LTE in Apple Watch Series 3 Models Only Works in Country of Purchase

[roland.g]

Can you get an LTE Series 3 watch, not activate the cellular, but still get calling through WiFi or BT when the phone is nearby like the original and series 2 watch.

I'd like to upgrade my original watch, but I don't particularly want the LTE functionality, but only the LTE models come in Stainless Steel.

 

[tn-xyz]

It's likely very early limitations of eSIM and carriers getting on board.

this is not about eSIM.

Unlike iPhones, Apple Watch Series 3 models also support a limited number of LTE bands, another factor that contributes to no support between countries.

it's limited by hardware.

 

[msbxa]

is there any possibility to disable the cellular option?

 

[now i see it]

I'll just put this out there: Qualcomm?

 

[BaltimoreMediaBlog]

Wow. Timmy's "Bag O' Hurt" Parade is on a roll. First Face ID fails in the live demo to viral ridicule, now this.

What's next? Disney's going to drop out of iTunes & Apple TV? Oh wait, isn't that already starting to happen?

 

[profets]

Wait - if Cellular Series 3 watches are only available in countries with supported networks - does that mean if you're in a country where it's not supported that it's not possible to buy a stainless steel Series 3 watch? That would be quite odd if true.

I'm fascinated how the whole eSIM thing will work. We'll see this eventually on phones as well as more carriers start to support it. I'm going to be connecting my Series 3 next week. So interested to see how that process is handled (it looks like it's done in the Watch app on the phone).

Wow - I guess my thought is correct. I went to the site for a country that is yet to have a carrier supporting the Apple Watch, and there's no Stainless Steel model available.

For example, the Italian Apple site: https://www.apple.com/it/shop/buy-watch/apple-watch

 

[entropys]

O

The 1 hour of battery life seems like the bigger issue. Without battery power, it won't even work in the country you bought the watch.

One hour of talk time. With current tech I would think it quite unreasonable to expect a lot more in such a small form factor. It cannot replace your phone, only temporarily substitute for it. You still need your phone most of the time.

 

[profets]

this is not about eSIM.



it's limited by hardware.

I was implying more about carriers getting on board with eSIM.

 

[snowboarder]

so not really LTE (Tmobile limitations), not really a full day battery, not really useful at all...
Thanks Apple for lying to us

 

[jvaska]

Wasn't it rumored years ago that Apple had been working on their own cell services? My guess was that it had to do with this very issue. Anyways, I live in the Caribbean and spend alot of time in the US and Europe so once this is resolved I'm in...

 

[fermat-au]

how do you change carriers within a single country

Buy another Apple Watch?

 

[kdarling]

Don't forget it also has UMTS (3G) support, so that might help. Although the China model is special in that respect.

For a list of Watch models, LTE and UMTS bands, see:

https://www.apple.com/watch/cellular/

 

[Mactendo]

how do you change carriers within a single country

Probably by sending a begging email to Tim Cook for his personal approval of the carrier change...

 

[profets]

Can you get an LTE Series 3 watch, not activate the cellular, but still get calling through WiFi or BT when the phone is nearby like the original and series 2 watch.

I'd like to upgrade my original watch, but I don't particularly want the LTE functionality, but only the LTE models come in Stainless Steel.

Yeah, I'd imagine that's fine. It's how it works now right.

 

[backontwo]

This is new technology that not all carriers support. I’m sure Apple worked with the major carriers in countries of release to support their technology, hence why the other carriers can’t support.

If I had to guess on the home country issue, that was probably due to space limitations and keeping the radio as small as possible.

As for no roaming, that’s probably due to a little of both of what I stated above.

 

[Rogifan]

The limitations are all coming out now, 1 hour battery life, no roaming. Wonder whats next?

Makes this far less desirable.

:-(

No doubt, the roaming issue will be fixed in the AppleWatch 4.

Anyone who buys an LTE Watch only gets 1 hour battery life?

 

[Surferoo]

Attempting to use a US purchased LTE enabled device in Europe etc is obviously not going to work , that is a given, due to the LTE frequency/band differences, as is published here:
https://www.apple.com/uk/watch/cellular/
I don't understand how this is news.

Unless they are saying that for example if you purchase an LTE watch in the UK (direct from Apple), then you took the watch to France (as an example) you could not activate the same watch with a supporting carrier (eg Orange FR).

If that is the case, then that is deplorable

 

[AppleMad98004]

Anyone who buys an LTE Watch only gets 1 hour battery life?

Talk time. Same battery life if you never make a call.

 

[MrGimper]

O

One hour of talk time. With current tech I would think it quite unreasonable to expect a lot more in such a small form factor. It cannot replace your phone, only temporarily substitute for it. You still need your phone most of the time.

If only there was some other device that offered more talk time in a portable manner..... almost like a phone that was mobile /s

 

[imola.zhp]

I love these posts.

ZOMG! IT WILL EXPLODE IF YOU LEAVE THE COUNTRY!!!!

Uh, it will work just like a non-cellular Apple Watch, just needs to be near iPhone.

To the two (or so) that asked, Apple can't hold a gun to your head and make you sign up for cellular service; so buy the watch you want and simply not add it to your plan. It will work just like previous and non cellular watches.

 

[jerryk]

Only 3.5% of the US population has EVER traveled abroad. But we should probably blow this up into a HUGE problem because EVERYONE has to have their watch to talk when they're traveling.

We couldn't talk on our watches before 9/22 but it's IMPOSSIBLE to travel without that ability after that date. Cancel my trip.

I am going to guess, that people that can afford an Apple Watch are well represent in the 3.5%. Also, it cuts both ways. People in EU, Asia, and elsewhere cannot get service in the US.

 

[rcalderoni]

I was going to buy the SS version in GPS only to avoid the red dot (I thought this was a fashion accessory?)

but alas this is not an option yet

 

[iGeek2014]

Attempting to use a US purchased LTE enabled device is obviously not going to work , that is a given, due to the LTE frequency/band differences, as is published here:
https://www.apple.com/uk/watch/cellular/
I don't understand how this is news.

Unless they are saying that for example if you purchase an LTE watch in the UK, and you deactivated the Watch, then you took the watch to France (as an example) you could not activate the same watch with a supporting carrier (eg Orange FR).

If that is the case, then that is deplorable

I get the impression you'd be able to use Apple Watch Series 3 w/Orange FR so long as you had a compatible device and airtime agreement.

However it's worth pointing out to UK users that you can only use the cellular services on EE's 4G network. If you're in an area with 2/3G it's not going to work.

 

[Porco]

This is rediculous.

That's the most appropriate use of that terrible frequent misspelling I've ever seen!

(Apologies if that was the joke and I've destroyed it by explaining it).

 

[Mactendo]

Only 3.5% of the US population has EVER traveled abroad.

Only 4% of the world population lives in the US.