i know that Apple Watch (GSM) in the UK will only work with network EE. I have recently switched to BT Mobile which uses the EE network in preparation for getting an Apple Watch for Xmas. Does anyone have experience of this working with BT Mobile?
iPad 2, iOS 5
Hi
Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) is not locked to any specific carrier and has a built-in eSIM that copies information from the SIM card on the paired iPhone when setting up the built-in cellular feature.
This requires a service plan for your iPhone that specifically includes support for the Apple Watch, including the carrier activating the watch on the plan.
Within the UK, EE is currently the only carrier listed by Apple as offering a compatible service plan:
Apple Watch - Carriers - Apple
If you do not wish to sign up with EE for your iPhone at present, then you cannot currently use the built-in cellular feature with another UK network.
However, Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) can still be paired, set up and used for other features whilst skipping the steps to activate cellular, offering the same functions as a GPS-only model.
The cellular feature can then be enabled later, if and when you are using a compatible service plan on your iPhone, whether from EE or another UK carrier in due course.
I suggest that you contact BT Mobile to ask about their plans for offering a compatible service plan.
Hi
Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) is not locked to any specific carrier and has a built-in eSIM that copies information from the SIM card on the paired iPhone when setting up the built-in cellular feature.
This requires a service plan for your iPhone that specifically includes support for the Apple Watch, including the carrier activating the watch on the plan.
Within the UK, EE is currently the only carrier listed by Apple as offering a compatible service plan:
Apple Watch - Carriers - Apple
If you do not wish to sign up with EE for your iPhone at present, then you cannot currently use the built-in cellular feature with another UK network.
However, Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) can still be paired, set up and used for other features whilst skipping the steps to activate cellular, offering the same functions as a GPS-only model.
The cellular feature can then be enabled later, if and when you are using a compatible service plan on your iPhone, whether from EE or another UK carrier in due course.
I suggest that you contact BT Mobile to ask about their plans for offering a compatible service plan.
It may be worth double-checking the information that you have been given.
Based on my own discussion with BT Mobile this evening, they do not currently offer any service plans that support the built-in cellular feature on Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) and they also do not currently have any plans to do so.
Well, my Apple Watch is a Xmas present, but I got it out of its box today to test this out as I only have a 30 day cool off period with BT. I have got it all set up and paired with my iPhone. I can make calls and send texts from my Apple Watch. I guess this means the cellular is working with BT Mobile. Do you agree?
Actually, I think I’m wrong. I have just gone into my watch app on the phone and selected Mobile Data and there is a message to say that BT-C does not currently support Apple Watch
Unless you have specifically set up the built-in cellular feature and tested using your Apple Watch for calls under circumstances when it is connected directly to the cellular network, then I'm afraid that no, I do not agree:
For all models of Apple Watch, the full range of features - including making and receiving phone calls - is available when the Apple Watch and paired iPhone are connected via Bluetooth and your iPhone has access to both cellular service and the Internet (via either cellular data or Wi-Fi).
You don't necessarily need to have your iPhone on or immediately around you (within arm's reach, for example) for the devices to establish and maintain their Bluetooth connection. Normal Bluetooth range is around 33 feet / 10 meters (this will vary in practice due to wireless interference).
Whenever your watch can't connect to the iPhone via Bluetooth, it will attempt, as a fallback, to connect to a known Wi-Fi network - this being a compatible 802.11b/g/n 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network (some exceptions apply) that your iPhone has connected to before whilst your Apple Watch was connected to the iPhone via Bluetooth.
When instead connected to Wi-Fi, the watch also still offers a number of features, including receiving and sending messages via iMessage. If your carrier offers Wi-Fi Calling and it is supported on your plan and enabled on your iPhone, then you can also use Apple Watch to make calls and (subject to carrier support) to send and receive SMS / text messages.
If an Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) model has been set up on a supported carrier plan, then - subject to certain requirements - it can still be used for making and receiving calls when it is not connected to the paired iPhone via Bluetooth or to a compatible Wi-Fi network.
Features that are available in each case are detailed here:
You're welcome!
Keep in mind that - as you have already done - your Apple Watch can still be paired, set up and used for other features without activating the built-in cellular feature, which can be enabled later, if and when you have a compatible service plan for your iPhone (whether from EE or, over time, potentially from another UK carrier).
In the meantime, it offers the same functions as a GPS-only model. It also has double the storage capacity of GPS-only models and a ceramic back (vs a composite back for GPS-only models).
Thanks Jonathan. I have asked BT Mobile and they tell me that the cellular features are supported on the Apple Watch. Guess I’ll just have to try and see.
Great - best of luck! 🙂
Thank you Jonathan, I am so disappointed. EE is a lot more expensive than BT.
Apple Watch & Mobile Carrier
