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Hi
There are two different versions of Apple Watch Series 3.
Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS) does not have a built-in cellular capability. Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) models support a built-in cellular feature, subject to having a compatible service plan from a supported carrier:
Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS)
Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS) models do not have a built-in cellular capability.
Any calls or data-related services are routed either via the paired iPhone or via a direct connection between the watch and a compatible Wi-Fi network (when the watch cannot connect to the paired iPhone via Bluetooth).
A separate cellular plan for the Apple Watch is not required.
Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS) 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.
Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular), including Nike+ (GPS + Cellular) models
In respect of data usage, Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) also always first tries to use the Bluetooth connection to your iPhone (which does not require a separate plan for the watch) or, in the absence of that, any available connection to a compatible Wi-Fi network.
If neither of those is available, then Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) has a built-in cellular capability that, under certain circumstances, can enable certain features, which are not available on GPS-only models, to remain available when the watch is used without the iPhone nearby.
The feature involves the built-in eSIM / embedded SIM card in the Apple Watch copying information from the paired iPhone's SIM card, including using the same phone number.
The feature requires a carrier plan for your iPhone that specifically includes support for the Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular), including the carrier activating the device on the plan:
An activation fee and ongoing monthly cost may apply - contact your preferred carrier for details:
Apple Watch - Carriers - Apple
Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) can also be used without enabling the built-in cellular feature, in which case it functions like a GPS-only model and can be used in conjunction with a service plan for iPhone 6 or newer model of iPhone, running the latest version of iOS, from any carrier, with no need to activate the watch on the plan.
All models
The functions that are available on your Apple Watch when it is away from your iPhone depend on various factors including:
Features and requirements that apply under various circumstances are detailed here, including within the footnotes:
How to use your Apple Watch without your iPhone nearby - Apple Support
Hi
There are two different versions of Apple Watch Series 3.
Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS) does not have a built-in cellular capability. Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) models support a built-in cellular feature, subject to having a compatible service plan from a supported carrier:
Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS)
Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS) models do not have a built-in cellular capability.
Any calls or data-related services are routed either via the paired iPhone or via a direct connection between the watch and a compatible Wi-Fi network (when the watch cannot connect to the paired iPhone via Bluetooth).
A separate cellular plan for the Apple Watch is not required.
Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS) 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.
Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular), including Nike+ (GPS + Cellular) models
In respect of data usage, Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) also always first tries to use the Bluetooth connection to your iPhone (which does not require a separate plan for the watch) or, in the absence of that, any available connection to a compatible Wi-Fi network.
If neither of those is available, then Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) has a built-in cellular capability that, under certain circumstances, can enable certain features, which are not available on GPS-only models, to remain available when the watch is used without the iPhone nearby.
The feature involves the built-in eSIM / embedded SIM card in the Apple Watch copying information from the paired iPhone's SIM card, including using the same phone number.
The feature requires a carrier plan for your iPhone that specifically includes support for the Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular), including the carrier activating the device on the plan:
An activation fee and ongoing monthly cost may apply - contact your preferred carrier for details:
Apple Watch - Carriers - Apple
Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) can also be used without enabling the built-in cellular feature, in which case it functions like a GPS-only model and can be used in conjunction with a service plan for iPhone 6 or newer model of iPhone, running the latest version of iOS, from any carrier, with no need to activate the watch on the plan.
All models
The functions that are available on your Apple Watch when it is away from your iPhone depend on various factors including:
Features and requirements that apply under various circumstances are detailed here, including within the footnotes:
How to use your Apple Watch without your iPhone nearby - Apple Support
Depending on how and where you plan to use your Apple Watch, the functionality that you want may remain available even when using it (without your iPhone being nearby) without enabling or using the built-in cellular feature.
For example, Wi-Fi Calling may be available when your Apple Watch has connected to a compatible Wi-Fi network.
The features - and associated requirements - that apply under various circumstances are detailed here, including within the footnotes:
How to use your Apple Watch without your iPhone nearby - Apple Support
Without cellular
For an Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) model for which the built-in cellular capability has not been enabled and for all other Apple Watch models, the full range of features is available when your 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 do not 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 cannot 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 your Apple Watch is unable to connect either via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, it again still offers some - although fewer - features.
Features that are available in each case are detailed here:
How to use your Apple Watch without your iPhone nearby - Apple Support
For the best performance from your iPhone and Apple Watch, including the most power-efficient communication between them, Apple recommends keeping both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi permanently enabled on your iPhone.
More information:
About Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on Apple Watch - Apple Support
Make a call with Wi-Fi Calling - Apple Support
With cellular
Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) has a built-in cellular capability. When used away from the paired iPhone, this can enable extra features to remain available, as explained here under the heading "If you have Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular)":
How to use your Apple Watch without your iPhone nearby - Apple Support
The feature requires a carrier plan for your iPhone that specifically includes support for the Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular), including the carrier activating the device on the plan:
An activation fee and ongoing monthly cost may apply - contact your preferred carrier for details.
More information
For further pre-purchase advice, I suggest that you consider visiting an Apple Retail Store or Apple Authorised Reseller or contacting the Apple Online Store. Depending on your country, sales support may be available via online chat, for example.
In the US:
Apple Watch - Space Gray Aluminum Case with Gray Sport Band - Apple
(For any users elsewhere, view the corresponding pages for your country).
So basically if I buy an Apple Watch it doesn’t use a different plan unless I plan on just using the Apple Watch while I leave my phone athome is what you’re saying pretty much correct?
So dumb it down a little bit for me please. I’m not sure I’m following
Do I need a separate phone bill for my Apple Watch
