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Cellular vs GPS

Is the only advantage of the cellular version of Apple Watch 4 is that you can use it for making/receiving calls, SMSs and emails without having the iPhone on your person. Also does the iPhone need to be switched on when you’re leaving at home and just using Apple Watch 4?


If you always carry your iPhone and Watch 4 together then the GPS version will suffice?


Thanks

Posted on Jul 24, 2019 1:26 PM

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Posted on Jul 24, 2019 2:05 PM

It does for certain things. See this, including the footnotes. How to use your Apple Watch without your iPhone nearby - Apple Support

4 replies

Jul 24, 2019 7:31 PM in response to Schrodinger56

SMS text still needs your iPhone, so it must be able to communicate with your Apple Watch across the internet when you are away from your iPhone.


iMessages are internet data, and can be send directly from the cellular Apple Watch.


If you always carry your iPhone and Watch 4 together then the GPS version will suffice?

Yes. If you have your iPhone nearby, the GPS only version will do "EVERYTHING" the cellular version will do. When the GPS only version does not have WiFI, it will just use Low Energy Bluetooth and use the iPhone radios.


Actually the Cellular model will always try to use Low Energy Bluetooth and use the iPhone radios when it can, as the iPhone has a bigger battery and better antennas than the tiny Apple Watch battery and antenna.


Cellular vs GPS

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