Apple Watch for o2 phone

Hi

Both versions of Apple Watch Series 3 are compatible with iPhone 7 Plus:

Apple Watch - Compare - Apple (UK)

The only potential issue relates to the built-in cellular feature on Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) models, which cannot currently be used with O2. However, if you have bought that model, then the watch can still be used without setting up that feature. See below for full details:

Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) models

Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) requires an iPhone 6 or newer model of iPhone, running the latest version of iOS. It is not locked to any specific carrier and has a built-in eSIM that copies information from the iPhone's SIM card.

The built-in cellular feature enables certain features to remain available, subject to certain requirements, when they would not otherwise be available on other models (see the links below for more information). This capability requires a carrier plan for your iPhone that specifically includes support for Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular), including the carrier activating the watch on the plan.

If your partner does not wish to sign up with EE, then he 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, in which case it functions like a GPS-only model.

The cellular feature can be enabled later, if and when he is using a compatible service plan on his iPhone, whether from EE or potentially from another UK carrier over time.

If he would prefer to use a different carrier, then he may wish to contact them and ask about their plans and/or monitor this page for further carriers being added over time:

Apple Watch - Carriers - Apple

Other differences between (GPS + Cellular) models and (GPS) models are that (GPS + Cellular) models:

• Have double the storage capacity of GPS-only models.
• Have a ceramic back (instead of a composite back).
• Are compatible with Apple's recently announced AirPower wireless charging mat, which is due to be released next year:

  AirPower mat

Series 3 GPS-only models (and all other Apple Watch models)

Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS) (and all other Apple Watch models) can be used in conjunction with an iPhone 5s or newer model of iPhone (running the latest version of iOS) and a service plan for the iPhone from any carrier.

More information:

Apple Watch - Compare - Apple (UK)

How to use your Apple Watch without your iPhone nearby - Apple Support

About Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and cellular on your Apple Watch - Apple Support

You're welcome! 🙂

All models of Apple Watch can be used to make and receive calls and to send and receive messages when the paired iPhone is connected via Bluetooth - and also potentially at other times, subject to connectivity.

• Answer phone calls
• Read messages
• Notifications on your Apple Watch - Apple Support

Information about the features that are available when using an Apple Watch away from its paired iPhone is provided here, along with details of the associated requirements:

• How to use your Apple Watch without your iPhone nearby - Apple Support
• About Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and cellular on your Apple Watch - Apple Support

As explained in my previous reply, O2 does not currently offer a service plan for iPhone that includes support for the built-in cellular feature on Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular). This capability can currently only be used in the UK with EE:

Apple Watch - Carriers - Apple

For further assistance, you may wish to contact the Apple Online Store or to visit an Apple Retail Store or Apple Authorised Reseller.

You're welcome! 🙂

If you just have purchased the Apple Watch directly from the Apple Online Store, then keep in mind that Apple's Holiday Return Policy is currently in effect. It applies to orders that are received between 15 November and 25 December and allows for returns up to 8 January. This should provide plenty of time for your partner to decide whether a different model would suit him better:

Returns & Refunds - Shopping Help - Apple (UK)

Other retailers' return policies may, of course, vary.