Apple Watch Series 3 WiFi + GPS | Digital Den (2024)

FAQs

Are Series 3 Apple watches still supported? ›

Regardless of how attractive it's priced, we don't recommend buying it. There are two main reasons: Apple no longer supports the Series 3 with software and security updates, and while still functional, the smartwatch is showing its age.

There are two different versions of Apple Watch Series 3. Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS) does not have a built-in cellular capability. Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) models support a built-in cellular feature, subject to having a compatible service plan from a supported carrier.

Your Apple Watch can connect to a Wi-Fi network: If your iPhone, while connected to your watch with Bluetooth, has connected to the network before.

Series 3 Apple Watch Compatibility

The Apple Watch Series 3 requires an iPhone 6 or newer, running at least iOS 14.

On your iPhone, open the Apple Watch app, then tap the My Watch tab. Tap General > Software Update. Download the update. If asked for your iPhone passcode or Apple Watch passcode, enter it.

Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS) lets you send and receive text messages, answer phone calls, and receive notifications when it's connected to your iPhone via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. The built-in GPS works independently of your iPhone for distance, pace, and route mapping in workouts.

If your cellular carrier offers Wi-Fi calling, you can use your Apple Watch to make and receive calls over Wi-Fi instead of the cellular network—even when your paired iPhone isn't with you or is turned off. Your Apple Watch just has to be within range of a Wi-Fi network that your iPhone has connected to in the past.

Apple Watch requires an iPhone 6s or later with the latest iOS version.

If your Apple Watch is connected to Wi-Fi or cellular

With a Wi-Fi or cellular connection, your Apple Watch can do the following things, even if your iPhone isn't with you. Make and answer phone calls. Send and receive messages. Use Siri to get directions, send iMessages, and more.

Can I swim with the Apple Watch Series 3? ›

From laps in a pool to a freestyle across open water, your Apple Watch Series 2 or later is ready for a swim with you.

In 2022, Apple dropped support for only one model with the release of watchOS 9: the Apple Watch Series 3. After watchOS 9's release, Apple continued selling the Series 3 for six additional months without any security updates.

So how long does an Apple Watch last and are Apple Watches worth buying? There will always be exceptions, but on balance, based on the experience of our own reviewers and the comments we've seen from users online, I would say that an Apple Watch provide five to six years of good performance.

The pairing instructions for watchOS 8 found at Set up and pair your Apple Watch with iPhone indicate "To use your Apple Watch Series 3 or later with watchOS 8, you need to pair your Apple Watch with an iPhone 6s or later with iOS 15 or later." You should be able to complete this process without issue.

The new second-generation Apple Watch SE replaces the Series 3 as the least expensive Apple Watch you can buy. The SE has a processor upgrade and adds a crash-detection sensor.

You can also pair your Apple Watch, new or old, quite easily with the iPhone 14 and 14 Pro series. If you want to access data from your old watch on the new device, all you need is the Watch app and a saved backup.