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If you are in the market for a new Apple Watch, there are many reasons why you should avoid the Apple Watch Series 3 and very few good reasons to really buy one.
The Apple Watch Series 3 was released in 2017, but is still selling for $ 199. It’s good to keep an older device in the range for a cheaper price point, but the Apple Watch Series 3 survives its useful life.
Here’s why you should not buy an Apple Watch Series 3.
Why not buy the Apple Watch Series 3
There are many reasons why the Apple Watch Series 3 is a weak buy in 2022. One is that the portable current software support will be lost later in the year.
At WWDC 2022, Apple announced the compatibility list for its upcoming watchOS 9 software update, officially confirming that the update will require an Apple Watch Series 4 or later.
However, one of the biggest reasons to avoid it is its storage space. The Apple Watch Series 3 packs only 8 GB of internal storage. If you do not intend to load songs, applications or other content on your watch, it does not sound like a problem.
The Apple Watch Series 3 is nearing the end of its useful life.
However, the lack of storage is a problem for all Series 3 owners. Current software updates are too large for the Series 3 to handle, which means users have to disconnect and delete all content on their watches to install an update. It’s an unnecessary headache.
Of course, since the Apple Watch Series 3 is also almost five years old, its processor is outdated and its list of features is behind the current watches. The Series 3 lacks a range of different and useful Apple Watch pillars such as ECG, fall detection and multiple complications. His age is also visible in other places. For example, this is actually the last 32-bit device that Apple still sells.
Rather buy the Apple Watch SE
Back in March, we wrote that Apple should retire the Apple Watch Series 3. It looks more likely that Apple will do it sometime in 2022. Until the model is still for sale, however.
It can be tempting to buy the Apple Watch Series 3, especially if you are a portable customer for the first time. After all, it does not seem smart to spend more than $ 300 on something you do not even know you will like.
The Apple Watch SE is a much better buy.
Even still, we would recommend not buying the Apple Watch Series 3. If you plan to use the device for a few years – which is a good assumption – then the Apple Watch SE is worth the additional $ 70. It has an updated processor, more storage space and is included in the watchOS 9 compatibility list.
It may not even be $ 70 more expensive either. As of this writing, a 40mm Apple Watch SE in Starlight costs $ 229 on Amazon. Current Apple Watch models do not always get discounts at third-party retailers, but discounts are fairly common.
In addition to third-party retailers, you may also want to consider buying a refurbished Apple Watch directly from Apple. This way you can get a better deal on a newer model. Currently, Apple Watch Series 7 models cost just over $ 300. Alternatively, you might find used or refurbished Apple Watch Series 4 or Series 5 models for slightly cheaper.
If the Apple Watch Series 3 was cheaper, this advice might be different. But at the price of $ 200, it is not currently worth the money.
If you are set on a Series 3, buy used
There are only a few halfway decent reasons to buy an Apple Watch Series 3 in 2022. And even if you do, you have to buy it used. Despite its limitations and the fact that it is nearing its end of life, the Apple Watch Series 3 can make a great first portable for a child or an elderly family member.
If you buy a cell phone-equipped model, it provides a handy traceable portable.
Unless you have a good reason to buy the Apple Watch Series 3, we recommend getting another model.
You could also possibly use the Apple Watch Series 3 as a “knock” device for those times when something you wear around your wrist is likely to be bumped. Even if you still have a “primary” Apple Watch, the Series 3 will still sync its activity data with your iPhone.
Other than those reasons, or perhaps a more creative motive, there is little reason to buy the Apple Watch Series 3 – especially at full price. If you can find it cheaply at a third-party market, on Apple’s refurbished website, or through a local vendor, then maybe.
Otherwise, skip it and opt for a different model – it will be worth it in the end.