dslreports logo
Apple Confirms Cellular Data Flaw in New Apple Watch Series 3

One of the biggest perks of Apple's new Apple Watch Series 3 was supposed to be the embedded LTE cellular chipset, which allows the watch to use cellular data without being paired to a smartphone. But many of the reviews of the new watch indicated that the device suffered from a connectivity glitch -- wherein the device tries to connect to unknown WiFi networks instead of connecting to cellular. As a result many reviewers highlighted that the primary function of the device -- using it on your LTE data plan -- was largely unusable.

Click for full size
Apple has subsequently acknowledged the problem and says it will be fixed in an upcoming patch at an unspecified date.

“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,” an Apple spokesperson told The Verge in an e-mail. “We are investigating a fix for a future software release.”

Still, the device will be shipping without said fix in place, meaning many early adopters won't really be able to use the LTE-enabled watch as intended. There's also been an odd decision by Apple not to allow LTE music streaming until a software update is released sometime next month, making the new device even less useful. There's another caveat: the device won't work on prepaid cellular plans or smaller carriers, as it's only compatible with AT&T, Verizon, Sprint or T-Mobile.

And of course the Apple Watch series 3 won't be cheap. The device costs $330 without LTE and $400 with the embedded LTE chipset. From there, you'll need to pay your carrier an additional $10 per month charge to connect it to your existing wireless plan. Some carriers like Verizon are also charging users a $30 activation fee to use the device as well.

Most recommended from 54 comments



Economist
The economy, stupid
Premium Member
join:2015-07-10
united state

26 recommendations

Economist

Premium Member

You are wearing it wrong

You know it is the post SJ era when Apple admits there is a problem.
Dan2112
join:2001-08-24
San Jose, CA

6 recommendations

Dan2112

Member

How could they have not seen this in test...

Did they not even try this out in the wild?
So they either:
* tested in a vacuum
* testers where "blinded" by the tech and didn't see the issue
* testers saw the issue and reported it and it was deemed "acceptable" to release with the hope nobody noticed it until they could get a patch out.

I think probably number 3.
bigboy
join:2000-12-04
Palo Alto, CA

5 recommendations

bigboy

Member

Not "unknown"

"connect to unknown WiFi networks instead of connecting to cellular. "

It's not connecting to unknown WiFi networks - it's connecting to an open network that requires authentication to which your iPhone (or Mac) has connected in the past. Good example is wifi at an airport, hotel or Starbucks that requires you to agree to T&Cs before you can use it.

It's not "unknown."

RR Conductor
Ridin' the rails
Premium Member
join:2002-04-02
Redwood Valley, CA
ARRIS SB6183
Netgear R7000

1 edit

4 recommendations

RR Conductor

Premium Member

Fake news!

Impossible, Apple is a God, they are infallible, they're amazing, magical and revolutionary! All hail the fruit (now full of worms)! There are no problems in Irapple!

On a serious note, the LTE radio/phone works great on my Samsung Gear S3 Frontier watch, and has done so since the get go. Take that, church of Apple.

woody7
Premium Member
join:2000-10-13
Torrance, CA

4 recommendations

woody7

Premium Member

hmm..........

Feature not a "flaw".........................................../
ILikeTech
join:2015-03-09

3 recommendations

ILikeTech

Member

I think your blowing this a bit out of proportion

While its clearly a flaw, this only impacts people IF the device connects to a WiFi hotspot that does not have internet. How often does this actually happen? I think the vast majority wont even see an issue with this.