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Apple Watch GPS vs GPS + Cellular

I'm new to the Apple Watch game, so please excuse my ignorance! I'm trying to figure out the difference between GPS and GPS + cellular models other than the price tag...If I'm understanding correctly- since I have AT&T and they support WiFi calling, I'll be able to send/receive calls on my GPS capabilities ONLY Apple Watch as long as I'm either connected to my phone or connected to WiFi yes? And since 99.9% of the time I have my phone on me and the other .1% of the time I'm near a WiFi signal, basically I would be just as happy with the GPS only model (probably happier since I saved all that money!)? I'm asking because I've come across a brand new Series 5 for $150...I don't know its capabilities yet but if everything I've asked is accurate, then it doesn't matter and I should definitely buy it, right?


Sorry for all the questions, please be nice since I'm a newbie and thank you in advance for your help!

Apple Watch

Posted on Nov 29, 2020 11:05 PM

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Posted on Nov 29, 2020 11:16 PM

IIUC, the GPS watch doesn't function on just any wifi network without the iPhone. It has to be a wifi network to which your iPhone has previously been connected.


M1 Mac mini, macOS 11.0.1; Watch, series 5 GPS/cellular, watchOS 7.1; iPad Pro 2nd Gen, iPadOS 14.2; iPad Air 2, iPadOS 14.2; iPhone 12 Pro, iOS 14.2.1; TV 4th Gen, tvOS 14.2  HomePods, audioOS 14.1 and Airport Express w/ Airplay 2

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Nov 29, 2020 11:16 PM in response to Kelby33

IIUC, the GPS watch doesn't function on just any wifi network without the iPhone. It has to be a wifi network to which your iPhone has previously been connected.


M1 Mac mini, macOS 11.0.1; Watch, series 5 GPS/cellular, watchOS 7.1; iPad Pro 2nd Gen, iPadOS 14.2; iPad Air 2, iPadOS 14.2; iPhone 12 Pro, iOS 14.2.1; TV 4th Gen, tvOS 14.2  HomePods, audioOS 14.1 and Airport Express w/ Airplay 2

Apple Watch GPS vs GPS + Cellular

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