How does Apple Watch SE 2 connect to cellular without iPhone on iOS 18.3?

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How does Apple Watch SE 2 connect to cellular without iPhone on iOS 18.3?

1/21/25 The attached link explained requiring 'dual SIM' for Watch cellar connection without iPhone connectivity. This link, now says Watch will connect to cellar service automatically if iPhone is not available to the Watch. Am I interpreting this correctly? Speaking to new SE2 Watch with WIFI & Cellular features phone and Watch on IOS18.3.

Use your Apple Watch without your iPhone nearby - Apple Support

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Posted on Jan 29, 2025 11:20 AM

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Answer 1

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LD150

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Jan 29, 2025 2:07 PM in response to PaulD_

Dual SIM? Not on Watch. Maybe you meant eSIM?

You need an extension to your iPhone cellular plan for the watch so that once connected they both use a common cellular number. Usually an extra $10 a month approx.

It does mean that the iphone cellular provider must also support Watch. Talk to your provider as they don't all support watches. Most MVNOs don't.

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Answer 2

LD150

Level 10

105,672 points

Feb 2, 2025 2:13 PM in response to PaulD_

You have to decide which phone to pair the watch to, it can only be one of the two phones, then talk to AT&T about adding the eSIM for the watch. It will come with its own temporary number then inherit the phone number of the paired iphone when set up.

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Answer 3

PaulD_ Author

Level 1

31 points

Feb 2, 2025 12:49 PM in response to LD150

OK. Think I've got it! AT&T, as provider, shows my iPhone (15 pro) as using eSIM. Other iPhone (11 pro) as SIM card. Is this the correct configuration (think ATT may have changed it).

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