Which Apple Watch Models Have GPS? A UK Guide

A GPS in your Apple Watch can be incredibly useful when running or cycling. Are you curious about which Apple Watch models have GPS? Check out our blog for all the details.

Apple Watch Models with GPS

All Apple Watch models after the 1st generation (Series 1) have built-in GPS. Below is a list of Apple Watch models with GPS, ordered by age.

• Apple Watch Ultra
• Apple Watch Series 8
• Apple Watch SE 2022
• Apple Watch Series 7
• Apple Watch Series 6
• Apple Watch Series 5
• Apple Watch SE 2020
• Apple Watch Series 4
• Apple Watch Series 3
• Apple Watch Series 2

What’s the Best Apple Watch with GPS?

The latest Apple Watch Ultra is Apple’s most advanced sports watch to date. The Ultra also features the most powerful GPS unit: thanks to dual-frequency GPS (L1+L5), this smartwatch provides the most precise location data.

The Apple Watch Ultra comes with a hefty price tag, so you might also consider the Apple Watch Series 8. This model is the latest in the regular series, featuring built-in GPS and a compass.

What’s the Cheapest Apple Watch with GPS?

The Apple Watch SE (2022) is a budget option in the Apple Watch lineup. This watch also has built-in GPS and many features of the Apple Watch Series 8. The design is a bit outdated, and you won’t get the latest features debuting on the Series 8, but the price is much lower.

The Apple Watch SE (2020) also has built-in GPS, but since the prices of the SE 2020 and SE 2022 are quite close, we recommend purchasing the SE 2022. Curious about all the differences? 

What Can You Do with GPS on the Apple Watch?

In short, you can exercise without taking your iPhone with the GPS. Think of activities like walking, running, cycling, rollerblading, or skating. The GPS lets you track your route, as well as time, workout intensity, distance, and average speed, providing valuable workout insights.

With a GPS watch, you can exercise outdoors worry-free without your iPhone, but you can also pay with Apple Pay using your Apple Watch, and if you have the Apple Watch with Cellular option, make calls and send messages via mobile data.

Do you have an Apple Watch with watchOS 9 or higher? Then you can also see what your heart does at each moment on your route. Additionally, you can measure blood oxygen and track calories. The Apple Watch stores this data for up to 30 days. By connecting to your iPhone when you’re home, you can preserve this information longer.

Apple Watch with Altimeter

The GPS tracks your location, but to monitor your altitude, you need an altimeter. This sensor is available in the Apple Watch Series 3 and later. The altimeter tracks changes in elevation during your route and how quickly they occur, which is useful for workouts where elevation matters, like cycling through hilly areas.

Apple Watch GPS-only or with Cellular?

The standard price for the Apple Watch is always for the model without mobile data, also known as GPS-only. You can opt for a higher price for the model with mobile data: the Apple Watch with Cellular. The extra cost depends on the model you choose. For the Apple Watch Series 8, it’s an additional £80, while the Apple Watch Ultra comes standard with mobile data.

Your choice depends on personal preference. Looking for a smartwatch you can call with? Then it’s wise to get an Apple Watch with Cellular, as you won’t need an iPhone to make calls. Combined with GPS, you can do almost everything on the go without your iPhone.

Apple Family Setup with Apple Watch GPS

Want to use Family Setup on the Apple Watch? You need the version with Cellular, or mobile data. This function doesn’t work on the ‘GPS-only’ Apple Watch. A mobile network connection is required to send the necessary data.

Family Setup is useful, for example, for children you don’t want to give a phone to. With the Apple Watch and Family Setup, you can set a Schooltime mode, limiting certain Apple Watch features. You can also see your child’s location and contact them via the Apple Watch. Family Setup requires an Apple Watch Series 4 or later.

Conclusion

A GPS is a handy feature to have in your Apple Watch, so we’ve listed all Apple Watches with GPS. This way, you can see exactly which models have GPS. With GPS, you can easily exercise without your iPhone. Want to call or message too? Choose an Apple Watch with GPS and Cellular for mobile data calling and messaging. You can also pay on the go with Apple Pay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Apple Watch GPS work without a phone?
The built-in GPS on the Apple Watch means you no longer need to take your phone during workouts. You can use the GPS without a phone nearby.

What does a GPS-only Apple Watch mean?
When an Apple Watch is referred to as ‘GPS-only’, it means it’s the version without Cellular, or mobile data. You get GPS functionality but no 4G.

Is the GPS in my iPhone better than the Apple Watch GPS?
The Apple Watch GPS is specifically designed for tracking location during workouts, making it better suited for that than the iPhone GPS. The iPhone GPS is superior for long distances, such as car navigation.

Don’t forget to check out a stylish Apple Watch strap for your smartwatch.