Clarification needed for Apple Watch Ultra 3 satellite messaging support article regarding iPhone's role

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Level 1

37 points

Clarification needed for Apple Watch Ultra 3 satellite messaging support article regarding iPhone's role

the support article on Apple Ultra 3 confusing; need clarification re: iphone role. First, it says that "You need to be in a place with no cellular and Wi-Fi coverage." Later, it says,"SMS via satellite, your paired iPhone must be powered on and connected to Wi-Fi or cellular, but your iPhone doesn’t need to be nearby".

I travel with both my phone and watch, but apparently the phone has to be connected to cellular or WiFi, but the watch has to be in a place without cell or WiFi.?

Maybe that is just SMS...iMessage is different?

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: apple watch ultra 3, role of phone in watch satellite messaging. Clarification of Apple support article would be helpful

Apple Watch Ultra 3

Posted on Jan 26, 2026 8:18 PM

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Answer 1

Carol B.

Level 6

18,065 points

Jan 28, 2026 5:06 AM in response to eskimodoc

From the links I've provided (and read), it seems the watch's satellite connection does not depend on your iPhone. This seems to be a stand alone feature. You do not have to be connected to WiFi or cellular. Since this is important for your travel. I suggest you contact Apple Support directly. Or make an appointment at your local Apple Store's Genius Bar and ask them directly. If you do, please come back here to post their explanation.

Apple Watch - Official Apple Support

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

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Answer 2

Carol B.

Level 6

18,065 points

Jan 27, 2026 10:29 AM in response to eskimodoc

These articles offer better clarity. Here is the pertinent part. I hope it helps.

To connect to a satellite, you need to be outside with a clear view of the sky and horizon. Your Apple Watch Ultra 3 also needs to be dry — if your watch is wet, its ability to connect to satellites might be impacted. When you use a satellite connection, the experience is different than sending or receiving a message via cellular. Learn more about connecting to a satellite with your Apple Watch Ultra 3.

When you use Messages via satellite, messages are sent using a custom protocol that compresses the messages while still keeping them end-to-end encrypted. You can send and receive texts, emojis, and Tapbacks via Messages.

Send Messages via satellite on your Apple Watch Ultra 3 - Apple Support

Connect to a satellite with your Apple Watch Ultra 3 - Apple Support

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Answer 3

eskimodoc Author

Level 1

37 points

Jan 27, 2026 7:02 PM in response to Carol B.

My question related to watch needing to be in a place w/o wifi or cellular, while phone needed to be hooked up to wifi or cellular. I travel with both...

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