Thank you! This helped a lot :)
Thank you! This helped a lot :)
Hi
There are different versions of Apple Watch:
A compatible model of iPhone is required in order to set up and use all models of Apple Watch, including for managing and syncing with the Apple Watch over time:
Prepaid iPhone
All compatible models of iPhone can be used with Apple Watch, regardless of whether the iPhone is prepaid / purchased up front or purchased on finance or other instalment-related plan.
Prepaid service plans
All models of Apple Watch can be used for certain features in conjunction with a compatible model of iPhone and a prepaid service plan for the iPhone.
This includes making and receiving phone calls and sending and receiving messages from your Apple Watch when it is connected to the paired iPhone via Bluetooth and when the iPhone has cellular service, including on prepaid service plans.
Built-in cellular
However, the built-in cellular feature on Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) cannot be used in conjunction with a prepaid service plan for the paired iPhone.
More information is detailed below.
Apple Watch Series 1 and Series 3 (GPS) and other models
Apple Watch Series 1, Series 3 (GPS) and other models except Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) - see below - do not have built-in cellular capabilities.
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. The iPhone service plan can be a prepaid plan from any carrier.
Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular)
In respect of calls and 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.
In order to be able to use the built-in cellular feature, you would require a carrier service plan for your iPhone that specifically includes support for the Apple Watch, including the carrier first activating the device on the plan:
Apple's list of supported carriers is linked below. Note that prepaid plans are not currently supported:
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 from any carrier - which can be a prepaid plan - with no need to activate the watch on the plan.
Both
The functions that are available on your Apple Watch when it is away from your iPhone depend on various factors including:
About Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and cellular on your Apple Watch - Apple Support
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
You're most welcome! 🙂
do apple watches work with prepaid iphones?
