Can I switch to another country’s cellular plan, if they share a model? E.g Europe and Asia Pacific.

Question

Can I switch to another country’s cellular plan, if they share a model? E.g Europe and Asia Pacific.

The apple watch 6 model I’m looking at A2376 (44mm) on the website says the regions of Europe and Asia pacific (which should include Taiwan, where I am) should be compatible as they share the same LTE.

My question, if I purchase a Cellular + gps apple watch 6 Nike edition from Taiwan, would I be able to change to a U.K. service provider when I head back home next year?

I mostly want to use the gps features, but running without my phone would be better. But I’m afraid I’ll have to get a new watch when I return to continue using the cellular functions.

I hope someone can help, cheers.

Apple Watch

Posted on May 12, 2021 12:48 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

BobHarris

Level 9

55,055 points

May 12, 2021 3:43 PM in response to ArthurWulfrun

There are 2 Apple Watch cellular radios

• Canada, U.S. Mexico, Puerto Rico

• The rest of the world

Carriers will not attempt to connect to an Apple Watch that does not use the correct radio.

If you do not get your Apple Watch in your own country, you may have to return the Apple Watch to the country where purchased to get warranty service.

If you do not get your Apple Watch in your own country, there may be country specific restrictions in the installed Apple Watch software that prevent features from working when you get home.

https://www.apple.com/watchos/feature-availability

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Answer 2

May 16, 2021 8:14 AM in response to BobHarris

Bobharris, Thank you for your response. I checked the features between UK and Taiwan and there are only a few missing features, none of which I’m that concerned about.

As for the Apple cellular Radio, as far as I am aware both the UK and Taiwan (Asia pacific) fall into the “rest of the world” radio. But I’m still not convinced, although it appears we share similar the LTE, like LTE band 3 for 4G. But there’s no guarantee that it will work if I bought one and took it back to the U.K.

I might just look at a GPS only model then to track workouts. Does the GPS model have features that are region locked? or is that strictly the cellular features?

Cheers.

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Answer 3

BobHarris

Level 9

55,055 points

May 16, 2021 9:46 AM in response to ArthurWulfrun

The UK and Taiwan are part of the "Rest of the World" and get the same cellular radio chip.

Only LTE is supported by the Apple Watch, and the any carrier that supports the Apple Watch in the UK or Taiwan has the correct LTE services for the Apple Watch with a "Rest of the World" cellular chip.

But if you are worried, then wait until you get to the UK and buy the Apple Watch there.

Answers in this forum are from fellow Apple Watch users. So our knowledge is based on enthusiasm and reading lots of posts as well as various blogs and websites. But its rare that someone answering a question like your would have actually done exactly what you wish to do, so the answer are based on prior reading.

As FieryJack says, a GPS only Apple Watch works anywhere. The GPS only Apple Watch can do Everything the Cellular model can do AS LONG AS your iPhone is nearby, where nearby is generally somewhere in the same moderately sized home. The Cellular model allows you to leave your iPhone at home while you go for a walk, run, bike ride.

So if you have your iPhone glued to your hip, then you may not even need a cellular model 😀

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