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

The Apple Watch Series 3 with cellular is only worth buying today if you find it at a steep discount and your needs are extremely basic—fitness tracking, notifications, and occasional calls without your phone. For most people, the newer Apple Watch SE or Series 8 is a better investment because the Series 3 is no longer supported by the latest watchOS and its hardware is aging. Below, we break down exactly what the Series 3 cellular can and cannot do in 2024, how it works, common problems, and what to consider before buying.

Background: The Series 3 in Context

Released in September 2017, the Apple Watch Series 3 was the first model to offer built-in cellular connectivity. It was a major milestone because it allowed users to make calls, send messages, and stream music without carrying an iPhone. The cellular version has an eSIM (embedded SIM) that shares your iPhone’s phone number and plan with your carrier, typically for an extra monthly fee.

When it launched, the Series 3 was praised for its speed and battery life, but that was seven years ago. Apple discontinued the Series 3 in September 2022, and it is not compatible with watchOS 10 or later. That means it won’t receive new features, security updates, or bug fixes. The hardware—an S3 dual-core processor and 8GB of storage (the cellular model has 16GB)—is now severely underpowered compared to modern watches.

How the Cellular Feature Works

The Series 3 cellular uses an LTE radio to connect to your carrier’s network. You set it up through the Watch app on your iPhone, and your carrier provisions an eSIM. Once active, the watch can:

• Make and receive phone calls independently
• Send and receive iMessages and SMS texts
• Stream Apple Music and podcasts (with a subscription)
• Use Siri, Maps, and other apps that require a data connection
• Send and receive walkie-talkie messages (if the other person also has a compatible watch)

However, the Series 3 only supports LTE band 4 (AWS) and band 13 (700MHz) in the US, which means it does not work on all carriers or in all regions. For example, it works on AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile in the US, but not on many smaller carriers. Internationally, support varies widely, and the watch is locked to the region where it was sold.

How to Choose: Should You Buy It?

Here’s a practical decision tree:

• If you want a watch for basic fitness tracking (steps, heart rate, workouts) and notifications, and you can get it for under $100, the Series 3 might be okay, but only if you’re okay with the limitations.
• If you need cellular for runs or days without your phone, the Series 3 can do that, but the battery life is poor (about 4 hours of LTE talk time), and the watch is slow.
• If you want the latest watchOS features like fall detection, ECG, blood oxygen, or the new Smart Stack, the Series 3 cannot run them.
• If you plan to keep the watch for more than a year, the Series 3 is a bad choice because it won’t get updates and apps are increasingly requiring newer watchOS.

In short, the Series 3 is only worth buying if you’re on a very tight budget and you understand that you’re getting a legacy product. Otherwise, save for the Apple Watch SE (which starts at $249) or look for a refurbished Series 5 or 6.

Common Problems and Limitations

Owners frequently report these issues with the Series 3:

• Storage space: Even with 16GB on the cellular model, the operating system and built-in apps consume most of it, leaving very little room for music or apps. You’ll often see a “storage full” message.
• Slow performance: The S3 chip is slow, and opening apps, scrolling, and even the watch face can lag.
• Battery drain: With cellular active, the battery drains quickly. A typical day with LTE usage might last only 8-10 hours, and older batteries degrade further.
• No watchOS updates: As of 2024, the Series 3 is stuck on watchOS 8.8.1. Many third-party apps have already dropped support, and some will not install.
• Connectivity drops: The LTE radio is not as reliable as newer models, and some users report dropped calls or slow data.

Comparisons: Series 3 vs. Newer Models

Here’s how the Series 3 stacks up against the Apple Watch SE (2nd generation) and Series 8:

• Processor: Series 3 has the S3; SE has the S8; Series 8 has the S8. The S8 is about 50% faster and has a 64-bit architecture, while the S3 is 32-bit.
• Display: Series 3 has a 38mm or 42mm screen with a 1000-nit brightness; SE has a 40mm or 44mm screen with 1000 nits; Series 8 has a 41mm or 45mm screen with 1000 nits and an always-on option.
• Sensors: Series 3 has an optical heart rate sensor, accelerometer, and gyroscope. SE adds a compass and always-on altimeter. Series 8 adds ECG, blood oxygen, and temperature sensing.
• Battery: Series 3 lasts about 18 hours; SE and Series 8 also claim 18 hours, but they are more efficient.
• Storage: Series 3 has 16GB (cellular); SE has 32GB; Series 8 has 32GB.
• watchOS support: Series 3 stops at watchOS 8; SE and Series 8 support watchOS 10 and future versions.

Clearly, the Series 3 is a generation behind in every meaningful way. The only advantage is price—if you find one new or refurbished for under $100, it might be a cheap way to try an Apple Watch, but you’ll likely outgrow it quickly.

Costs and Carrier Requirements

Beyond the watch’s price, you need to factor in the cellular plan. Most carriers charge $10–$15 per month to add your Apple Watch to your existing phone plan. That’s $120–$180 per year. Over two years, that’s $240–$360 in addition to the watch’s cost. For that money, you could buy a new Apple Watch SE that includes cellular (the SE has a cellular version) and get better performance and longer support.

Also, note that the Series 3 cellular is not compatible with all carriers. In the US, it works with AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and a few MVNOs, but not with all prepaid carriers. Check with your carrier before buying to ensure they support the Series 3’s specific LTE bands.

Safety and Privacy Considerations

Because the Series 3 no longer receives security updates, it may be more vulnerable to future exploits. Apple has not announced any specific vulnerabilities for the Series 3, but the lack of patches is a concern. If you use the watch for contactless payments (Apple Pay), the risk is low, but not zero. For safety, avoid entering sensitive information on the watch, and consider not using it for banking apps if you have alternatives.

Additionally, the Series 3’s heart rate monitor is not as accurate as newer models during high-intensity workouts. It’s fine for casual fitness, but not for medical-grade monitoring. If you have a heart condition, consult a doctor before relying on any wearable.

Alternatives to Consider

If you’re looking for a budget Apple Watch, here are your options:

• Apple Watch SE (2nd gen): Starts at $249 for GPS, $299 for cellular. It has the S8 chip, supports watchOS 10, and includes a compass, always-on altimeter, and crash detection. It’s the best budget choice.
• Apple Watch Series 5 or 6 (refurbished): You can find these for $150–$250. They have an always-on display, ECG, and blood oxygen (Series 6). They support watchOS 10.
• Apple Watch Series 8: If you want the latest, it’s $399 for GPS, $499 for cellular. It adds temperature sensing and improved cycle tracking.
• Fitbit or Garmin: If you don’t need full smartwatch features, a fitness tracker like a Fitbit Charge 5 or Garmin Venu Sq 2 offers excellent battery life and health tracking for less money.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still use the Apple Watch Series 3 cellular in 2024?

Yes, you can still use it as long as your carrier supports it and the watch’s battery holds up. However, it will not receive watchOS updates, and some apps may no longer work. The cellular function remains active, but you may experience slower speeds and occasional connectivity issues.

Does the Series 3 cellular work without an iPhone?

Yes, you can make calls, send messages, and stream music without your iPhone nearby, as long as you have a cellular plan set up. However, you need an iPhone to initially set up the watch and to install apps. After setup, you can leave your phone at home.

How long does the battery last with cellular on?

Apple rates the Series 3 for up to 4 hours of LTE talk time. In real-world use, with mixed usage, you can expect about 8–10 hours of battery life when using cellular actively. If you use it sparingly, it might last a full day, but it’s tight.

Can I upgrade the Series 3 to a newer watchOS?

No. The Series 3 is not compatible with watchOS 9 or 10. The maximum version is watchOS 8.8.1, which was released in 2022. There is no way to install a newer version.

Is the Series 3 cellular water-resistant?

Yes, the Series 3 has a water resistance rating of 50 meters (WR50). You can wear it while swimming in a pool or ocean, but it’s not designed for high-speed water sports or diving.

What should I do if my Series 3 is running out of storage?

You can delete unused apps and music from the watch via the Watch app on your iPhone. You can also remove old messages and photos. If storage is still full, you may need to unpair and re-pair the watch, which will clear all content and start fresh.

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