This summer we are receiving rumors regarding a new Apple Watch with LTE, that is, we can use the Apple watch even when our phone is not nearby or is turned off. The question we ask ourselves today is whether this new function is really useful among the benefits that we ask from the Apple Watch or it only serves to launch a new watch model with which to advance in its development, and of course, increase sales. We will therefore see the advantages and disadvantages of an Apple Watch, independent of our iPhone.
We see many more and advantages what inconveniences, as long as you want to take advantage of them. First, your watch will be 100% operational, even if you don't leave home with your iPhone. It is true that in most cases, carrying a phone outside the home, today is not a problem. But in certain cases, it is an advantage not to wear anything. Where we will notice it most will be exercising. Until now, and since the arrival of series 2, it is not an impediment, since it has GPS, but An Apple Watch with LTE allows us to listen to a list of songs that we have on Apple Music, Spotify or another music service.
Moreover, it will be possible to receive messages and emails, even if you don't carry the phone with you. As for calls, we do not have data, but everything seems that you will not be able to receive calls, although it remains to be seen if they can be made through Facetime or Skype.
But as we mentioned, we also want to see the drawbacks. Connecting to mobile networks implies higher battery consumption. As the Apple Watch is not a product that today has great autonomy, we think that Apple is working on an operating system with lower consumption. The alternative would be a more bulky watch than the current model.
On the other hand, it implies have an additional data rate, like the one offered by operators for current iPads. Nowadays these rates have dropped a lot, even being included in some telephone packages.
The bottom line is that it represents a major change for many users, as well as expected. In contrast, not all users need a connected watch. Therefore, we will foreseeably see models with and without LTE.