Apple Watch Series 3

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Level 1

8 points

Apple Watch Series 3

In researching the value of later editions of  Watch, I seem to read from reviewers that Series 3 is still sold by  because it doesn’t do data. Since I do both texting and even voice calls with my Series 3, I’m wondering if the difference between my watch and later editions is simply that I must have my iPhone nearby for text and calls to go through my watch. It’s true that Series 4 on up will text and call without an iPhone nearby and connected?

Apple Watch Series 3, watchOS 8

Posted on Oct 10, 2021 11:16 AM

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Answer 1

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javaliga

Level 10

119,863 points

Oct 10, 2021 6:43 PM in response to Woesong

Woesong wrote:

What if I’m on a boat in the Bay and a sudden squall blows me off the deck. I’m floating and my iPhone is back in my cabin and all I have is my handy Series 3 watch. Can I use it to call or text the Coast Guard, or to cancel a dinner reservation?

No. You need at least a series 4 watch to get the cellular option.

Second question: were I to order an upgrade to Series 6 or 7, and were it to arrive before I sunk, would I be more assured of making my call or sending the texts?

Only if you get the cellular option with that watch when you buy it and your carrier supports the cellular watch.

In other terms, will the newer  phones operate more independently than the 3?

Yes, if you get the cellular option, I(You can s]till get those model watches without the cellular feature.)

For more info, see:

Set up cellular on Apple Watch - Apple Support

Make sure that you have an eligible cellular service plan with a supported carrier. Your iPhone and Apple Watch must use the same carrier, and you must be within your carrier's network when you set up cellular on your watch.

Apple Watch - Carriers - Apple

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Answer 2

javaliga

Level 10

119,863 points

Oct 10, 2021 12:33 PM in response to Woesong

A GPS-only watch can do everything that a GPS+Cellular watch can do as long as the paired iPhone is nearby. IMHO the main drawback of the series 3 watch is the lack of memory. FWIW, a lot of people have problems updating a series 3 watch due to insufficient memory.

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Answer 3

Woesong Author

Level 1

8 points

Oct 10, 2021 4:24 PM in response to javaliga

What if I’m on a boat in the Bay and a sudden squall blows me off the deck. I’m floating and my iPhone is back in my cabin and all I have is my handy Series 3 watch. Can I use it to call or text the Coast Guard, or to cancel a dinner reservation?

Second question: were I to order an upgrade to Series 6 or 7, and were it to arrive before I sunk, would I be more assured of making my call or sending the texts?

In other terms, will the newer  phones operate more independently than the 3?

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Answer 4

Woesong Author

Level 1

8 points

Oct 10, 2021 7:56 PM in response to javaliga

Not the case, as it happens.  is playing games with me. We bought the 3 in July 2020. It is GPS & Cellular.  dumped that version in September of this year so it would not compete with the current big ticket items. Some sleight of hand by . None of this was told me by the expert I spoke with an hour ago. Mark me not a happy Appleista anymore.

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Apple Watch Series 3

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