Early Adopters of Apple Watch Series 3 Share First Impressions and Unboxing Photos

As customers around the world begin to unbox their new Apple Watch Series 3 models, some early adopters have started to share their first impressions and unboxings of the device in the MacRumors discussion forums.

We've already seen Apple Watch Series 3 reviews from the media, but opinions shared by regular customers can provide additional insight. We've rounded up some of the comments below, which we've edited very slightly for clarity.

While there appear to be some early activation issues, particularly for AT&T and Verizon customers, those who have been able to set up their Apple Watch Series 3 are generally impressed with LTE connectivity and call quality.

"LTE seems to be working great here in Dallas-Fort Worth On AT&T," said MacRumors forum member gatorknight904.

"Agreed," replied MacRumors forum member 3goldens. "I've had no issues whatsoever."

In the Apple Watch Series 3 pre-order thread, several MacRumors readers have shared unboxing photos of their new Apple Watch Series 3 models. Others are still patiently waiting for couriers like UPS or FedEx to arrive.

There is a general sense of excitement throughout the entire discussion topic, with many customers upgrading from an original Apple Watch.

"I have to say, this thing is super fast," said MacRumors forum member roncito. "Way faster than I thought, even coming from my first-generation Apple Watch. And the screen is bright too. I love my Apple Watch all over again!"

"Just picked mine up from my local Apple Store," wrote MacRumors forum member virginblue4. "I haven't done much with it, but there is a definite noticeable speed improvement. Also loving the red crown!"

Unsurprisingly, the red Digital Crown that differentiates the Apple Watch Series 3 with built-in cellular is a subjective matter.

"I must say that the red dot on the Digital Crown sure sticks out like a sore thumb," opined MacRumors forum member largefarrva. "Was hoping it would be a little more subdued in person, but it doesn't appear to be the case."

MacRumors forum member rstark18 said he recently purchased an Apple Watch Series 2, but he plans to return it now, as he purchased an Apple Watch Series 3 and found it better delivers the watch experience he was expecting.

I picked up an aluminum Apple Watch Series 2 last week when they went on sale because I didn't want an LTE watch and I liked the idea of the sapphire back. It was my first Apple Watch, and honestly I wasn't that impressed. I liked it, but everything seemed a little slow to me. I guess I'm used to the iPhone 7 being nice and snappy. I decided to place an order for an Apple Watch Series 3 and compare the two. If they seemed similar then I'd just keep the Series 2 and return the Series 3. […]

The Series 3 is noticeably much faster. On the Series 2, when I would swipe watch faces, it seemed to lag and sometimes take a few swipes to move to the next face. With the Series 3, it is super fast and smooth. Opening any app is almost instantaneous.

This is the watch experience I was expecting. I will be returning the Series 2.

Keep an eye on the Apple Watch forum section and a new first impressions topic over the weekend for more customer opinions.