Seeking advice regarding old Apple watch

[STiFU]

I profoundly dislike everything about Apple and their over-expensive products. That being said, my gf does not share that sentiment and she now wants to get an apple watch.

You can get the old watch series 3 for a (barely) acceptable amount of money, but she argues that update-support might end soon, like it already did for series 1 and 2. So my question is, does that even matter? Will the Apple watch magically stop working with a more modern iPhone? I couldn't find any answers to this question via googling, as I kept landing on general troubleshooting threads.

[nbohr1more]

I don't know specific details but I know that Apple has a habit of quickly locking old products out of their ecosystem.

I guess she wants to use it more than just a watch, media player, fit-bit ( eg, use it for cellphone and other phone integrations )?

[duzenko]

While I can't offer any wisdom on Apple ecosystem, assuming we're talking about the same person you've recently had a son with, I'd play it safe and just go with the one they want - and speak up my opinion on the matter one time only at the most. I'd think your son would agree with me when he can speak.

[datiswous]

2 hours ago, duzenko said:

While I can't offer any wisdom on Apple ecosystem, assuming we're talking about the same person you've recently had a son with, I'd play it safe and just go with the one they want - and speak up my opinion on the matter one time only at the most. I'd think your son would agree with me when he can speak.

If you have a relationship with someone, it's important to discuss your feelings and disagreements with that person. Playing it save is not a good long term plan.

I think in principle you have to like or agree on the present you give to someone, especially if it's expensive.

[Anderson]

People above me are right that simply pandering to someone's opinion will not help. You need to communicate. Otherwise you'll have built up untold frustrations that will just explode in an argument. Be emotionally intelligent and speak about this seriously. These are just items after all. I'm not saying that you have to be a jew about gifts. Just saying that I think, it's not healthy when you feel that you have to do something and not because you want to do it. At the same time it's not that great when you feel that you don't owe it to do something for each other.

Just find some balance together. It's hard with children but, don't avoid the uncomfortable, awkward discussions. It pays off to talk no matter what.

You can even find some compromise like getting a second hand newer watch or do a jailbreak for the iOS. The benefits of those updates have always been questionable starting even from the earliest mobile Apple devices.

 

And if a certain model of the watch is so important, maybe you can get it. Idk. But priorities come first. We have many vices. Cars are a vice too or whatever else you're into.

Edited January 21, 2022 by Anderson

[STiFU]

Yeah, she was really concerned about the watch 3 not working on her (hypothetical) future phone, so we ended up compromising on the Watch SE for 280€ and it made her really happy, so I guess the money was worth it.  

Anyway, I now realized, the fact that I don't understand the need for a smart watch, especially not one from Apple, has no relevance in this regard. If she wishes for one, I'll have to accept that, just like she has to accept that I spend tons of money on PC-stuff and games!  I just hope it's not another gimmic that will be used for a few weaks and lands in the drawer afterwards.

[STiFU]

11 hours ago, Anderson said:

[...] or do a jailbreak for the iOS. The benefits of those updates have always been questionable starting even from the earliest mobile Apple devices.

I decisively reject to do any iOS support!  Everytime I touched her phone when she had any problems with it, I got so angry about how stupidly closed-shut the whole system is, so that I decided I am not gonna do it anymore. If she wants technical support on her phone, she'll have to get an Android phone and that's just it!