Ultra cellular

[jack_1992]

So ive moved from an SE to the Ultra 2 and I love it already!
I didn’t buy from my carrier so don’t currently have a data plan but curious, what do you guys think about data and is it needed? Does it make much difference to using the watch without?

 

[Apple_Robert]

I like the freedom of not having to have my phone with me all the time. If needed, I can receive and make calls, texts, and read emails etc. For me, the small monthly price with T-Mobile is worth it. If you are someone who always has your phone, you probably could stick with just the WiFi connection.

 

[nippyjun]

If you go out without your phone often and want to only use your watch then it's nice to have the cellular. If you always have your phone with you then no need for plan on watch.

 

[jz0309]

I always have my phone with me so don’t need it, your carrier will charge you anywhere between 5 and $15 or so per month.
Also, even if you don’t have a cellular plan, you can still make 911 calls at least in the US and some other countries

 

[Howard2k]

So ive moved from an SE to the Ultra 2 and I love it already!
I didn’t buy from my carrier so don’t currently have a data plan but curious, what do you guys think about data and is it needed? Does it make much difference to using the watch without?

I was considering going from a non-cell S8 to an Ultra 2. Personally I would not pay for cell service on the watch. I would ask my employer to pay for it and see if I could wrangle that, but not for personal use.

Even without cell service you can still call 911 (North America) or your local emergency services in most of the civilized world.

 

[Lucas Curious]

So ive moved from an SE to the Ultra 2 and I love it already!
I didn’t buy from my carrier so don’t currently have a data plan but curious, what do you guys think about data and is it needed? Does it make much difference to using the watch without?

my T-mobile was setup as a business account years ago. I jsut found out that it's only $5 a month to get cellular on my ultra. $5 for 500 mb or $10 for unlimited. also debating if I need it but im trying to not use my phone since its mainly a distraction.

 

[G35flyer]

I have always had a AW with cellular. I regularly do not bring my iPhone with me for things like workouts, the beach, gym, shopping, etc. I only pay $5 per month so it's totally worth it for me even at a higher cost.

 

[Bazooka-joe]

I use mine all the time. It means I can leave the phone at home and make calls and answer messages on my watch.

 

[BenGoren]

The Ultra with a cellular plan is a significantly better smartphone than the original iPhone. Above all else, it seems weird to me to have such a device, especially given its purchase price, but then be unwilling to pay $5 / month for cellular service. Honestly, if you’re bothered by that kind of expense, you really shouldn’t be spending that kind of money on an Ultra in the first place.

Many above have noted that 911 service is available without an active plan, which is true. But life is full of emergencies for which 911 is either useless or undesirable except as a last resort.

Suppose you have the misfortune to leave both your phone and your keys behind in the taxi. What good is 911 going to do you then?

Or suppose you run out of gas (or get a flat tire or the like) and your phone is again unusable for whatever reason. You’re much better off calling AAA on your watch than calling 911.

Or even just something stupid, like making it out of the restaurant without realizing that your phone was under the napkin / wedged in the cushion / whatever. The Find My app on the watch will tell you where it is, and you can call the restaurant to ask them to keep it for you at the front desk.

And what regular here hasn’t heard about the recent spate of phone thefts occurring after an accomplice has spied on an unlock code, with a complete hijacking of the victim’s AppleID and thus digital life and finances? With a watch, the instant the phone is snatched from your hand, you can put the phone in lost mode. But if the thief is already halfway down the block, you’re out of Bluetooth range and need that cellular connection.

Yes, all of these scenarios are unlikely to happen to anybody reading these words. But each plays out countless times a day, all across the world.

A cellular plan is all of $60 / year. I’d think that even one such emergency and that price has paid for itself multiple times over.

How about … you’re at the airport, can’t find your phone, and the departure time is fast approaching. How much would you pay to use Find My on your watch? How much will it cost you if can’t? Even in this scenario, if somebody’s made off with your phone … at least you can lock it and continue with your trip with your backup phone. Much cheaper, much less hassle than pleading with the gate agent …

b&

 

[deeddawg]

Likewise, I frequently leave my phone in the house when going for a walk around the neighborhood, go for a run, go for a bike ride, do yard work (outside wifi range), walking the dog, paddleboarding, kayaking, etc. Has been great for using Siri to add reminders of something to do later, or add stuff to the grocery or other shopping list I happen to think about -- though onboard Siri may help with that with the S9/U2.

The nice thing with not buying from your carrier, @jack_1992, is that you can turn on cell service and try it out for a couple months, then cancel it if you don't find it useful. Watch app on phone -> Cellular -> Add a New Plan

Just remember that the benefit is that it enables you to change your relationship with your phone - you no longer need to put it in your pocket every time you walk out the door. If you don't/won't/can't make that change, then cellular may not see to be a benefit.

 

[adam1080]

I upgraded to the AW Ultra 2 from my S4 which also had cellular. That one might not have been totally worth it, but it was nice to have on occasion. The Ultra 2 cellular is VERY much worth it to me in general and especially compared to older watches.

It's fast, does a lot actions well and has a nice size screen to actually make it useful. I plan on leaving my IP 15 PM in the car or at home on more occasions and just using the Ultra 2 to save space/have less bulk in my pockets.

 

[Cristim74]

I upgraded from a Series 6 GPS to Ultra 2; it's the first watch with cellular that I own. I almost never go out without the phone but I'm testing the cellular anyway. Vodafone gave me a shared eSIM to test free of charge for three months, then it's 2 euros / month if I decide to keep it. It's gonna eat the battery faster. A full charge on my Ultra 2 with cellular on will run the watch for two full days including sleep tracking with about 10% battery left at the end of the two days.

 

[cwosigns]

I have it, and don’t really *need* it, but it’s very nice to have. One night I ran out to meet my Uber Eats driver, but forgot my keys in my apartment. I couldn’t get back in since all the exterior doors lock and open with a fob. But I was able to walk around to the main entrance, dial my unit’s code, receive the call on my watch, buzz myself in, and get in that way.

To me it’s peace of mind to know that it’s always available, even when I don’t plan to need it.

 

[jack_1992]

Thanks for all your insight!
I’m with O2 in the UK so it’s £7 a month so not too much. I’ve added it on so let’s see how it goes! Definitely need to give it a proper try!

 

[Allen_Wentz]

Cellular on the watch is a huge convenience. Even though the iPhone is usually close by it is seldom in my hand when a call or text comes in: in a pocket, on a desktop charger on the other side of the room, whatever. Cellular on the watch is always at hand, so a quick glance can ID a caller, view a text and the call can immediately be accepted or declined. No rooting around in a pocket to dig the phone out just to decline a call. And many of my calls are brief, so using the watch for the entire call is very efficient.

 

[Bichon]

Many above have noted that 911 service is available without an active plan, which is true. But life is full of emergencies for which 911 is either useless or undesirable except as a last resort.

Suppose you have the misfortune to leave both your phone and your keys behind in the taxi. What good is 911 going to do you then?

Unfortunately in my ridiculous made-up scenario, my watch fell off my wrist and is in the cab along with my keys and phone.

 

[Bichon]

Cellular on the watch is a huge convenience. Even though the iPhone is usually close by it is seldom in my hand when a call or text comes in: in a pocket, on a desktop charger on the other side of the room, whatever. Cellular on the watch is always at hand, so a quick glance can ID a caller, view a text and the call can immediately be accepted or declined. No rooting around in a pocket to dig the phone out just to decline a call. And many of my calls are brief, so using the watch for the entire call is very efficient.

The scenario you describe doesn't require cellular. As long as the phone is within Bluetooth range you'll get the caller ID and can reject the call or answer it on your watch.

 

[deeddawg]

The scenario you describe doesn't require cellular. As long as the phone is within Bluetooth range you'll get the caller ID and can reject the call or answer it on your watch.

In fact the watch doesn't even turn on the cellular radio until it's lost bluetooth contact with the phone and can't find a known wifi network to leverage to reach the phone.

 

[aerospacethrace]

I got my Ultra Monday evening, coming from a non-cellular S4. When my number gets ported to my new provider in 27 hours I’ll be activating an eSIM for the watch, which will cost me the equivalent of $2.70/month.

Obviously I have no experience using it yet, but I anticipate going on runs without my phone and generally being less tethered to it. But perhaps more importantly, not being as limited by the battery life of a 12 mini with 82% battery health – especially on hikes or at SAR dog training in remote areas where I’d rather be focusing on other things than in which pocket I put my power bank and cable.

 

[adam1080]

What I'm learning is I need to move to Europe or get a new carrier...

My watch cellular plan after taxes is like $20/month.

 

[bbfc]

I have an Ultra, but I never leave the house without my iPhone so I don't bother with a cellular watch plan. I'm with EE and they charge around £7 p/m too.

 

[deeddawg]

What I'm learning is I need to move to Europe or get a new carrier...

My watch cellular plan after taxes is like $20/month.

If you’re in the US try T-Mobile. $5/mo for 500MB/mo high speed data watch plan, $10 for unlimited high speed data. After autopay discoun, including all taxes and fees and other crap.

For prepaid I’ve heard good things about Visible.

 

[adam1080]

If you’re in the US try T-Mobile. $5/mo for 500MB/mo high speed data watch plan, $10 for unlimited high speed data. After autopay discoun, including all taxes and fees and other crap.

For prepaid I’ve heard good things about Visible.

Mine is $10/month unlimited too. it's the taxes and fees that put it close to or over $20/month. I pay for my phone, both my parents and my watch all unlimited/hotspot/ hi-es streaming for ~$200/month.

 

[deeddawg]

Mine is $10/month unlimited too. it's the taxes and fees that put it close to or over $20/month. I pay for my phone, both my parents and my watch all unlimited/hotspot/ hi-es streaming for ~$200/month.

Thats the advantage on most of the TMO plans. All those BS taxes and fees are included in the advertised price. $5 is $5 not $11.71. $10 is $10 not $20.67.

 

[jz0309]

The scenario you describe doesn't require cellular. As long as the phone is within Bluetooth range you'll get the caller ID and can reject the call or answer it on your watch.

wifi, not BT