Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

Wifi or cellular

Jimgito

Jimgito

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Apr 22, 2020
4
1
Chorley Lancashire
So, I’ve had the wifi Apple Watch since series 2 (went 2 then 4) and always picked the WiFi one as my cellular carrier doesn’t support the Apple Watch (in the uk one carrier has monopoly for now) however, I think my carrier will be supporting it later on.

My question is, which do you prefer?
Does the cellular one provide anything else that the wifi one doesn’t (except your don’t need your phone)?

would you pay the extra for the cellular one or just stick with the wifi one?
 
I’m paying for it extra as a peace of mind thing. If you keep the phone on you most of the time anyway then it’s a waste.

However it’s not a monopoly situation as you mentioned.

879ef40830e449e0f271e38a901d6b6e.png


However, I think if you’re using a MVNO as your carrier then connection to Apple Watch is not possible.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: max2 and Jimgito
akash.nu said:
I’m paying for it extra as a peace of mind thing. If you keep the phone on you most of the time anyway then it’s a waste.
Click to expand...

Yea I was thinking that ... but for running I have My phone on me for music .. so I guess if I had the cellular one I would have to. Does the cellular watch stream Spotify? Because if not then it’s all moot as I don’t have Apple Music lol
 
Jimgito said:
Yea I was thinking that ... but for running I have My phone on me for music .. so I guess if I had the cellular one I would have to. Does the cellular watch stream Spotify? Because if not then it’s all moot as I don’t have Apple Music lol
Click to expand...

Spotify doesn’t have a standalone watch app, so it’s not possible.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Jimgito
I’m hoping that, one day, there’ll be a more flexible cellular option for the Apple Watch. I run a lot and take both my watch and my iPhone with me. However, with Apple no longer interested in producing small phones like the original SE (which I have at present), there’s going to come a time when taking a phone with me will be impractical and a burden.

I’m hoping, by then, that the Apple Watch will have evolved enough that a cellular version is a better option for me.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Jimgito
Itinj24 said:
It doesn’t? There’s an app for it in the Watch App Store. I’m an Apple Music user but I could’ve sworn this was possible.

View attachment 908418
Click to expand...
Yea there is an app but it doesn’t stream ... its more like a remote control for the phone ... tried to today by aeroplane mode the phone and using the app but it wouldn’t play through the watch
 
  • Sad
Reactions: Itinj24
It really depends, if it is really only for running and you have everything you need stored on your AW and you have to pay extra for the eSIM, I wouldn't do it, I would stick with AW GPS.

I have 3 SIM cards included in my contract and just got the AW 4 LTE again, for a good price, after a year of pausing and THIS is the only reason I got it again at all. I walk a lot and want to get away more from my phone when not at work or at home. So I leave the phone at home and just walk or go grocery shopping or or or. And it really is a delight esp in summer when you don't need to carry your phone extra. Normally I use Garmin watches only and I would still do so if they would have a REAL LTE watch which can do stuff like the AW and if they would sell it here in Europe.
I think AW LTE is a fantastic alternative to get away more from your phone. You have almost everything that could be important on your wrist and you don't check the phone for unnecessary stuff anymore. Got the 4 though as it was a good price and I want the AW6 coming later this year, probably with sleep tracking and maybe with PulseOX sensor.
 
Jimgito said:
So, I’ve had the wifi Apple Watch since series 2 (went 2 then 4) and always picked the WiFi one as my cellular carrier doesn’t support the Apple Watch (in the uk one carrier has monopoly for now) however, I think my carrier will be supporting it later on.

My question is, which do you prefer?
Does the cellular one provide anything else that the wifi one doesn’t (except your don’t need your phone)?

would you pay the extra for the cellular one or just stick with the wifi one?
Click to expand...

I do have the cellular series 3. With the 3, the cellular version has 16 vs 8Gb RAM. I'm not sure about the current product line, but may be something to consider, especially if you want to store music.
 
Jimgito said:
So, I’ve had the wifi Apple Watch since series 2 (went 2 then 4) and always picked the WiFi one as my cellular carrier doesn’t support the Apple Watch (in the uk one carrier has monopoly for now) however, I think my carrier will be supporting it later on.

My question is, which do you prefer?
Does the cellular one provide anything else that the wifi one doesn’t (except your don’t need your phone)?

would you pay the extra for the cellular one or just stick with the wifi one?
Click to expand...

Me personally, I see very little value in the AW if you have to carry your phone around with you at the same time. Maybe that's just me. Running, walking, hiking, playing sports and quick run to the store - just "better" without the iPhone in my pocket. I've tried to convince my wife of this, but she disagrees (I shouldn't complain, she is happy with her AW2 non-cellular and doesn't want to upgrade!).
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back