Hands-On With the New LTE-Enabled Apple Watch Series 3

With the new LTE Series 3 Apple Watches now out in the wild, we got our hands on one of the new devices to give MacRumors readers a closer look at its design, features, and improvements compared to previous-generation Apple Watch models.

In the video below, we took a look at one of the new 42mm Aluminum Sport models connected to the AT&T network.


Design wise, the new Apple Watch LTE models are almost identical to the Series 2 models, with the exception of a 0.25mm thicker back glass that houses the heart rate sensors and the glaringly red Digital Crown that denotes its LTE status.

That red Digital Crown definitely stands out, and it's kind of a love it or hate it aspect of the new Apple Watch.

Inside, the Apple Watch Series 3 is sporting an upgraded S3 processor, and this thing is fast. It's noticeably quicker than the Series 2 Apple Watch and if you're coming from a Series 0 or a Series 1, you're going to see some serious speed gains.

Quite a few new LTE Apple Watch owners have been running into activation issues trying to get their new devices set up, but we had no problems getting it connected to the AT&T network and up and running. When using cellular, it's going to drain a decent amount of battery, so while this watch can work without an iPhone, you're still going to want one around at least some of the time.

The Series 3 Apple Watch can be purchased from the online Apple Store and Apple retail stores around the world starting today. There are both LTE and non-LTE models available, with LTE models starting at $399 and non-LTE models starting at $329. LTE models are largely sold out and harder to come by, so you may need to wait a few weeks to get your hands on one.

Related Roundup: Apple Watch 10
Buyer's Guide: Apple Watch (Caution)

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Top Rated Comments

douglasf13 Avatar
102 months ago
my grandfather always told me - only 3 types of watches. Disposable, Dress and the ones you buy to leave your grandkids.

A $399 chunky gadget watch made in Taiwan is non of those. well, unless you the kind of person who thinks coca-cola is a dinner drink.
I’m sure he would’ve thought spending hundreds on a phone is crazy, too. Times change, and wristwatches themselves have only been around a hundred years, and they were initially looked down on by pocket watch wearers.
Score: 45 Votes (Like | Disagree)
dampfnudel Avatar
102 months ago
The red dot sticks out like a sore thumb. Anyone else hopes it gets removed for Series 4?
Score: 40 Votes (Like | Disagree)
skids929 Avatar
102 months ago
So is mine! I can't fathom, not even one need to have a watch with LTE, I always have my phone with me.
If you were a runner you wouldn't say that. Carrying your phone when you run is an encumberment no matter how you look at it. For anyone who exercises will appreciate the LTE, and that's a huge segment of the population. Apple knows what they are doing and who they are targeting with this device. It's NOT aimed at the dodo that wants to talk to his/her wrist, it's aimed to move the needle in fitness wearable market and take on the competition. e.g. Garmin.
Score: 31 Votes (Like | Disagree)
artfossil Avatar
102 months ago
I want.

But my damn Original Apple Watch keeps working flawlessly!
Score: 27 Votes (Like | Disagree)
artfossil Avatar
102 months ago
Sore thumb :D. Good.

But seriously, Sharpie?
Sharpie, enamel paint, vinyl sticker . . . So many possibilities.

Send me your watch and for $100 I guarantee you’ll never see red again!
[doublepost=1506133185][/doublepost]
For sure. While it might work for a sport watch, those of us who went with stainless steel, Hermes, etc. or who want to wear the Apple Watch in a boardroom-type situation simply couldn't do so with the red dot. And for those suggesting a Sharpie, that's not exactly the ideal solution with a nice watch. The red dot is an abomination and must be destroyed.
Speaking just for myself, I’ve been in a lot of boardrooms. And I care much more about what you say than what you wear.
Score: 26 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Lloydbm41 Avatar
102 months ago
For sure. While it might work for a sport watch, those of us who went with stainless steel, Hermes, etc. or who want to wear the Apple Watch in a boardroom-type situation simply couldn't do so with the red dot. And for those suggesting a Sharpie, that's not exactly the ideal solution with a nice watch. The red dot is an abomination and must be destroyed.
Im laughing at this post. If you have people in your board room concerned about a red dot more so than the actual work, then im guessing your company is failing.
Score: 21 Votes (Like | Disagree)