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Device Guides 2 min read

Can You Still Use an Apple Watch Series 3 in 2026?

Partly. A cellular Apple Watch Series 3 can still connect to LTE, but it's stuck on watchOS 8 and may not pair with newer iPhones. What still works in 2026.

Founder & Lead Analyst, ShopCellPlans

Published October 3, 2026

Updated October 3, 2026

The Apple Watch Series 3 came out in 2017 and was sold until 2022. It still works in a limited way, but its software stopped at watchOS 8.

Key takeaways

A cellular Series 3 can still connect on LTE.

It's stuck on watchOS 8.

It may not pair with iPhones on newer iOS.

Watch plans cost $10 a month or less on many carriers.

The quick answer

Cellular: still connects on LTE where your carrier supports it
Software: stuck on watchOS 8
Pairing: may not pair with an iPhone running a newer iOS
Battery life is likely short by now

Does the cellular still work?

The cellular Series 3 uses 4G LTE, so it wasn't affected by the 3G shutdown. If your carrier still supports adding a Series 3 to its watch plan, it can make calls and send texts away from your phone.

The software limit: watchOS 8

watchOS 8 is the last version for the Series 3. Apple Watch has to pair with an iPhone, and newer iOS versions may not support pairing a watch on watchOS 8, so check before buying a used one for a new iPhone. Apps and watch faces from newer versions won't be available.

Who it still works for

Someone who already has one paired and just wants fitness tracking, notifications and the occasional call. For a new purchase, a newer model is better value.

If you're replacing it

A newer Apple Watch SE gets current watchOS and works with cellular watch plans, which cost $10 a month or less on many carriers. US Mobile's watch plan is free with Unlimited Premium or $9.50 a month.

Free phones when you switch

Current offers from Metro, T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T and Xfinity.

See phone deals →

Frequently asked questions

Does the Apple Watch Series 3 still work? +

Yes, in a limited way. It's stuck on watchOS 8, and may not pair with iPhones on newer iOS versions.

Can the Series 3 still use cellular? +

Yes, on carriers that still support adding it to a watch plan. It uses 4G LTE.

Keep reading

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Guide Is my phone unlocked? 7 min read

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About the author

Jean Gilles has researched personal finance, consumer technology, and wireless pricing for over a decade. He founded ShopCellPlans in 2019 and writes every review on the site.

More about Jean How we rank plans

#Apple Watch #Smartwatches #Older devices

Independent since 2019 · No paid placement, ever Prices re-checked weekly

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