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Apple Watch Series 3 LTE Model In Demand But Also Under Fire

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Apple's third-generation smartwatch - the first one to come packing LTE cellular skills - went on sale last week and is reportedly selling like hot-cakes. If you haven't already bought yourself an Apple Watch Series 3 with the red-dot on the dial already, then you can expect to wait a few weeks to get it on your wrist, such is the demand.

KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo stated the Series 3 with LTE is selling at a much faster rate than expected, with around 80 to 90 percent of total Apple Watch sales. Apple's CEO Tim Cook has since confirmed the demand for Series 3 with LTE is strong, telling CNBC that the range had sold out in "so many places around the world" and that the company is "working really hard to meet demand."

But strong sales don't tell the full story. The early Apple Watch Series 3 reviews from the tech press are now landing, and early buyer comments are being posted on online forums, and it's not all smooth sailing for Apple's first attempt at a wearable cellular device.

The Verge's Lauren Goode, noticed that her Watch Series 3 review model began connecting to unknown Wi-Fi networks when she was out and about, thus cutting her cellular connection as a result. Apple issued a statement to The Verge acknowledging the issue: “We have discovered that when Apple Watch Series 3 joins unauthenticated Wi-Fi networks without connectivity, it may at times prevent the watch from using cellular. We are investigating a fix for a future software release.”

Wareable's Hugh Langley reported that Apple had told him: "The problem only lies in Wi-Fi spots that use captive portals - places like Starbucks that require a sign-in". A fix is expected although there's no reports on a timeframe.

The LTE woes continue over on the MacRumors Forum too, where some users attempting to activate their new LTE devices "are running into serious setup issues".  Several AT&T customers have received messages stating AT&T is not supported, states a supporting post on MacRumors; a post that also mentions issues for both T-Mobile and Verizon users as well. 

With such a huge user base, there was always going to be teething troubles for Apple's next-gen smartwatch - especially with cellular networks having to deal with a new product entirely from the Cupertino giant. Let's hope Apple nips any issues into the bud ASAP with a software update.

Have you got an LTE Apple Watch Series 3? How are you finding the cellular features? Did you have any trouble activating your data plan? Let me know using the comments feature below.

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