Apple Watch

I doubt any operators will support the eSims that are in the watch until 5G networks are rolled out here, so dont dont your breath about using that functionality

billbond4 wrote: »

I doubt any operators will support the eSims that are in the watch until 5G networks are rolled out here, so dont dont your breath about using that functionality

We won't see 5G here till at least 2-3 years away so you talking about 2 more series of watches. ie Gen 5.
I reckon Gen 4 will launch cellular only as more carriers come online.

EE are only charging a fiver for it so not bad while O2 have confirmed they are planning to support it soon.
Vodafone here have said no plans to support and Three spout the usual nonsense which means we're probably a year/2 years away at least.

Cloudio9 wrote: »

Interesting that the cellular version has 3-4 week backlog in the US but standard series 3 is still available to pick up next Friday.

Why on earth would you go for the non-cellular when the cellular version is available to buy.
Its basically obsolete already regardless of what anyone here says. As soon as a more advanced version comes out the previous models are obsolete.Sure it will still do the job ..but it only does half of what the existing one does.

I'm going to get one but I'm trying to work out if I should get the cellular version from the UK and hope the irish carriers pull something out of their ass later in the year or simply get the non-cellular version and pick up the next version next year when hopefully more carriers are onboard. Only thing is this will absolutely kill 2nd hand prices for non-cellular watches.

Cloudio9 wrote: »

I've ordered one. I don't see the value in the cellular one as there are very limited use cases for me. And I'm a runner.

ah yes..but we don't have a choice really. I'll be getting one myself as I really miss having one.

Ya-Boy-Ya wrote: »

is everyones order "In Progress" or have they moved on for that ???

Preparing for Dispatch (and card charged)

Thats strange why is mine still "In Progress" ??

What item did ye order ?

Hi all, I'm travelling to the states next month and was thinking of buying the watch.

If I were to purchase the cellular Series 3 in the states, I'm assuming the LTE functionality won't work here (even if hypothetically the mobile Irish networks get on board in the future)...? Would I be correct with my reasoning here (I am not by any means a techie btw ). As per this link the model number differs for the UK watch and the USA watch... and LTE frequencies consequently differ.....so would I be buying a redundant device which may never have the capabilities to work here?

Tbh the main pull for me with respects to the LTE model centres on capacity - 16gb vs 8gb. Just wondering whether the watch can function fully without a cellular sim being inserted....?

SmallTeapot wrote: »

Hi all, I'm travelling to the states next month and was thinking of buying the watch.

If I were to purchase the cellular Series 3 in the states, I'm assuming the LTE functionality won't work here (even if hypothetically the mobile Irish networks get on board in the future)...? Would I be correct with my reasoning here (I am not by any means a techie btw ). As per this link the model number differs for the UK watch and the USA watch... and LTE frequencies consequently differ.....so would I be buying a redundant device which may never have the capabilities to work here?

Tbh the main pull for me with respects to the LTE model centres on capacity - 16gb vs 8gb. Just wondering whether the watch can function fully without a cellular sim being inserted....?

Apple have already stated that a cellular watch from the US will not work in Europe.
Its obviously down to the differents LTE bands used in the US. Your best option is purchasing a UK watch as we all use the same bands in Europe really. However by the time Irish carriers actually get on board guaranteed the Series 4 watch will be out.
Vodafone and Three already said they have no plans to support it at this point in time.

Regarding you question about functionality its best to ask in one of the apple stores. Until they're released no one knows if it will work with just bluetooth for the LTE model.

Here's a link..
So you can still work the watch as normal without LTE..but there's no point buying a lte watch in the US...buy one from the UK..at least then down the road it should work here when the carriers support it.

https://www.imore.com/yes-you-can-buy-apples-gps-cellular-apple-watch-and-use-it-without-lte

Thumper Long wrote: »

Space gray cellular, and was ordered by about 8:05 on Friday , more than likely just making their way down the list, it's not due to be delivered until the 22nd, they ship them to a hub to be held for delivery, hence they can charge the cards as the delivery process has started

22nd !!!!
I ordered about 8.25am and got a delivery of 9th Oct - 16th Oct !!!! :eek:

Ya-Boy-Ya wrote: »

22nd !!!!
I ordered about 8.25am and got a delivery of 9th Oct - 16th Oct !!!! :eek:

Minutes on preorder can be weeks on delivery, had no connection last year and it cost me 2 weeks on the 7+. Order status is for delivery Friday.

9th - 16th is quite a span, they usually are cautious on delivery dates I'd expect you will get it closer to the 9th

quiggs1000 wrote: »

This may be relevant to people purchasing:

http://www.techradar.com/news/the-apple-watch-3s-lte-only-works-in-your-home-country

None of the LTE bands will work in Ireland at all anyways, even if you purchase it here.

billbond4 wrote: »

It would be a big change for operators to introduce eSims, as a whole new system would need to be setup and support then, i think it will be part of the 5G network rollout.

I wonder if that really is the requirement.

How are other networks abroad doing it.

5G is while off yet.

billbond4 wrote: »

Irish operators are only after upgrading there network to LTE, doubt they are in a rush to spend a few 100,000e to add support for eSims anytime soon

Of course they will if there's a return on investment.

Seriously, Irish networks are not that bad at all, don't get all the knocking.

New watch facing major issues connecting to LTE. Admitted to by Apple and they are working on a fix.

Link

Nonoperational wrote: »

Agreed. Vodafone Ireland is one of the fastest and most reliable networks I’ve used in any country.

I agree. It is a great shame that they are so horrendously expensive and miserly with data allowances.

billbond4 wrote: »

Yes,but remember Three's horrendous data speeds for years !
I still dont see eSims for a few years as i operators has spend a lot of money
upgrading networks over the last few years

That's what their business involves, constant upgrading of their networks.

They will do what is necessary of more and more e-Sim products are brought out otherwise they will miss out.

I never use Three, but just because they have been bad , does not mean they all have.

Anyone here in Ireland set up a series 3 LTE yet? Just wondering if there are any issues. Mine is due tonight via parcel motel but I won't get to it till tomorrow

Thumper Long wrote: »

Anyone here in Ireland set up a series 3 LTE yet? Just wondering if there are any issues. Mine is due tonight via parcel motel but I won't get to it till tomorrow

Shouldn't be any issues as you use the iPhone to set it up.
There's an issue with the LTE watch in that it connects or attempts to connect to wifi networks and kills the lte connection. Apple are currently working on a fix but its not something we'll have to worry about here.


I'm still bitter over not getting the LTE model here.
I had promised myself since I wasn't bothered with the iphone x that I would treat myself to the steel version this time around.
I could get it in the UK but there's no guarantees it will work here when LTE launches plus there'd be a newer version by then.

Thumper Long wrote: »

Collected the LTE this morning and fired it up, very easy setup process via the phone, no reference to LTE during setup, I can only assume that once you have a compatible plan the watch app configures the eSIM automatically, fingers crossed it will work here eventually. I was getting the series 3 anyway and the extra storage for music meant the LTE model was the only option for me. The mobile data settings show Plan > No Sim and Status > No Connection

It’s a 6 week wait now for it.

So u have it working Thumper ?? all set up perfect /??

murpho999 wrote: »

Looking at my own life I don't see the real need for LTE. How often are you going to go out without your phone?

Main advantage would be for sports but outside that I would prefer to browse internet etc on my phone so could still have a watch connected to it.

Also, reading reviews that LTE use seriously drains the battery so I think that severely restricts its appeal.

I think all the tech companies should focus on new battery technology as that is the key to future products.

Overall I don't the think the LTE is good enough to warrant the extra purchase costs as well as the extra it's going to cost with your carrier, most likely €10 per month.

Sports - This is where the LTE watch is needed. Imagine being able to go for a run or to the gym and not having to bring your phone. You can still get calls/texts as needed and also stream from Apple music.

Health- This potentially is a big one down the road which Apple are working on. Your watch will be monitoring your heartbeats and can alert for any issues.
Lets say your heart stops or you get a stroke or heart attack etc , your watch can immediately detect it and since the apple watch is already capable of knowing whether its on your wrist then it can call emergency services and ping your location. How many lives can be saved ?
Then you hear of the the diabetes add-ons which Apple are working on..again the watch could detect a diabetes attack and alert emergency services again.

AR- This is the biggie...down the line your phone /watch will be capable of projecting images ie webpages/movies etc onto glasses etc which will eliminate the need to actually touch your phone.
Each advance in technology leads us closer to this.

The question about LTE isn't whether it suits one person but the added potential it brings to the watch both now and in the future.
Eventually we'll look back the same as now and wonder how we managed without smartphones but it will apply to the watch as well.

For me when I go for a run or a swim or a surf I do that to get away from the world and don't want to be contacted so for me there no need for it and it would be a complete nightmare having my peace and quiet distracted by phone calls and texts and email that would not do my stress levels any good.

Blazer wrote: »

Sports - This is where the LTE watch is needed. Imagine being able to go for a run or to the gym and not having to bring your phone. You can still get calls/texts as needed and also stream from Apple music.

Health- This potentially is a big one down the road which Apple are working on. Your watch will be monitoring your heartbeats and can alert for any issues.
Lets say your heart stops or you get a stroke or heart attack etc , your watch can immediately detect it and since the apple watch is already capable of knowing whether its on your wrist then it can call emergency services and ping your location. How many lives can be saved ?
Then you hear of the the diabetes add-ons which Apple are working on..again the watch could detect a diabetes attack and alert emergency services again.

AR- This is the biggie...down the line your phone /watch will be capable of projecting images ie webpages/movies etc onto glasses etc which will eliminate the need to actually touch your phone.
Each advance in technology leads us closer to this.

The question about LTE isn't whether it suits one person but the added potential it brings to the watch both now and in the future.
Eventually we'll look back the same as now and wonder how we managed without smartphones but it will apply to the watch as well.

I don't get the point you're trying to make.

The only scenario you show that would benefit from LTE is the run one. Why somebody out on a run would want to receive a phone call is beyond me though.

The health and AR examples you give can also work with a watch connected to the phone.

No doubt a watch connected to LTE is advantageous but it must be implemented properly and work well and it does not seem to be there yet.

Connectivity must be guaranteed but also the battery issue must be resolved.
A battery that dies after a one hour call is just not good enough.