Apple Watch Series 3 Cellular: Is It Still Worth It?

Yes, the Apple Watch Series 3 is cellular capable — but only in the specific GPS + Cellular model, not the base GPS-only version. The cellular model lets you make calls, send texts, stream music, and use data apps without your iPhone nearby, as long as you have an active cellular plan through your carrier. This article explains exactly how it works, what you need to know before buying, and whether it still makes sense in 2024.

Background: The Series 3 and Its Cellular Launch

Apple introduced the Series 3 in September 2017 as the first Apple Watch with an optional cellular connection. The GPS + Cellular model was marketed as a way to leave your phone at home while still staying connected. It used an embedded SIM (eSIM) rather than a physical SIM card, which was a relatively new technology at the time. The Series 3 also featured a dual-core processor and a barometric altimeter, making it a significant upgrade over the Series 2.

At launch, the cellular feature required a separate plan through your carrier, typically adding $10 per month to your existing phone bill. That pricing model remains common today. The Series 3 was sold alongside the GPS-only version, which lacked the cellular radio entirely. The two models look nearly identical, but the cellular version has a red dot on the Digital Crown, a small but useful visual cue.

How Cellular Works on the Series 3

The Series 3 cellular model uses an eSIM that is activated by your carrier. You cannot simply insert a SIM card; you must contact your carrier to add the watch to your plan. Once activated, the watch can connect to LTE networks independently of your iPhone. It shares your existing phone number, so calls and messages to your iPhone also appear on the watch.

However, there are important limitations. The Series 3 supports LTE bands that were common in 2017, but it does not support 5G. In areas with poor LTE coverage, the watch may fall back to a slower connection or rely on Wi-Fi. Also, the cellular feature only works if your carrier supports Apple Watch plans; not all carriers do, especially smaller regional ones.

Choosing Between GPS and GPS + Cellular

If you are considering a used or refurbished Series 3, the first decision is whether you need the cellular model. Here are the key factors:

• Do you often leave your phone behind? If you run, swim, or just want to be reachable without carrying a phone, cellular is useful.
• Does your carrier support Apple Watch? Check with your carrier before buying. If they don’t, the cellular feature is useless.
• Are you willing to pay a monthly fee? The plan typically costs $5–$15 per month, which adds up over time.
• Battery life: Cellular usage drains the battery faster. The Series 3 already has modest battery life (about 18 hours), so heavy cellular use may require charging more than once a day.

If you always have your phone with you, the GPS-only model is cheaper and simpler. But if you want true independence, the cellular model is the only option.

Common Problems and Limitations

The Series 3 is now several years old, and it has known issues that affect both models. The most significant is storage: the watch has only 8 GB of storage, and after the operating system takes its share, you may have only about 2–3 GB free. This means you can store only a limited number of songs or apps. Also, watchOS updates have become larger; the Series 3 can struggle to install the latest watchOS versions, sometimes requiring you to unpair and re-pair the watch.

Another limitation is the lack of fall detection, which was introduced with the Series 4. The Series 3 also has an older heart rate sensor, so it cannot perform ECG or blood oxygen measurements. If you need those health features, the Series 3 is not for you.

Comparison with Newer Apple Watches

Compared to the Series 4 and later, the Series 3 has a smaller display (38mm or 42mm vs. 40mm or 44mm), a slower processor, and fewer sensors. It also lacks the always-on altimeter, compass, and international emergency calling. The newer watches have better battery life and more storage, and they support newer watchOS versions for longer. The Series 3 is still functional, but it is the oldest model that Apple still sells (as of early 2024), and it is likely to be discontinued soon.

Cost and Value in 2024

You can no longer buy a new Series 3 from Apple, but you can find refurbished or used units at lower prices. The GPS + Cellular model typically costs more than the GPS-only version, even used. However, you should factor in the monthly cellular fee, which can exceed the watch’s price over a year. If you only need basic notifications and fitness tracking, a newer GPS-only watch like the SE might be a better long-term value, as it will receive updates for longer.

Safety and Privacy Considerations

When using cellular on the Series 3, be aware that your watch uses the same network as your phone, so your location and data are handled by your carrier. The watch does not have a built-in GPS chip for standalone GPS; it uses the GPS of your iPhone when nearby, and when away from the phone, it relies on the network for location. This means that if you go for a run without your phone, the watch’s location tracking is less accurate than on newer models that have their own GPS.

Also, the Series 3 does not support Emergency SOS via cellular in all regions. In the US, it supports emergency calling, but it may not work in every country. Check with Apple’s regional support pages for the latest information.

Alternatives to the Series 3

If you are looking for a budget Apple Watch with cellular, consider the Apple Watch SE (2nd generation), which has a newer chip, more storage, and better sensors. If you want the latest health features, the Series 9 or Ultra are the top options, but they are much more expensive. If you are open to other brands, some Android-compatible smartwatches offer cellular, but they won’t integrate with the Apple ecosystem as seamlessly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Apple Watch Series 3 GPS + Cellular work without an iPhone? Yes, but only for certain functions. You can make calls, send messages, and use data apps if you have a cellular plan. However, you need an iPhone for initial setup and to install apps.

Can I use the Series 3 cellular with any carrier? No, only carriers that support Apple Watch plans. In the US, major carriers like AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile support it, but smaller carriers may not. Check with your carrier before buying.

How do I know if my Series 3 is cellular? Look for a red dot on the Digital Crown. If you see one, it’s the cellular model. You can also check in the Watch app on your iPhone: go to My Watch > General > About, and look for “Cellular” in the model name.

Is the Series 3 cellular still worth buying in 2024? Only if you find it at a very low price and understand its limitations. It is outdated, has limited storage, and may not support future watchOS updates. A newer SE might be a better investment.

Does the Series 3 cellular work internationally? It supports LTE bands in many countries, but not all. Roaming is not supported for cellular on Apple Watch, so you would need to use Wi-Fi or your phone when traveling abroad.

Can I use the Series 3 cellular for emergency calls without a plan? In the US, you can make emergency calls even without an active plan, as long as the watch is within range of a cellular network. This feature is available on all Apple Watch cellular models.

Related

• Solar Lantern for Camping or Power Outages?
• Most Used Power Tool? The Answer May Surprise You
• USB4 Power Management: 500 to 2400 Mbps Jump