Look, we need to be honest about the Apple Watch Series 3. It’s the smartwatch that refused to die. Apple kept this thing on life support for years after its peers had been retired to the desk drawer of tech history, and even now, you see them everywhere. People are still buying them used for $50 on eBay or finding them in the back of a drawer and wondering if they can still track a jog.
But here is the reality.
Buying an Apple Watch Series 3 today is a very different experience than it was in 2017. Back then, it was a revolution. It was the first time an Apple Watch felt truly untethered thanks to the (then) new LTE option. Fast forward to now, and it’s a relic that somehow still works, albeit with some serious caveats that most "top ten" tech lists won't actually tell you because they haven't tried to pair one to an iPhone 15 or 16 lately.
The storage nightmare nobody warns you about
If you own an Apple Watch Series 3, you’ve probably seen the "Not Enough Space" error. It is the bane of this device’s existence. Most Series 3 models—specifically the GPS-only versions—shipped with a measly 8GB of internal storage.
Think about that.
By the time the operating system takes its cut, you’re left with almost nothing. For years, users had to literally unpair their watch, factory reset it, and set it up as a "new" device just to install a minor security update. It’s a tedious, hour-long dance that involves a lot of swearing at a tiny screen. Even the LTE version, which had a more generous 16GB, eventually started feeling the squeeze as apps grew in size and complexity.
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What the Series 3 can actually do in 2026
Despite the hardware being ancient in tech years, the core health sensors are surprisingly resilient. It’s got an optical heart rate sensor that is still fairly accurate for basic cardio. If you’re just looking to close your rings—Move, Exercise, Stand—the Series 3 does that just as well as a brand-new Series 10 or Ultra. It tracks steps. It logs calories. It handles basic workouts like walking, cycling, and swimming (yes, it’s water-resistant to 50 meters).
However, you’re missing out on the big stuff.
There’s no ECG (Electrocardiogram) here. That didn't arrive until the Series 4. There is no Blood Oxygen (SpO2) monitoring, which became standard with the Series 6. And perhaps most importantly for older users or hikers, there is no Fall Detection. If you trip and take a hard spill, the Series 3 is just going to sit there on your wrist, blissfully unaware that you’re on the pavement.
Performance and the "Spinning Wheel"
The S3 dual-core processor was a beast in its day, but today? It’s struggling. Opening the Weather app can take five seconds. Siri is... well, Siri on the Series 3 is basically a coin flip. Sometimes she hears you; sometimes she just spins a colorful circle until the screen times out. If you’re used to the instant-on responsiveness of a modern smartphone, the lag here will drive you crazy.
But if you just want to see a text notification or skip a song on Spotify while you're washing dishes? It still does that perfectly. It’s a notification buzzer that happens to track your heart rate.
The Software Wall: watchOS 8.7.1
This is the most important technical detail: The Apple Watch Series 3 is stuck. It cannot run watchOS 9, watchOS 10, or anything beyond. Apple officially cut off software support for the Series 3 in 2022.
Why does this matter?
- Security: You aren't getting the latest patches.
- Watch Faces: You’re stuck with the old-school, boxy faces. You can’t use the gorgeous "Snoopy" or "Solar Analog" faces found in newer updates.
- App Compatibility: Developers are slowly dropping support for watchOS 8. Eventually, your favorite third-party fitness app or smart home controller just won't open.
The screen is also a major giveaway of its age. It’s a square display with huge bezels (the black borders around the screen). Modern Apple Watches have displays that curve right to the edge, giving you significantly more room to read text. On the Series 3, a long text message feels like reading a scroll through a keyhole.
Real-world battery life expectations
Surprisingly, the battery life on a "healthy" Series 3 can sometimes outlast a newer Series 9 because it’s doing so much less. There is no Always-On Display. The screen is dark until you raise your wrist. That saves a ton of juice.
However, most Series 3 units on the market today have "tired" batteries. Lithium-ion chemically degrades. If you buy a used one, don't expect 18 hours. Expect maybe 10 to 12. If you use the GPS for a run, watch that percentage drop like a stone. Replacing the battery usually costs more than the watch is worth, which leads to a lot of these devices ending up in e-waste bins.
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Comparing the Series 3 to the SE
A lot of people ask if they should get a cheap Series 3 or spend a bit more on the Apple Watch SE.
Honestly? Get the SE.
The SE (especially the second generation) uses the same chip as the Series 8. It’s lightyears faster. It has a 30% larger screen. It has Fall Detection and Crash Detection. The Series 3 is basically a vintage car—cool to look at and technically functional, but you wouldn't want to rely on it for your daily commute if you had a choice.
Is there any reason to buy one now?
Actually, yes. There are two very specific scenarios where the Series 3 still makes sense.
- The "Distraction-Free" Child Watch: If you want to give your kid a way to call you or track their activity without giving them a $400 piece of glass, a used Series 3 LTE is a decent "burner" watch.
- The Mechanical Beater: If you work in construction, auto repair, or a job where your wrist is constantly hitting metal, a $40 Series 3 is a great sacrificial lamb. If you smash it, you won't cry.
But for everyone else? You're better off looking elsewhere. The lack of software updates means the clock is ticking on its connectivity with modern iPhones.
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Practical Steps for Series 3 Owners
If you are currently rocking a Series 3 and want to squeeze another year out of it, do these three things immediately:
- Audit your Apps: Delete every single third-party app you don't use daily. This frees up precious "buffer" space for the OS to breathe.
- Disable "Auto-Update": Since there are no more major OS updates, turn off the auto-download feature in the Watch app on your iPhone to save storage space.
- Check Battery Health: Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Health on the watch. If it's below 80%, you’re going to start seeing weird shutdowns when it gets cold outside.
The Apple Watch Series 3 was a legend. It brought LTE to the masses and solidified Apple's lead in the wearables market. But in 2026, it’s time to recognize it for what it is: a functional piece of history that is finally ready for retirement. If you’re buying a watch to actually help your health or stay connected, aim for at least a Series 6 or an SE 2. Your sanity—and your storage space—will thank you.