Buying a watch in another country
Hi. If I buy my husband a series 3 Apple Watch in Hong Kong, can he use it in the UK? Thanks
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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 iPhone's SIM card.
The built-in cellular features require a carrier plan for your iPhone in your country of use that specifically includes support for Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular), including the carrier activating the device on the plan.
If buying Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) in another country, then, in order to use the built-in cellular feature, you would need to buy a model that supports the relevant LTE and UMTS bands for your intended country of use and your supported carrier there.
There are three different regional versions of Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular), each supporting different LTE and UMTS bands, as detailed here - Apple lists the same models for the UK and Hong Kong:
Apple Watch - Carriers - Apple
If in doubt, I suggest that your husband contacts his intended carrier to ask whether any given model can be used on their network with a plan that they may offer or plan on offering for iPhone that supports Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular).
Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) can be used without activating the built-in cellular feature, in which case it functions like a GPS-only model, in conjunction with an iPhone 6 or newer model of iPhone (running the latest version of iOS) and a service plan from any carrier.
The built-in cellular features cannot be used when roaming.
The warranty terms for an Apple Watch purchased in Hong Kong US are detailed here: