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Apple Watch (Series 3) Frequently Asked Questions FAQ

Article ID = 194
Article Title = Apple Watch (Series 3) Frequently Asked Questions FAQ
Article Author(s) = Graham Needham (BH)
Article Created On = 12th September 2017
Article Last Updated = 8th June 2021
Article URL = https://www.macstrategy.com/article.php?194

Article Brief Description:
Frequently Asked Questions about the Apple Watch 3
Q. When was the Apple Watch Series 3 launched?
A. The Apple Watch Series 3 was announced on the 12th September 2017 with pre-orders on 15th September 2017 and it started shipping on the 22nd September 2017 (in initial countries including France, Germany, Switzerland and the United Kingdom).
Q. What are the primary new/upgraded features of the Series 3 compared to older models?
  • Cellular option
  • Faster processor (S3)
  • W2 wireless chip
  • Siri speaks
  • Gray Ceramic colour option
  • Barometric altimeter - skiing and snowboarding workouts coming
See Apple UK's comparison chart for a full feature by feature comparison.
Q. What models of Apple Watch Series 3 are available?
A. There are four models:
  • Standard - aluminium or stainless steel case (GPS and GPS+Cellular)
  • Nike+ - aluminium case with Nike Sport Band (GPS and GPS+Cellular)
  • Hermès - stainless steel case with Hermès strap (GPS+Cellular only)
  • Edition - ceramic case + magnetic charging dock (GPS+Cellular only)
NOTE: Prices go up depending on the model, watch face size, type of case and type of strap you want.
Q. What sizes (watch faces) are the Apple Watch come in?
A. There are two screen/watch face sizes: 38mm and 42mm.
Q. What are the different cases?
A. There are three cases some with different colour schemes:
  • Toughened, anodised aluminium case available in silver, space gray and gold (Standard, Nike+, Edition models)
  • Stainless steel case available in "highly polished" or space black (Standard, Hermès, Edition models)
  • Ceramic case available in white or gray (Edition model only)
Apple Watch Series 3 Cases
Q. Are there different backs?
A. There are two backs depending on the cellular capability:
  • GPS only model = composite back
  • GPS+Cellular model = ceramic back
Q. What straps are available and is the strap detachable/interchangeable?
A. Straps are detachable/interchangeable and there are many official options along with third party products available too. Apple's official straps include:
  • Sport Loop
  • Sport
  • Leather
  • Stainless Steel
Q. Can the face be scratched?
A. With difficulty as the face is made from:
  • Aluminium case - alumina-silicate Ion-X glass (specifically resistant to scratches and impact)
  • Stainless steel case - sapphire crystal (the second hardest transparent substance known to man after diamond)
  • Ceramic case - sapphire crystal (the second hardest transparent substance known to man after diamond)
Q. Is the Apple Watch water proof?
A. Yes. Apple states "Apple Watch Series 3 has a water resistance rating of 50 metres under ISO standard 22810:2010. This means that it may be used for shallow-water activities like swimming in a pool or ocean. However, Apple Watch Series 3 should not be used for scuba diving, waterskiing or other activities involving high-velocity water or submersion below shallow depth. Stainless steel and leather straps are not water resistant".
Q. What are the requirements for using an Apple Watch Series 3?
A. GPS only model = iPhone 5s, SE, 6 or 6+, 6s or 6s+, 7 or 7+, 8 or 8+, X with iOS 11 or later.
A. GPS+Cellular model = iPhone SE, 6 or 6+, 6s or 6s+, 7 or 7+, 8 or 8+, X with iOS 11 or later.
Q. Can I use the Apple Watch without an iPhone?
A. No. You need a compatible iPhone to first pair the watch which then enables the watch to communicate with your iPhone via Bluetooth (close proximity) or local Wi-Fi network. The Watch does not stop working if it cannot communicate with its paired iPhone but obviously some features are not available (e.g. notifications of incoming emails/messages). Without the iPhone the watch does continue to function e.g. tell the time, track data such as exercise and heart rate, play music and view photos from the internal storage in the Watch. However, the new GPS+Cellular Series 3 model can be used during the course of the day without the need for the iPhone to be close by.
Q. Can I use the Apple Watch GPS+Cellular model without an iPhone at all?
A. No. It still needs to be "paired" to an iPhone but a lot of what the Watch can do, the GPS+Cellular model can do without the need for your iPhone to be nearby.
Q. Does the Apple Watch GPS+Cellular model require a separate cellular contract/tariff/charge?
A. You don't need a separate contract but there is a separate tariff/charge for the Watch's cellular service. This will be provided (if possible) by the provider of your paired iPhone's cellular service - Apple Watch and iPhone service provider must be the same and the Watch cellular service is not available with all service providers. The Watch's cellular service may also only work with certain providers in some countries as it only supports a limited number of 4G/LTE bands. Due to the need to share the number of your iPhone it is not likely to work with prepaid/Pay As You Go (PAYG) services, as many of those don't support this feature.
Q. What cellular frequencies does the Apple Watch GPS+Cellular model support?
A. It only supports some 4G/LTE bands and thus only certain carriers in each country. In addition, different models from around the world support different frequencies. See our separate article for more details with links to Apple's Watch cellular providers page.
Q. Can I buy the Apple Watch GPS+Cellular model and not immediately use the cellular service?
A. It would appear so - Apple's web site states, "When you pair your Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) with your iPhone, you will be prompted to set up cellular service with your provider. Or you can set up service later using the Watch app on your iPhone".
Q. Can I use the phone to make calls ala Dick Tracy style?
A. Yes, the Apple Watch has a microphone. The GPS only model has to be in proximity to your iPhone (either via Bluetooth or local Wi-Fi network). The GPS+Cellular model can make/take calls and send/receive messages without the need for your iPhone to be nearby.
Q. What "number" does the Apple Watch GPS+Cellular model have/use for calls/messages?
A. It uses the same number of the iPhone that it is paired to.
Q. What about left handed users?
A. Users are able to choose the orientation of the interface when starting the watch up for the first time. The Apple Watch wrist bands are interchangeable and can be swapped around too. The only difference for left handed users is that the Digital Crown input wheel will be on the bottom left instead of the top right.
Q. How long does the battery last?
A. Apple's web site states that it has "a battery that lasts up to 18 hours" with more detailed information available on a dedicated Apple Watch battery web page.
Q. How is the Apple Watch charged?
A. Apple has created an innovative charging solution where the back of the watch can be attached/placed on to a charger in any orientation.
Apple Watch Charging Solution
Q. Does the Apple Watch have any internal storage?
A. Yes - 16GB in the GPS+Cellular model, 8GB in the GPS only model. However, some types of media are limited to the storage they can take up: music has a maximum of 2GB (approximately 400-500 songs) and photos have a maximum of 75MB (but at a resolution of just 312x390, which is the pixel size of the 42mm display, that's approximately 1500 photos).
Q. Are there any third party apps/content for the Apple Watch?
A. Yes - see this Apple web page. Third party apps can be searched for, downloaded and transferred to your Apple Watch via a dedicated "Watch" application on your iPhone (requires iOS 10 or later).
Q. What's this I hear about "force touch"?
A. There are two types of touch capability built into the face. Standard tap and swipe gestures along with a pressure sensitive "force" touch which is like pressing a button. For example, when the normal watch face is showing on the screen a force touch brings up different watch faces each of which can be customised.
Q. Can the Apple Watch work with the Apple Pay system?
A. Yes it does. See this article for more information about the Apple Pay system. A passcode is required for setting up Apple Pay with the Apple Watch. For security, this passcode must be re-entered every time the watch is put back on after being removed. A payment can be made by tapping the side of the Apple Watch twice and holding it near a payment terminal. As long as the Watch is paired with your iPhone and the passcode has been entered the Watch does not need to be in proximity to you iPhone to make payments.
Q. Can the Apple Watch control the iPhone?
A. Yes. The Watch can control certain aspects of your iPhone such as music and even be used as a remote control for the iPhone camera which is ideal for group/timed shots.
Q. Are older/cheaper Watch models available to buy?
A. At the time of the Series 3 launch Apple stated that the Series 1 would still be available to buy. The Series 2 is discontinued as the Series 3 GPS only model now replaces it.
Q. Does the Apple Watch have it's own operating system?
A. Yes - it's called "watchOS". The Apple Watch Series 3 comes with watchOS 4.0.

watchOS 8 requires an iPhone 6s or later, running iOS 15 or later
watchOS 8 requires an Apple Watch Series 3 or later
the watchOS 8.7.1 bug fix update was released on 17th August 2022 - for Apple Watch Series 3 owners only!
the watchOS 8.7 bug fix and security update was released on 20th July 2022.
the watchOS 8.6 bug fix and security update was released on 16th May 2022.
the watchOS 8.5.1 bug fix update was released on 31st March 2022.
the watchOS 8.5 bug fix, new features and security update was released on 14th March 2022.
the watchOS 8.4.2 bug fix update was released on 10th February 2022.
the watchOS 8.4.1 bug fix update (for Series 4 and later) was released on 1st February 2022.
the watchOS 8.4 bug fix and security update was released on 26th January 2022.
the watchOS 8.3 bug fix, new features and security update was released on 13th December 2021.
the watchOS 8.1.1 bug fix update was released on 18th November 2021 (Watch Series 7 models only).
the watchOS 8.1 bug fix, new features and security update was released on 25th October 2021.
the watchOS 8.0.1 bug fix update was released on 12th October 2021.
watchOS 8 was released on 20th September 2021.
  • Ability to authorize Apple TV purchases and subscriptions
  • COVID-19 vaccination cards in Apple Wallet now support the EU Digital COVID Certificate format
  • Updates to irregular rhythm notifications designed to improve atrial fibrillation identification. Available in countries where the feature is available.
  • Audio hints in Fitness+ provide you with audio commentary of visually demonstrated moves during workouts
  • Home - Smart home, smarter watch: When one of your smart devices is activated, watchOS 8 can automatically make suggestions for others nearby.
  • Home - One room, lots of views: Access all your security cameras in the new Camera room.
  • Enhanced Wallet - new keys and ID card options
  • Focus mode - Focus for work/personal/sleep/custom setup + automatically sets across all compatible Apple devices
  • New Reflect app - to help with mindfulness
  • Enhanced Breathe app
  • New Contacts app
  • Set multiple timers
  • Respiratory rate now monitored during sleep
  • New workouts - Tai Chi + Pilates
  • Portrait photos can be turned into a Watch Face
NOTE: Some features may not be available for all models, all countries, or all areas. This information is derived from Apple's publically available release notes.



watchOS 7 requires an iPhone 6s or later, running iOS 14 or later
watchOS 7 requires an Apple Watch Series 3 or later
the watchOS 7.5 feature/bug fix/security update was released on 19th July 2021.
the watchOS 7.5 feature/bug fix/security update was released on 24th May 2021.
the watchOS 7.4.1 bug fix/security update was released on 3rd May 2021.
the watchOS 7.4 feature/bug fix/security update was released on 26th April 2021.
the watchOS 7.3.3 security update was released on 26th March 2021.
the watchOS 7.3.2 security update was released on 8th March 2021.
the watchOS 7.3.1 bug fix update was released on 15th February 2021 (for Apple Watch Series 5 and SE only).
the watchOS 7.3 feature/bug fix/security update was released on 26th January 2021.
the watchOS 7.2 feature/bug fix/security update was released on 14th December 2020.
the watchOS 7.1 feature/bug fix/security update was released on 5th November 2020.
the watchOS 7.0.3 bug fix update (for Series 3 models only) was released on 19th October 2020.
the watchOS 7.0.2 bug fix update was released on 12th October 2020.
the watchOS 7.0.1 bug fix update was released on 24th September 2020.
watchOS 7 was released on 16th September 2020 and included:
  • Family Setup - setup multiple Apple Watches for the family from one primary iPhone - requires iPhone 6s with iOS 14 or later + Apple Watch SE or Series 4/5/6 cellular models only (not all standard watchOS features will be available if the Apple Watch is set up through Family Setup)
  • New watch faces - watch faces are now more customisable, powerful, and discoverable than ever, including the ability to "share" and "download" faces
  • New Memoji app including Memoji watch faces
  • New Sleep app with Sleep Mode, Sleep charts, and Sleep Tracking including alerts, "Wind Down" and Wake Up
  • Fitness - four new workouts (Dance, Functional Strength Training, Core Training, and post-workout Cooldown)
  • Cycling in Maps
  • Handwashing - automatic detection + 20 second handwash notification - requires Apple Watch Series 4 or later
  • Enhanced Siri
    • Siri translation (10 languages)
    • On-device dictation
    • Siri Shortcuts
  • Hearing Health enhancements
  • Car Keys - requires Apple Watch Series 5 or later
  • Support for Fitness+ - watchOS 7.2 or later required (initially, only UK and Ireland in Europe)
  • Support for braille displays with VoiceOver - requires watchOS 7.2 or later
  • Support for Family Setup in Bahrain, Canada, Norway, and Spain - requires watchOS 7.2 or later with cellular models of Apple Watch Series 4 or later or cellular Apple Watch SE
  • watchOS 7.3 includes:
    • Unity watch face—inspired by the colors of the Pan-African Flag, the shapes change throughout the day as you move creating a face that’s unique to you
    • Time to Walk for Apple Fitness+ subscribers—an audio experience in the Workout app where guests share inspiring stories as you walk
    • ECG app on Apple Watch Series 4 or later in Japan, Mayotte, Philippines, and Thailand
    • Irregular heart rhythm notifications in Japan, Mayotte, Philippines, Taiwan, and Thailand
  • watchOS 7.4 includes:
    • Ability to unlock your iPhone X and later with Apple Watch when you attempt to use Face ID while wearing a face mask - requires an iPhone with iOS 14.5 or later
    • Option to classify Bluetooth device type in Settings for correct identification of headphones for audio notifications
    • Ability to stream audio and video content from Apple Fitness+ workouts to AirPlay 2-enabled TVs and devices
    • Support for the ECG app on Apple Watch Series 4 or later in Australia and Vietnam
    • Irregular heart rhythm notifications in Australia and Vietnam
  • watchOS 7.5 includes:
    • Support for Spatial Audio + Lossless Audio streaming
    • Support Apple Card Family
    • Support for Podcast subscriptions
NOTE: Some features may not be available for all countries or all areas. This information was derived from Apple's publically available release notes.



watchOS 6 requires an iPhone 6s or later, running iOS 13 or later
the watchOS 6.3 security update for all supported models was released on 14th December 2020.
the watchOS 6.2.9 bug fix update for all supported models was released on 5th November 2020.
the watchOS 6.2.8 feature/bug fix/security update for all supported models was released on 15th July 2020.
the watchOS 6.2.6 security update for all supported models was released on 1st June 2020.
the watchOS 6.2.5 feature/bug fix/security update for all supported models was released on 18th May 2020.
the watchOS 6.2.1 bug fix update for all supported models was released on 8th April 2020.
the watchOS 6.2 bug fix/security update for all supported models was released on 24th March 2020.
the watchOS 6.1.3 bug fix/security update for all supported models was released on 18th February 2020.
the watchOS 6.1.2 bug fix/security update for all supported models was released on 28th January 2020.
the watchOS 6.1.1 bug fix/security update for all supported models was released on 10th December 2019.
the watchOS 6.1 bug fix/security update for all supported models was released on 29th October 2019.
the watchOS 6.0.1 bug fix update was released on 30th September 2019.
watchOS 6 was released on 19th September 2019 for Series 3 and 4 models only and included:
  • New watch faces
  • Enhanced Siri
  • Activity trends - viewable on a linked iPhone
  • Independent apps - no longer need an iPhone to manage/install apps
  • App Store on the Watch
  • Redesigned Reminders app
  • New Apple apps:
    • Noise - measure audio loudness and warns when too loud - requires Series 4 model or later)
    • Cycle Tracking - keep track of female menstrual cycles
    • Audiobooks
    • Voice Memos
    • Calculator - including "tip" and "split with friends" facilities
    • Taptic Chimes e.g. on the hour
  • In-app purchases for ‌‌Apple Watch‌‌ apps (watchOS 6.2 or later)
The following features were added with the watchOS 6.2.8 update:
  • Adds support for digital car keys for Apple Watch Series 5 - on launch the following BMW cars are supported: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, X5, X6, X7, X5M, X6M and Z4 manufactured after 1st July 2020
  • ECG app on Apple Watch Series 4 or later now available in Bahrain, Brazil, and South Africa
  • Irregular heart rhythm notifications now available in Bahrain, Brazil, and South Africa
NOTE: Some features may not be available for all countries or all areas. This information is derived from Apple's publically available release notes.


the watchOS 5.3.9 bug fix update was released on 5th November 2020.
the watchOS 5.3.8 security update was released on 15th July 2020.
the watchOS 5.3.7 bug fix update was released on 18th May 2020.
the watchOS 5.3.6 security update was released on 24th March 2020.
the watchOS 5.3.5 bug fix update was released on 18th February 2020.
the watchOS 5.3.4 security update was released on 10th December 2019.
the watchOS 5.3.3 security update was released on 29th October 2019.
the watchOS 5.3.2 security update was released on 26th September 2019.
the watchOS 5.3.1 bug fix update was released on 26th August 2019.
the watchOS 5.3 feature/bug fix/security update was released on 22nd July 2019.
the watchOS 5.2.1 feature/bug fix/security update was released on 13th May 2019.
  • ECG (Watch series 4 only) + irregular heart rhythm features now enabled for more European countries:
    • Croatia
    • Czech Republic
    • Iceland
    • Poland
    • Slovakia

the watchOS 5.2 feature/bug fix/security update was released on 27th March 2019.
  • ECG (Watch series 4 only) + irregular heart rhythm features now enabled for some European countries:
    • Austria
    • Belgium
    • Denmark
    • Finland
    • France
    • Germany
    • Greece
    • Hungary
    • Ireland
    • Italy
    • Luxembourg
    • Netherlands
    • Norway
    • Portugal
    • Romania
    • Spain
    • Sweden
    • Switzerland
    • United Kingdom

the watchOS 5.1.3 bug fix/security update was released on 21st January 2019.
the watchOS 5.1.2 bug fix/security update was released on 6th December 2018.
the watchOS 5.1.1 bug fix/security update was released on 5th November 2018
the watchOS 5.1 bug fix/security update was released on 30th October 2018 and withdrawn as it bricked some watches
the watchOS 5.0.1 bug fix was released on 27th September 2018
watchOS 5 was released on 17th September 2018 and included:
  • Participate in Group FaceTime calls via audio (requires iOS 12.1 or later or macOS 10.14.1 or later)
  • Enhanced Do Not Disturb - set for meetings, time and/or location
  • New background audio mode supporting third-party apps
  • Activity competitions
  • Brand-new workouts (yoga + hiking)
  • Automatic workout detection
  • Pace alerts
  • Apple Podcasts support
  • Walkie-Talkie feature (not available in China, UAE and Pakistan)
  • Smarter Siri
  • Improved Notifications
  • View web content
  • Contactless student ID cards via Wallet (very limited locations at first, primarily in the USA)
NOTE: Some features may not be available for all countries or all areas. This information is derived from Apple's publically available release notes.


the watchOS 4.3.2 bug fix/security update was released on 9th July 2018.
the watchOS 4.3.1 bug fix/security update was released on 29th May 2018.
the watchOS 4.3 bug fix/security update was released on 29th March 2018.
the watchOS 4.2.3 bug fix/security update was released on 19th February 2018.
the watchOS 4.2.2 bug fix/security update was released on 23rd January 2018.
the watchOS 4.2 bug fix/security update was released on 5th December 2017.
the watchOS 4.1 bug fix/security update was released on 31st October 2017.
the watchOS 4.0.1 bug fix/security update was released on 4th October 2017.
watchOS 4 was released on 19th September 2017 and included:
  • Activity
    • Daily inspiration
    • Evening push
    • Monthly Challenge
    • Celebrations
  • Workout
    • Quick start
    • High intensity interval training
    • Enhanced swim tracking
    • Gym equipment sync (TechnoGym / Matrix / LifeFitness / Cybex / Star Trac / StairMaster / Schwinn)
    • Quick switch
    • Do not disturb
  • Music
    • More songs on your wrist - Apple watch knows what you love to listen to and holds more of it
    • Automatic sync
  • Other improvements:
    • Siri watch face
    • Kaliedoscope watch face
    • Toy Story watch face
    • Person to person payments (via Apple Pay)
    • Apple Pay Cash
    • News App - curated news headlines throughout the day
    • Flashlight option in Control Center
NOTE: Some features may not be available for all countries or all areas. This information is derived from Apple's publically available release notes.

Article Keywords: Apple Watch Series 3 AppleWatchSeries3 iPhone v11iOS iOS11 v12iOS iOS12 v13iOS iOS13 v14iOS iOS14 iOS 11 12 13 14 watchOS 4 5 6 7

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