So the Apple Watch 3 cellular isn't coming to Norway?

I was day one too :( the fact they mentioned Norway in the cellular less version fml. Norway citizens have a lot of disposable income. Probably more per citizen that the UK. So annoying
 
Having the same problem. I was thinking, would it be possible to buy one in the UK and then "activate" the LTE-functionality once it is available in the nordics? Also, if you buy the LTE version, can you use it without activating it (and just run bluetooth/wifi).
 
Why would you want to buy the version of a Ferrari that comes only with a crank/chain and footpedals, because it is "cheaper"?

Don't buy the stage 2 prototype. Make them present you with the real deal if they want your money.
 
It will be. Apple and the local operators just need to work out the details. And as with Apple Pay or the HomePod, Apple chooses to prioritize certain regions when rolling out these things.
 
It “will be” based on your assumptions- or known facts.

The eSim is reason why some other devices have not been released in Norway. As far as I know neither Telenor nor Telia which operate the mobile networks in Norway, have provisions for eSim. Unless that has changed?
 
Osamede said:
It “will be” based on your assumptions- or known facts.
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I don't assume this kind of stuff, but I'm also not in Norway so the information I have might not match with what's actually happening over there. I'm basing my claim on information from the Apple website, which states that LTE iPads with eSIM are supported by the Telenor and Telia networks in Norway:

https://www.apple.com/ipad/LTE/

And that Apple SIM, which can come in the form of a SIM card or eSIM, is supported in Norway:

https://www.apple.com/ipad/apple-sim/

Is it possible this is a recent change you weren't aware of?
 
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mrzeb said:
Having the same problem. I was thinking, would it be possible to buy one in the UK and then "activate" the LTE-functionality once it is available in the nordics? Also, if you buy the LTE version, can you use it without activating it (and just run bluetooth/wifi).
Click to expand...

Replying to my own question :) Got in contact with the support that said:
You can use it as a normal watch without the LTE functions. During the setup up you can skip the cellular option. Any unlocking features has to do with the carrier so it’s up to the carrier if they will unlock the device if it ever becomes available with your carrier.

Yes, the you are able to change carrier, but it would need to be the same carrier for both your iPhone and watch. Here is some information on changing carriers: Set up and use cellular on Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular)(Opens in new window)(Opens in new window)(Opens in new window)(Opens in new window)

JheanelFor the Region however for Europe, since you are going to the UK and Sweden, the watch is compatible to change carriers but not for the US.

JheanelBecause the US is a different region. There are 3 regional models. The Americas, China and Europe/Asia Pacific.
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From what I can see, what you need to do is to make sure you buy from Apple an unlocked version of Model A1889 (38mm) or Model A1891 (42mm), not tied to any specific mobile carrier, but it has the hardware to be used in Norway (LTE bands 3, 7 and 20).

https://www.apple.com/watch/cellular/
  • Apple Watch Series 3
  • Model A1889 (38mm)
  • Model A1891 (42mm)
LTE
  • 1 (2100 MHz)
  • 3 (1800 MHz)
  • 5 (850 MHz)
  • 7 (2600 MHz)
  • 8 (900 MHz)
  • 18 (800 MHz)
  • 19 (800 MHz)
  • 20 (800 DD)
  • 26 (800 MHz)
UMTS
  • 800 MHz
  • 850 MHz
  • 900 MHz
  • 2100 MHz

Australia
France
Germany
  • TelekomDeutsche Telekom customers will be prompted to enter a unique code when setting up Apple Watch for the first time. Be sure to contact the carrier to retrieve this code prior to setup.
Japan
Switzerland
  • SunriseComing later this year.
  • Swisscom (EN, FR, DE)Coming later this year.
United Kingdom


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_LTE_networks_in_Europe
https://www.frequencycheck.com/countries/norway
Frequencies in use
GSM
Name Interface
900 (E-GSM) GSM
1800 (DCS) GSM

UMTS
Name Interface
B1 (2100) UMTS

LTE
Name Interface
B3 (1800 +) LTE
B7 (2600) LTE
B20 (800 DD) LTE
 
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Osamede said:
From what I can see, what you need to do is to make sure you buy from Apple an unlocked version of Model A1889 (38mm) or Model A1891 (42mm), not tied to any specific mobile carrier, but it has the hardware to be used in Norway (LTE bands 3, 7 and 20).
Click to expand...

Yes but i guess that's what the support mentioned, between the lines, by stating this:
.... There are 3 regional models. The Americas, China and Europe/Asia Pacific.....
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xworker said:
Does this mean I can buy an Apple Watch LTE abroad and hope to use it in Norway with my carrier (Telenor) when they support it?
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I believe the ”regional models” refer to band configurations, and on top of that you have the carrier support which is configured within the Apple eSIM that is built into the watch (which defines which carriers the watch works on). I don’t think there’s been any evidence to contradict this yet? As in, no one’s bought an LTE Apple Watch Series 3 and taken it to another country to connect to a different carrier?

https://www.macrumors.com/2017/09/15/apple-watch-series-3-lte-limitations/
 
Currently Telenor does not support eSIM... and yes, it will require Telenor adding this functionality to their systems and changing processes. I've been told by someone that would know that the eSIM project had been cancelled earlier to cut costs and will not be restarted before 2018. So I'd get on social media and bug Telenor to get on with it.
 
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palmerc said:
Currently Telenor does not support eSIM... and yes, it will require Telenor adding this functionality to their systems and changing processes. I've been told by someone that would know that the eSIM project had been cancelled earlier to cut costs and will not be restarted before 2018. So I'd get on social media and bug Telenor to get on with it.
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Ironically Norway is their home market and is they ond they milk the customers, then take the money abroad and pose as “innovators”.
 
Osamede said:
Ironically Norway is their home market and is they ond they milk the customers, then take the money abroad and pose as “innovators”.
Click to expand...

I personally find Telenor to be an excellent service provider and have no complaints with regards their service. eSIM, prior to Apple Watch, has not presented a compelling reason for anyone to build out this capability.
 
palmerc said:
I personally find Telenor to be an excellent service provider and have no complaints with regards their service. eSIM, prior to Apple Watch, has not presented a compelling reason for anyone to build out this capability.
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It’s been for a long time clear the train was heading this way both on the esim front AS well AS rise og Microsoft devices such smartwaches. For this network provider to be AWOL on a device that will be huge seller in Norway isn’t exactly good customer service. It’s just milking their position and not staying ahead.
 
Osamede said:
It’s been for a long time clear the train was heading this way both on the esim front AS well AS rise og Microsoft devices such smartwaches. For this network provider to be AWOL on a device that will be huge seller in Norway isn’t exactly good customer service. It’s just milking their position and not staying ahead.
Click to expand...

You're insinuating malice where this is none. eSIM is not a matter of setting it up once and then every device that has an eSIM will work. It is still very early days for eSIM and each device/product launch will require specific support/work from the carrier to add the necessary backend functionality. Apple Watch is the first popular device with eSIM and will be rolled out slowly around the world, but it is happening.
 
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