Science fiction becomes science reality with the Apple Watch Series 3 with LTE cellular capability. This is the watch that I have been waiting for and mine is coming this week! The Apple Series 3 Watch has a lot of new features including the S3 processor that is 70% faster, an altimeter, a W2 chip for better Wi-Fi and of course, the new cellular capability.
What does cellular capability mean? It means that your Apple Watch (while still tied to your iPhone in terms of its Apps and phone number) does not need the iPhone to function! So, you can leave the iPhone at home and people can still call you and you can answer them using the Watch’s microphone or your AirPods, Beats X or other Bluetooth headphones.
Not only that but settling arguments will be easier since you will have Siri at your side (on your wrist) at all times ready to look up that sports score or trivia factoid. You might not be able to store too many songs on your Apple Watch, but with LTE capability you’ll still have access to your Apple Music subscription. You’ll have an endless supply of tunes to listen to while you work out, run or just lay around!
What do you need? All Apple Watches need an iPhone but to use an Apple Watch Series 3 with cellular you will need an iPhone 6 or later with iOS 11 or later. Of course, you will also need a wireless carrier plan. The good news is that your Apple Watch will share the same phone number as your iPhone. That is essential because no one wants to remember or tell all their friends about a 2nd number to reach them on their watch.
The watch takes advantage of Wi-Fi calling when you have a Wi-Fi signal which helps in connectivity as well as preserving your data plan. Speaking of data plans, you will have to contact your cellular carrier to add the Apple Watch Series 3 to your plan. I have AT&T and it is a simple phone call to add the plan. I will get 3 months for free and then it adds $10 a month. Your carrier may have other plans.
You need a SIM card to use any cellular service, but you are in luck, the Apple Watch Series 3 with cellular has an eSIM in it, so there is no need to get a SIM card or transfer your SIM. Activation happens over the air. It is easy to get started. When you pair your new Apple Watch with your iPhone you will be prompted and guided through the set-up. If you aren’t quite ready for cellular you can skip the cellular set-up and go back to it at any time.
You can use your Apple Watch Series 3 with cellular for voice or data over LTE and UMTS wherever your cellular provider has service. Unfortunately, if you travel internationally, roaming outside your provider’s network is not allowed, even if your iPhone is capable of roaming. But if you are in Wi-Fi range it will work on the Wi-Fi network out of the country to make calls using Wi-Fi calling.
Getting ready for your Apple Watch Series 3 with cellular. If you are like me and ordered one soon after the announcement you may be getting it soon. Now is the time to check with your cellular carrier to discover what their plans are for the Apple Watch. I can’t wait to get mine and I will report on my Dick Tracy watch very soon!