UK Apple Watch Consumer Moving Abroad

Hello,


I'm in the market to upgrade my series 4 to a cellular capable apple watch, such as the series 7.


I wish to acquire a cellular device to purge myself from my iPhone, enabling connection via cellular whilst I'm out and about without the distraction of my iPhone.


I'm likely going to purchase a new watch via Amazon or the Apple Store.


It's come to my attention that Apple Watches have different radios. Some that are manufactured for the American/Canadian/Mexican/Puerto Rican consumers have different radios that carriers in other countries will not recognise. Making the cellular ability redundant if you were to visit or move to this countries. Effectively making your phone a GPS enabled watch (in the absence of your iPhone of course).


I am a UK resident that is likely moving to Australia within the next year.


So therefore my questions are:


1) Should I just avoid purchasing an Apple Watch that is USA/CAN/MEX based radio. And therefore the alternative is an Apple Watch that would be universally cellular-capable in both UK and Australia.


2) I know that UK and AUS have carriers that support the Apple Watch, in particular the Series 7. Therefore if I switch SIM carriers when I move should I have any issues? Should I buy a UK/Europe Apple Watch and I am unlikely to lose my cellular abilities when I go to Australia. I plan on SOLELY using my UK purchased Apple Watch in Australia and want to retain a lifestyle of not having my iPhone with me, but instead a cellular apple watch.


Thanks for reading. Hoping for some helpful replies :)

Posted on Feb 25, 2024 5:47 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Feb 28, 2024 5:50 PM

We are volunteers. We do not “Bump”


You answered your own question.


Buy whatever Apple Watch you want in the UK and go anywhere you want that is not Canada, U.S., Mexico or Puerto Rico. You can go to these countries, but you cannot get cellular for your UK Apple Watch.


So Australia is fine.


Or get a Series 9 or Ultra II, which works everywhere, except China.


Apple Watch - Carriers - Apple

The above lists models, carriers and countries.

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4 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Feb 28, 2024 5:50 PM in response to knightpray

We are volunteers. We do not “Bump”


You answered your own question.


Buy whatever Apple Watch you want in the UK and go anywhere you want that is not Canada, U.S., Mexico or Puerto Rico. You can go to these countries, but you cannot get cellular for your UK Apple Watch.


So Australia is fine.


Or get a Series 9 or Ultra II, which works everywhere, except China.


Apple Watch - Carriers - Apple

The above lists models, carriers and countries.

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UK Apple Watch Consumer Moving Abroad

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