O2 & Apple Watches bought directly from Apple

O2's own web site says that you can sign up for Apple Watch coverage if you already have an Apple Watch.

I already have an Apple Watch – how do I get an O2 Airtime Plan?

If you already have an O2 Pay Monthly contract, and you already own an Apple Watch, you can set up mobile data via the Apple Watch app on your iPhone.

https://www.o2.co.uk/apple-watch

and

How do I buy an Airtime Plan on an Apple Watch that I already have?

Open the Watch app on your iPhone and tap on ‘Mobile Data’.

Then tap ‘Set up mobile data’. You’ll be prompted to sign in with your My O2 username and password.

Once you’ve signed in, select your Apple Watch plan. Follow the steps on the screen to set up your Apple Watch Airtime Plan.

It can take up to 24 hours to activate, but sometimes it might take a little longer.

To check if your new Airtime Plan is active, open the Watch app on your iPhone and tap on ‘Mobile Data’. In the ‘Data Plan’ section, if you see O2 with the word ‘activating’ then you’ll have to wait a little longer for set up to complete. If you see O2 with an orange ‘i’ next to it, then you’re all set up.

https://www.o2.co.uk/help/device-and-sim-support/apple-watch

So whoever you're talking to at O2 is either misinformed, they've changed their policy but haven't updated their website, or you're being lied to. Whichever is the actual case, it's not something Apple sales staff should be expected to know.

Regards.

JPFox2 wrote:

Yes - I am not too poorly educated and have actually been trying to connect for 4 months using O2 web chat, countless calls with O2 Customer Services, Technical Support, complaints and retentions and also a reference to the Communications Ombudsman.

I am being told that their “policy” does not permit the connection of Apple Watches not purchased through them. This is therefore restricting Apple’s ability to market and sell and something that they should be aware of and challenge if so

If you wish to provide feedback to Apple, you can do so here:

Product Feedback - Apple

but there is almost certainly nothing Apple can do to correct a lack of knowledge or consistent policy at any cell carrier. If O2 continues to refuse to honor what they say on their website, then your only real recourse is to change cell carriers.

Regards.

Assuming this is a Series 9, 10 or Ultra purchased in your country, then it would be identical to what the carrier could sell you.

If it is an Apple Watch SE, or Series 8 or older, purchased in the U.S., Canada, Mexico or Puerto Rico, that would be a different story.

As this is a volunteer forum, you just get our opinions (from around the world).

You can contact Apple Support in the UK and ask them, or visit a local Apple Store and discuss this with them (as maybe they have ideas that someone from the U.S. is unaware of).

You can send Apple feedback via: https://www.apple.com/feedback/watch

United Kingdom

• 3
• EE
• O2
• Vodafone

NOTE: You have most likely figured out that without a cellular plan, the Apple Watch does everything an Apple Watch with a plan does, AS LONG AS your iPhone is nearly.