Apple Watch GPS vs. Cellular Apple Watch

In addition to the different case sizes, materials, colors, and band types, the Apple Watch Series 9 has one of two data systems: GPS and GPS + cellular.

We've compared the Apple Watch Series 9 GPS and Series 9 GPS + Cellular to help you decide which one is right for you.

Overall Findings

The Apple Watch with LTE cellular data lets you place calls, stream music, and search the internet from your wrist. It also significantly increases the device's cost, but if you make full use of the convenience, it may be worth the extra money.

Price: Cellular Will Cost You

The GPS + Cellular models of the Apple Watch first became available with the Series 3 in 2017. Earlier versions only had a GPS option, but since then, everyone has had two varieties available.

Along with the new choice in connectivity came a split price tag. Regardless of which model you're buying or the base price, the cellular upgrade will cost extra. It adds another $100 to the already premium price of the smartwatch. If you're considering the cellular version, know it comes at a financial cost.

Functions: Cellular Gives You Phone Freedom

Despite the ubiquity of cell phones and the fact that people tend to have them around every waking hour of the day, some occasions might arise in which you don't have it. You might forget your phone at home, its battery dies when you're out, or you want to do an activity for which it might become cumbersome, like going for a run.

The GPS + Cellular Apple Watch option can help if you either leave your phone behind or do so accidentally. The cellular connection lets you do most of the things you can do with your phone without having it in your hand. You can make calls, stream tunes from Apple Music to a set of Bluetooth headphones, search the internet with Apple's digital assistant Siri, and get directions from Maps, all without your phone.

If you're always going to have your iPhone with you, the extra function doesn't do you much good. But the cellular option might be appealing if you'd like to leave it behind or have a second option should your phone's battery die unexpectedly.

Compatibility: Check Your Phone and Wireless Carrier Before You Buy

When discussing compatibility with the Apple Watch, several elements must be examined. First, your iPhone needs to work with the watch's hardware. The latest Apple Watch requires an iPhone XS or later running at least iOS 17.

However, if you go with an older Apple Watch, you must pay close attention to compatibility. The first version that supported cellular data has different demands for the iPhone you use it with. The GPS-only version required an iPhone 5S or newer, while the model with cellular needed a slightly more recent iPhone 6 or later.

Even if your phone works with the hardware, it may not be compatible with the most recent version of watchOS, the Apple Watch's operating system. For example, watchOS 6 requires at least an iPhone 6S running iOS 13. The current software has outpaced the requirements when the Apple Watch first came out, so you'll want to check that you have the proper setup before you pick up your device.

Finally, you must ensure your cellular network is compatible with the Apple Watch. Apple has a list of carriers by country you can refer to, but most significant carriers can support the data. Another consideration is the specific plan you have with your service provider. You'll want to look for a feature like "Number Sharing" or something similar in your plan details.

This level of compatibility isn't an issue on the GPS-only model, but if you're looking at the cellular one, it's a good idea to keep informed.

Battery: GPS Only Is the Way to Go

Apple's own tests revealed that the GPS-only model will last 18 hours when connected to an iPhone via Bluetooth, while the GPS + Cellular model can last 4 hours with LTE and another 14 when paired via Bluetooth.

These tests included 90 time checks, 90 notifications, 45 minutes of app use, and a 60-minute workout with music playback.

In Low Power Mode, with 180-time checks, 180 notifications, 90 minutes of app use, and a 60-minute workout with music playback, the GPS model lasts 36 hours, while the LTE model runs for 28 hours.

Of course, these numbers are not set in stone. Total battery life will vary by person, how they use their Apple Watch, signal strength, and other factors.

Storage: Some GPS Models Hold Less Data

The Series 3 Apple Watch did more than just split the cost of the wearable device. It also splits the storage options. If you pick up a GPS-only model, it has 8 gigabytes of storage for apps and other data built-in. The one that also has cellular, however, includes double that amount.

Later models don't have this disparity, so if you're looking at a Series 4 or later, both versions have identical capacities. The Apple Watch Series 9 comes with 64 GB of storage.

Final Verdict: Depends on Where Your iPhone is

Whether you go with the GPS-only version of the Apple Watch or the one with cellular data depends on how often you expect to be without your iPhone.

The two versions of the Apple Watch have identical functionality as long as your iPhone is in range because they share the data connection with the iPhone via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. The practicality of the GPS + Cellular model depends on either choosing to leave your iPhone at home or habitually doing so accidentally.

If you expect to always have your iPhone around, you should save money and get the more basic version. However, if you'd like the option to leave your phone behind and still get directions, listen to music, make card-free payments, and place calls, and you expect to use it all the time, the cellular version will be helpful for you.

Either way, you'll want to ensure your phone and firmware are compatible with the Apple Watch you want to buy. If you go for the independent version, you'll also want to check your carrier and wireless plan to ensure you can fully use it.

The Apple Watch Series 9 GPS model sells for about $299.

The Apple Watch Series 9 GPS + Cellular model sells for just under $500.