Tethered
The Apple Watch GPS (Wi-Fi only) model is less expensive and the lightest of all models in the line. You also get a longer battery life because it doesn’t have a cellular chip.
For
- Less expensive
- Lightest weight of all models
- Slightly longer battery life
- Multiple color choices
Against
- Must keep iPhone nearby for some tasks
- Only comes in aluminum
- Does not support Family Setup
Apple Watch Series 7 GPS + Cellular
Free bird
The GPS + Cellular model allows for Apple Music and Podcasts app streaming, no matter your location. It’s available on the Apple Watch Series 7 and Apple Watch SE.
For
- Apple Music streaming support
- Aluminum, Stainless Steel, and Titanium models
- Leave your iPhone at home
- Works with Family Setup
Against
- More expensive
- Monthly fee
The Apple Watch is an incredibly popular wearable, but along with the question of size, color, and material finish, a vital question you need to ask when buying is whether you want to go for a cellular model, or GPS. This is especially true with Apple’s latest models.
So what’s the difference between Cellular and GPS? And which is right for you?
Simply put, a Cellular Apple Watch offers increased connectivity options over the GPS version. The former can use cellular data provided by your carrier to carry out tasks and make phone calls using data without needing your iPhone present. Conversely, the GPS version relies solely on your phone for all of its data needs.
Here’s our in-depth guide that gives you all the information you need to make the right decision.
Apple Watch Cellular vs. GPS: An at-a-glance breakdown
You wouldn’t be able to tell the difference between the Apple Watch Cellular vs. GPS from a single glance. There is a red ring around the Digital Crown on the Cellular model, but they’re otherwise identical-looking on the outside. It’s what’s inside that makes all the difference.
The table below is primarily based on the specifications of the Apple Watch Series 7.
| GPS | GPS + Cellular | |
|---|---|---|
| Battery life (total) | Up to 18 hours | Up to 18 hours |
| Battery talk | N/A | Up to 1.5 hours |
| Audio playback | Up to 11 hours playback from Apple Watch storage | Up to 11 hours playback from Apple Watch storage Up to 8 hours streaming playlist with LTE |
| Workout battery life | Up to 11 hours indoor workout Up to 7 hours outdoor workout with GPS |
Up to 11 hours indoor workout Up to 6 hours outdoor workout with GPS + Cellular |
| Family Setup battery life | N/A | Up to 14 hours |
| Charge times | About 45 minutes to 80% (Series 7) About 75 minutes to 100% (Series 7) About 1.5 hours to 80% (SE) About 2.5 hours to 100% (SE) |
About 45 minutes to 80% (Series 7) About 75 minutes to 100% (Series 7) About 1.5 hours to 80% (SE) About 2.5 hours to 100% (SE) |
| Monthly cost | $0 | From $10 per month, depending on the carrier |
What about the Apple Watch Series 3?
As of September 2020, Apple no longer sells the GPS + Cellular version of the Apple Watch Series 3. Therefore, we no longer include its specifications in this comparison guide. The Apple Watch Series 3 was first introduced in September 2017, and though it supports watchOS 8 and later, we no longer recommend it as a new purchase. When money is a concern, go with the Apple Watch SE instead.
Apple Watch Cellular vs. GPS: Band options
Apple Watch has a lot of different case material options and band styles. However, if you want an aluminum Apple Watch with a Milanese loop, you will need to buy the band separately on top of your Apple Watch purchase. In addition to Apple’s official bands, there are several third-party options we think are some of the best bands for Apple Watch and could help you get the look you want while saving some money.
Apple Watch Cellular vs. GPS: Carrier restrictions
The GPS + Cellular Apple Watch models come with LTE connectivity, allowing you to piggyback off your current carrier plan (for an additional monthly fee, usually around $10) and get internet and phone connectivity even when your iPhone is far away. To ensure you get a great deal, check out the best cell plans for Apple Watch.
An Apple Watch with LTE coverage lets you do anything solo on the Apple Watch that you can do when tied to your iPhone’s data. That includes placing calls, receiving messages, using Siri, navigating via the Maps app, playing with third-party apps, and just about anything else.
You can’t sign up for a separate Apple Watch cellular plan from your iPhone. If you’re on AT&T, your Apple Watch has to be on the plan, too. You’ll have a separately assigned number for your Apple Watch, but it’s not your usable phone number. It’s just the account assignment number.
Note: If you buy a pay-as-you-go SIM card for international travel, consider leaving your Apple Watch at home because it will incur international charges if you use it while abroad (there’s no SIM card in the Apple Watch).
Apple Watch Cellular vs. GPS: Apple Music and Podcasts streaming support
If you’re connected to Wi-Fi or cellular, you can stream Apple Music, Apple Podcasts, and audiobooks, even when you’re away from your iPhone.
You can also sync music, podcasts, or audiobooks from your iPhone to your Watch. Then, you can play the content on your Watch without your iPhone nearby, even if your Watch is not connected to Wi-Fi or cellular.
Apple Watch Cellular vs. GPS: Family Setup
If you plan to buy or hand down an Apple Watch to somebody who doesn’t own an iPhone, you don’t have to invest in both devices. Instead, you can use Family Setup to initially set up the Apple Watch, and then they can use it untethered. The Apple Watch Cellular + GPS is the only Apple Watch model that supports Family Setup, an essential factor to consider when purchasing. You may not need Cellular right now, but you may want to pass along your old Apple Watch to a friend or family someday.
Family Setup works with the Apple Watch Series 7 GPS + Cellular and Apple Watch SE GPS + Cellular.
Apple Watch Cellular vs. GPS: Case and screen material
You can only get a GPS-only Apple Watch Series 7, Apple Watch SE, and Apple Watch 3 in aluminum. The Cellular version is available in aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium on the Apple Watch Series 7 and aluminum only on the Apple Watch SE.
The aluminum versions are limited to the Ion-X glass display, while the Sapphire Crystal display is only on the stainless steel and titanium cases. The Ion-X glass is softer and can withstand more impact than Sapphire Crystal but is more prone to scratches. On the other hand, Sapphire Crystal won’t be as susceptible to scratching, but it would be easier to crack if you drop the watch.
Apple Watch Cellular vs. GPS: Battery Life
Does the GPS + Cellular Apple Watch have worse battery life than the GPS-only Apple Watch? Unfortunately, the answer is yes, but only when using GPS + Cellular. Apple’s battery tests (opens in new tab) peg all the current Apple Watches at an 18-hour average between charges. You can click on the link above for more specifics, but as with all tech devices, battery life comes down to how much cellular or GPS you use, whether you place phone calls or listen to music, and anything else you might use your watch for.
While Apple doesn’t note which watch configuration is used for these tests, it did peg the Cellular Watch at 18 hours with four hours of LTE and 14 hours of iPhone connectivity — about what the average person might use in a given day.
Specific battery tests, however, are far less forgiving. Here’s how the Series 7 fared in Apple’s single-task tests:
- Talk: 1.5 hour w/ Cellular
- Audio: Up to 11 hours playback from Apple Watch storage, up to eight hours streaming playlist with LTE
- Workout: 11 hours indoor workout, seven hours outdoor workout with GPS, six hours outdoor workout with GPS and LTE
The Apple Watch SE has a remarkably good battery life despite being low-cost. That’s probably because the Apple Watch SE is supposedly an Apple Watch Series 5 without the ECG monitor.
- Talk: 1.5 hours with cellular
- Audio: 10 hours from onboard storage, seven hours streaming playlist with LTE
- Workout: 10 hours indoor workout, six hours outdoor workout with GPS, five hours outdoor workout with GPS and LTE
While the GPS-only Apple Watch has better battery performance than the GPS + Cellular model when using LTE, neither performs well for long-distance runners.
Apple Watch Cellular vs. GPS: Price
The final metric that separates these two devices is the price: The GPS-only Apple Watch SE starts at $279 for a 40mm aluminum case, while the GPS + Cellular SE starts at $329.
The GPS-only Apple Watch Series 7 starts at $399 for a 41mm aluminum case, and the GPS + Cellular Apple Watch Series 7 with the same case starts at $499. If you want cellular service, the nicer case material, more storage, Family Setup support, and Apple Music, that price might well be worth it.
Apple Watch Cellular vs. GPS: Which should you buy?
The GPS version is the best choice for most would-be Apple Watch users because you can still use all the great features if you’re near Wi-Fi and your iPhone. However, it’s important to note that GPS versions only come in aluminum and don’t support Family Setup. They’re cheaper than the GPS + Cellular version, however.
The GPS + Cellular version is an excellent choice if you plan on exploring the world without your iPhone nearby. It comes in aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium. Remember, the GPS + Cellular version requires a monthly fee for the cellular service.
For most folks
Not everyone needs to use their Apple Watch without their iPhone. If you never leave home without your iPhone, and you like it that way, or if you don’t plan to use Family Setup in the future, don’t waste the extra $50-$100 on the cellular model.
Apple Watch Series 7 GPS + Cellular
Premium option
If the thought of going for a walk or a jog without having to take your iPhone with you is crucial, you’re going to love the freedom that comes with the cellular version of the Apple Watch. And if you plan on using Family Setup, even someday in the future, this is the Watch you want.
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