more apt in all the specific details about the Apple Watch, but the average consumer isn't making their decision or taking every specification about the Apple Watch literally as we do. It's a matter of picking between the sport model and stainless model, which they likely don't even consider the composite/ceramic backing, let alone even understanding the differences between what the are materials (Or care too).

Those (Mainly non-tech enthusiasts) interested in the stainless model, I would be willing to believe the majority are ignorant about the composite/ceramic/sapphire display for some, they simply want the stainless model because it's more premium (Weight, aesthetics, appeal) model over the cheaper aluminum model.

For example, for those who I have talked to about the sport watch, they don't even know what Ion- X Glass is, or even that the space black stainless watch has a DLC coating, those are the details nobody cares about. They just want what they "See and feel."
 
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This. ^^^ You don't need to spring for the SS or even higher-end AW models to get the more durable ceramic back. $70 = composite back + LTE option + 2x local storage.*

* Putting 8gb of local storage of the wifi model, which cannot stream music, and 16gb of local storage on the LTE model, which can stream music, does not make sense to me. Does anyone have a theory on why Apple did that?
To help create a sharper distinction between the two thus (hopefully) increasing sales for the LTE model. That is my guess.
 
To help create a sharper distinction between the two thus (hopefully) increasing sales for the LTE model. That is my guess.

Still, makes no sense, right? Is logic failing me?
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I don't think it's a matter of "Needing.", Tech enthusiasts are more apt in all the specific details about the Apple Watch, but the average consumer isn't making their decision or taking every specification about the Apple Watch literally as we do. It's a matter of picking between the sport model and stainless model, which they likely don't even consider the composite/ceramic backing, let alone even understanding the differences between what the are materials (Or care too).

Those (Mainly non-tech enthusiasts) interested in the stainless model, I would be willing to believe the majority are ignorant about the composite/ceramic/sapphire display for some, they simply want the stainless model because it's more premium (Weight, aesthetics, appeal) model over the cheaper aluminum model.

For example, for those who I have talked to about the sport watch, they don't even know what Ion- X Glass is, or even that the space black stainless watch has a DLC coating, those are the details nobody cares about. They just want what they "See and feel."

That's probably true. Apple doesn't highlight the details much, and many people, even here, do a poor job of looking at what Apple does publish. An easy example is various references to "paint" on iPhones (anodized, except for the SG X, which is PVD) and watches (anodized, except for the DLC SB SS). And you really have to read carefully to sort the various differences within the watch family.
 
Still, makes no sense, right? Is logic failing me?
From a consumer 'we want all the features we can get' standpoint, it doesn't make a lot of sense. From a long term business perspective, Apple is banking on more people wanting a LTE-based watch, as it represents a more mobile cut from the iPhone. While the profit margin is not as high with the SS model, Apple is counting on the extra storage, LTE, and better app integration to boost sales of the SS model which in turn, puts pressure on the cell companies to lower their price if they want a piece of the Apple Watch action.

This scenario may take another generation to blossom. If it comes sooner, I am ready. It is one of the reasons I paid extra for the LTE.
 
When the first-gen Apple watch came out I bought the Space Black Stainless Steel with matching black stainless steel band....and have worn it happily through the next couple of iterations of the AW......so this fall I purchased the Space Black Stainless Steel Series 3 watch so that I can continue wearing and enjoying my beautiful band on a faster, more updated watch that looks just like my original (except for the red-capped crown, of course), as that black watch and that black link band really are an elegant combination. I didn't activate the LTE because I really don't need it. So, yeah, I bought the Series 3 SBSS watch without any intention of ever bothering with the LTE functionality. That just wasn't my primary focus in considering the new purchase.
 
From a consumer 'we want all the features we can get' standpoint, it doesn't make a lot of sense. From a long term business perspective, Apple is banking on more people wanting a LTE-based watch, as it represents a more mobile cut from the iPhone. While the profit margin is not as high with the SS model, Apple is counting on the extra storage, LTE, and better app integration to boost sales of the SS model which in turn, puts pressure on the cell companies to lower their price if they want a piece of the Apple Watch action.

This scenario may take another generation to blossom. If it comes sooner, I am ready. It is one of the reasons I paid extra for the LTE.

Flexibility is why I did the same. Here's hoping the carriers take another look. At the current prices, I think only hard-core phone-shedders (like my daughter-in-law :) ) will activate the watch. I don't think it's so much that the fee is a lot of money (but maybe it is), but that it feels like a lot to pay for an add-on to a device you're already paying them for.
 
Ok sold!!!! Thanks I've been looking for the answer for the past two weeks lol thanks!

That's how much songs I have on my iphone at the moment.
 
Ok sold!!!! Thanks I've been looking for the answer for the past two weeks lol thanks!

That's how much songs I have on my iphone at the moment.
Be careful though, as WatchOS tend to slow the sync speed or halt the syncing altogether. I have yet to find an effective solution to restart syncing without resetting the watch or unpairing.
 
??? Just curious if anyone bought the LTE but with no intention of activating the cellular plan. Did you buy it for the glass sensor? 16gb memory? 911 capability?

Simple, I bought a SBSS watch for the space black stainless, the look and the durability. the sapphire crystal is also nearly scratch proof and was a huge reason. the bonus of having a ceramic back plate and 16gb were also worth it. i have no intention of using LTE.
 
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