The Watch you’ve been waiting for

Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular)

Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular)

The cellular version of the latest Apple Watch is finally here. Called the Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular), it is identical to the GPS-only version save for a couple of things. It has added cellular connectivity; a red dot on the Digital Crown; an exclusive Explorer watch face; and it will be available in other case materials. The GPS-only Apple Watch Series 3 was only available in aluminum, with the GPS + Cellular version, you can now have it in stainless steel and ceramic.

The Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) uses an eSIM for cellular connectivity and is currently offered by Singtel. Signing up for the service is easy and you should be able to get your Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) running within minutes.

That said, if you should decide that you don’t want cellular connectivity just yet, you can skip this step and use it just as it is. The Apple Watch Series (GPS + Cellular) works without cellular connectivity. It will just rely on your iPhone for data connections like any other non-cellular Apple Watch.

That said, you won’t be maximizing the potential of the Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular). With cellular connectivity, the Apple Watch is much more independent. You can use it to make and take calls, and send text messages without your phone. If you love running, you can leave your phone behind and take the watch and use its cellular connectivity to stream Apple Music on the go. And if you happen to get lost after running, you can even use the watch alone to get an Uber to get a ride back. It is a liberating feel to be able to head out without your phone and still stay connected to the rest of the world.

The only downside to this is that cellular connectivity does affect battery life quite a bit. Apple claims 18 hours of battery usage with 4 hours of LTE usage. Our experience tells us that it is probably a little optimistic. In my tests, I was left with about 27% after an 11-hour long day, which consisted of me taking and making a couple of calls via cellular, sending about two dozen or so texts, and a 23-minute walk with Apple Music streaming to AirPods. At this rate, it could probably go about 14 to 15 hours before it completely drains itself. Obviously, your mileage may vary.

Even so, the new Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) feels like what the Apple Watch should always have been. Now, you don’t have to bring your phone wherever you go.

CONCLUSION

"This is what the Apple Watch should always have been."