Is an Apple Watch that is sold in two different regions, but has the same product code in both regions, going to be usable with a local carrier in either region? Or are they artificially locked into the region of purchase and only allow roaming in the other region? I’m looking at the Apple Watches 9 and 10, which have the same product code in the US as in many EU countries. Thanks!
Apple Watch Series 10
Apple Watch is not region locked, but beware that different countries have different cellular bands, so it could be that the experience is not optimal using it on another cellular band. Further there should be no issues
Apple Watch is not region locked, but beware that different countries have different cellular bands, so it could be that the experience is not optimal using it on another cellular band. Further there should be no issues
I talked to Apple’s pre sales chat. Basically the watches (series 10 and 9, etc.) are artificially crippled to prevent them from working with both US and EU carriers. For example, A3003 which is the only product code for the 46 mm series 10 watch in all regions and countries except China, is advertised to work in all those countries, but doesn’t really. It’s crippled to only work with carriers in the country you bought it in.
What they explained is that the watches are locked into carriers of the country where they are bought, except in the EU inside which you can switch countries. If you go to another country the cellular watch will only work through roaming, so if you do put a local SIM in your iPhone the cellular part of the watch will stop working altogether.
I can’t guarantee this information is correct. Apple’s advisors on the chat were not very knowledgeable at all.
Apple Watches (Series 10 and newer Ultra 2) imported by Apple since January 18, 2024 have a different model number. Apple lost a patent infringement law suit and is prohibited from importing watches with blood oxygen measurement from that day fo.
To be absolutely sure we need specifics to best advise you.,
Series 10 has the same model number for Europe as for America, and so do Ultra 2 and series 9: Apple Watch - Carriers - Apple. The blood oxygen feature isn’t important enough to me to enter it into consideration and my understanding is that this feature is automatically switched off whilst you are in America.
What I’d like to know is whether I can buy a series 9 or 10 and use it back and forth between America and Europe, each time switching to a local carrier, and thus avoiding roaming charges.
Apple Watch with same product code for two regions works in either with local carriers?
