The Apple Watch has evolved from a simple wearable accessory into a sophisticated piece of technology that can stand on its own, especially with the addition of cellular capabilities. Since its launch, the Apple Watch has gained widespread popularity due to its versatility, offering features like fitness tracking, heart monitoring, GPS, and the ability to receive notifications.
However, with the introduction of the cellular version, Apple has taken the device to another level by enabling users to make calls, send texts, stream music, and use apps without needing their iPhone nearby. This advancement provides a new level of convenience and freedom for users, making it possible to stay connected even when you leave your phone behind.
The Apple Watch with cellular capability is particularly appealing for those who live active lifestyles, travel frequently, or simply want to reduce their dependence on their smartphone. For instance, athletes can go for a run, stream music, and receive important notifications without carrying their phones, and parents can set up watches for their kids using Apple’s Family Setup, allowing them to stay in touch without the need for an iPhone. Additionally, the built-in emergency features, such as the ability to call 911 directly from the watch, make it a useful tool for safety-conscious users.
However, despite its many advantages, the cellular Apple Watch does come with some trade-offs. The initial cost is higher than the standard GPS model, and users must pay ongoing fees for a cellular plan. Furthermore, the addition of cellular capability can reduce the watch’s battery life and make it bulkier. It’s also important to consider that not everyone needs the standalone features, especially if they tend to keep their phone nearby.
In this article, we will explore 10 pros and 8 cons of the Apple Watch with cellular. By the end, you will have a thorough understanding of whether this version of the Apple Watch suits your needs, lifestyle, and budget.
Pros Of Apple Watch With Cellular
1. Freedom From Your iPhone
The biggest draw of the Apple Watch with cellular is the ability to untether from your iPhone. With the cellular version, you can make and receive phone calls, send texts, and access apps without having your phone nearby. This freedom is especially beneficial for those who want to go for a run, visit the gym, or head out for errands without being weighed down by a phone. Whether you’re exercising, traveling, or simply don’t want to carry your phone, the cellular Apple Watch allows you to stay connected.
2. Emergency SOS Without A Phone
Safety is a key feature of the cellular Apple Watch. In an emergency, you can call for help directly from your watch, even if your iPhone is miles away. The “Emergency SOS” function allows you to contact emergency services and share your location, giving you peace of mind when you’re out alone, hiking, or in a situation where carrying your phone is impractical. This feature can be life-saving for those who engage in outdoor activities or live in areas where accidents can happen unexpectedly.
3. Stream Music And Podcasts
One of the standout features of the cellular Apple Watch is the ability to stream music, podcasts, or audiobooks directly from the watch. You can access Apple Music, Spotify, and other streaming services without needing your phone. This feature is ideal for those who enjoy working out or going for long walks and runs, as you don’t have to carry both your phone and your watch to enjoy your favorite playlists or podcasts.
4. Parental Control And Family Setup
The cellular Apple Watch is an excellent tool for parents who want to stay connected with their kids without providing them with a full-fledged smartphone. Through Apple’s “Family Setup” feature, parents can monitor their children’s whereabouts, control who they can communicate with, and set limits on app usage. This functionality is perfect for young kids who are not yet ready for a phone but still need to communicate with parents in case of emergencies.
5. Fitness And Health Tracking Independence
While all Apple Watches track fitness metrics such as steps, heart rate, and calories burned, the cellular version takes it a step further by allowing users to track and monitor these metrics without their phone. Runners, cyclists, or swimmers can monitor their progress, receive workout updates, and sync data seamlessly without carrying their iPhone along for the ride. The cellular version makes it easier to focus on your workout, offering freedom and flexibility.
6. Real-Time Notifications
With the Apple Watch cellular version, you’ll never miss an important notification, even if your phone is not nearby. Whether you’re receiving work emails, text messages, or app notifications, they will come through to your watch as long as you have a cellular connection. This feature is especially beneficial for those in professional settings where staying connected is important, but you may not want to carry your phone at all times.
7. GPS Navigation Without Your Phone
If you’re out and about, the cellular Apple Watch can provide you with navigation directly on your wrist. Whether you’re walking or driving, the watch can guide you with turn-by-turn directions, so you don’t need to pull out your phone to find your way. This is particularly helpful for those who want to explore new areas, travel, or go hiking without having to rely on their phone for directions.
8. Seamless Integration With Apple’s Ecosystem
As with all Apple products, the cellular Apple Watch integrates smoothly with the Apple ecosystem. It syncs with your iPhone, Mac, and iPad, allowing you to manage notifications, use Siri, and control smart home devices through Apple HomeKit. The cellular version adds another layer of connectivity by ensuring you remain synced even when your phone isn’t around, making it a convenient extension of your Apple devices.
9. Backup Communication Device
If your phone runs out of battery, is lost, or is otherwise unavailable, the Apple Watch with cellular can act as a backup communication device. You can still make and receive calls, send texts, and access critical apps, ensuring that you’re never without a communication tool in an emergency. This redundancy can be a lifesaver in scenarios where your phone becomes unusable.
10. Fitness And Health Goals On The Go
For those who are dedicated to their fitness goals, the Apple Watch with cellular allows you to achieve these goals without worrying about your phone. Whether you’re tracking your calories burned, heart rate zones, or workout duration, all your metrics will sync in real time with Apple Health. The ability to leave your phone behind and still monitor your health can help you stay more focused on your fitness journey.
Cons Of Apple Watch With Cellular
1. Higher Initial Purchase Cost
One of the primary downsides of the Apple Watch with cellular is the higher price compared to the GPS-only version. Depending on the model and size, the cellular version can cost significantly more, which may be hard to justify if you don’t need the cellular capabilities regularly. For those on a budget or those who are often close to their iPhone, this added cost could be unnecessary.
2. Ongoing Monthly Cellular Fees
In addition to the upfront cost, the cellular Apple Watch requires a separate data plan with your carrier. This fee is typically added to your existing cellular plan, and while the monthly charge is relatively low, it adds up over time. For users who are only occasionally away from their phone, the ongoing expense may not be worth the convenience of cellular independence.
3. Reduced Battery Life
The cellular version of the Apple Watch tends to have a shorter battery life than the GPS-only model, especially when frequently using cellular features like calls, music streaming, or GPS navigation. While the watch can last all day with moderate use, heavy cellular usage may require more frequent charging, which could be inconvenient for those who rely on their watch throughout the day.
4. Limited Carrier Support
Depending on where you live, cellular support for the Apple Watch may be limited. Not all carriers offer Apple Watch cellular plans, and even if they do, coverage may vary depending on your location. Before purchasing the cellular version, it’s essential to check whether your carrier offers support for the watch and if the coverage is reliable in your area.
5. Slightly Bulkier Design
Due to the extra hardware needed for cellular connectivity, the Apple Watch with cellular is slightly bulkier and heavier than the GPS-only version. While the difference is minimal, it may be noticeable for users who are accustomed to the lighter models. If comfort and sleekness are your priorities, the extra bulk might be a drawback.
6. Reliance On Network Connectivity
The utility of the cellular Apple Watch is dependent on the strength of your network connection. In areas with poor cellular coverage or weak signal strength, the watch may struggle to maintain connectivity, making it less reliable for calls, messages, or app usage. If you often find yourself in remote areas or places with poor reception, the cellular version might not live up to its full potential.
7. Overlapping Functionality With iPhone
For most users, the iPhone is always nearby, making the cellular functionality of the Apple Watch somewhat redundant. The standard GPS model already mirrors notifications, tracks fitness data, and provides navigation as long as the iPhone is connected. If you rarely leave your phone behind, the extra cost and features of the cellular version may not be necessary.
8. Privacy And Security Concerns
With continuous connectivity, the cellular Apple Watch could raise privacy and security concerns for some users. While Apple has strong privacy policies in place, the watch’s constant connection to a cellular network could make users feel like they are being tracked or monitored more easily. This potential issue could be a deal-breaker for privacy-conscious individuals.
Conclusion
The Apple Watch with cellular provides an impressive array of features that can significantly enhance your daily life. Its ability to operate independently from your iPhone offers greater freedom, especially for those who lead active, busy lifestyles or prioritize safety and convenience. Features like phone-free calls, music streaming, GPS navigation, and emergency SOS functions make the cellular Apple Watch an appealing choice for those who want to stay connected without being tethered to their phone.
However, the cellular version comes with a higher cost, both in terms of the initial purchase price and the ongoing monthly fees for cellular service. Additionally, the trade-offs in battery life, network dependence, and slightly bulkier design are important considerations. For users who rarely find themselves away from their iPhone or who are looking for a more budget-friendly option, the GPS-only Apple Watch may offer all the features they need without the added expenses of cellular connectivity.
Ultimately, the decision to purchase an Apple Watch with cellular depends on your personal needs and lifestyle. If you value the independence of being phone-free, prioritize safety features, and don’t mind the additional costs, the cellular version could be a valuable investment. However, if you’re content with staying near your phone or don’t need the extra connectivity, the standard GPS model might be the better choice.