The pros and cons of a cellular Apple Watch
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Before it gained the option for cellular functionality back in 2018, the Apple Watch used to be unfavorably compared with rival smartwatches that included LTE support. But is the capability really that useful? The latest Apple Watch models being able to process Siri queries and requests on-device, for example, means one less reason why you would need a cellular connection.
When you consider that the cellular version of the Apple Watch Series 10 costs $100/£100 more than the standard model (and that’s before you pay for data!), you may well be wondering if it’s worth the extra expense of getting a cellular Apple Watch. We’re here to help answer that question.
Why you need an Apple Watch with cellular
The benefits of cellular connectivity on an Apple Watch are pretty clear-cut. Rather than having to carry both your Watch and your iPhone around with you, you could leave the house with simply your Apple Watch. There’s already some functionality that works without any kind of internet connection—Apple Pay, for example, or fitness tracking—but having cellular on the watch expands the roster of features you can use without your phone.
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The Apple Watch Ultra always comes with cellular but you can get the Series 10 and SE in GPS or cellular configurations.
</figcaption></figure>Jim Martin / Foundry
Fitness enthusiasts can get a lot from a cellular Apple Watch. Runners, for example, can stream music from Apple Music or another service, rather than fussing with syncing music to the Watch’s local storage. They can also continue to get notifications while they work out, including iMessages and emails—though whether that’s a benefit or a distraction is a matter for personal preference.
A cellular Apple Watch will also be able to make and receive phone calls without requiring your iPhone.
Another reason why you might need cellular is if you plan on setting up a device using the Apple Watch For Your Kids (formerly Family Setup) feature. This allows you to set up an Apple Watch for a family member who doesn’t have their own iPhone. “A cellular plan isn’t required to set up an Apple Watch for a family member,” Apple explains, “but is necessary for some features.” To get full functionality you’ll need an Apple Watch Series 4 or later with cellular.
Apple Watch Series 10 (42mm)
United States
