Adding LTE to it’s higher models the new Apple Watch Series 3 seems to be falling flat. Review models sent to the larger outlets appear to consistently have issues with both battery life and LTE connectivity, an issue Apple has addressed in response to The Verge and Wall Street Journal.
We have discovered that when Apple Watch Series 3 joins unauthenticated Wi-Fi networks without connectivity, it may at times prevent the watch from using cellular. We are investigating a fix for a future software release.
Here’s what those lucky enough to have hands-on with the new watch have to say so far:
Scott Stein for CNET:
…if it appeals to you, the Apple Watch Series 3 is the way to go. Just temper your expectations on battery life to the extreme — and be ready to pay up for service fees and wireless headphones to have the full experience.
Joanna Stern for The Wall Street Journal:
There’s this moment in “Dick Tracy” where the fearless detective, chasing down a villainous gang, taps his magical wristwatch to call for backup. Then, realizing the battery is down to 8 percent and that cellular isn’t connecting, he ducks under a desk to find a power outlet and futz with the settings.
Poor Dick, he upgraded to the cellular version of the Apple Watch Series 3.
Lauren Goode for The Verge:
You can’t rest easy with the Apple Watch 3 yet, because that seamlessness, that so-called magic, isn’t there. The stutters during the handoff from Bluetooth to Wi-Fi to LTE shouldn’t happen. The music streaming? It isn’t there yet. A built-in podcast streaming option? Also not there. A reliable Siri? Nope, not in my experience.