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Can I still use the Apple Watch GPS + Cellular even if I never connect it to my cellular provider and used it as a regular Apple Watch GPS?

Can I still use the Apple Watch GPS + Cellular even if I never connect it to my cellular provider and used it as a regular Apple Watch GPS?

Posted on Oct 12, 2017 1:11 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Oct 12, 2017 4:57 PM

Hi


Yes, you can.


Without a compatible service plan from a supported carrier, you will not be able to use the built-in cellular feature.


However, Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) models can still be paired, set up and used for other features without activating the cellular feature, offering the same functionality as GPS-only models. The cellular feature can be enabled later, if and when you are using a compatible service plan on your iPhone.


Some differences between Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS) and (GPS + Cellular) models that you may find it helpful to note include that Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) models:


  • Have double the storage capacity of Series 3 GPS-only models.
  • Have a ceramic back (vs a composite back for GPS-only models).
  • Include options for Stainless Steel and Space Black Stainless Steel cases (all GPS-only models are aluminium).
  • Stainless Steel and ceramic (Edition) case models also have a sapphire crystal (vs Ion-X Glass).


Note that Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) requires an iPhone 6 or newer model of iPhone running the latest version of iOS (vs GPS-only models, which require an iPhone 5s or newer model):


Set up your Apple Watch - Apple Support


More information:

Buy Apple Watch Series 3 - Apple

Apple Watch - Compare - Apple

4 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Oct 12, 2017 4:57 PM in response to tomiboi

Hi


Yes, you can.


Without a compatible service plan from a supported carrier, you will not be able to use the built-in cellular feature.


However, Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) models can still be paired, set up and used for other features without activating the cellular feature, offering the same functionality as GPS-only models. The cellular feature can be enabled later, if and when you are using a compatible service plan on your iPhone.


Some differences between Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS) and (GPS + Cellular) models that you may find it helpful to note include that Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) models:


  • Have double the storage capacity of Series 3 GPS-only models.
  • Have a ceramic back (vs a composite back for GPS-only models).
  • Include options for Stainless Steel and Space Black Stainless Steel cases (all GPS-only models are aluminium).
  • Stainless Steel and ceramic (Edition) case models also have a sapphire crystal (vs Ion-X Glass).


Note that Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) requires an iPhone 6 or newer model of iPhone running the latest version of iOS (vs GPS-only models, which require an iPhone 5s or newer model):


Set up your Apple Watch - Apple Support


More information:

Buy Apple Watch Series 3 - Apple

Apple Watch - Compare - Apple

Can I still use the Apple Watch GPS + Cellular even if I never connect it to my cellular provider and used it as a regular Apple Watch GPS?

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