I saw there are multiple forums on similar subjects. In need of a more focused and up-to-date discussion, here it goes.
Is anyone using a totally independent sim/network on their Apple watch?
Not to be paired with an existing plan (add-on). Purely a standalone eSim on an independent plan?
This only works if you set up an Apple Watch using Family Sharing. The downside is Family Sharing disables a lot of features of the Apple Watch, particularly health-tracking features, and overall makes it a lot dumber.
afaik Apple doesn't allow this. You can't set up an independent plan or prepaid on an Apple watch cellular.
I guess it kinda makes sense - it's not a truly standalone device, it's designed to work in tandem with an iPhone
No, the cellular watch can work independently off iphone - just need the main number to be with Telstra, Optus or Vodafone plan with the number sharing add-on.
So are other smartwatches. But they don't force you to do everything their way, like Apple does.
Exactly. For example recently i learn that Woolies esim can work with Android cellular smartwatch. Apple Watch just being apple watch
Apple watch is designed to work with an iphone and not without an iphone. thats probably the reason all apple watch plans are addons on top of your phone plans.
Depends on which apple watch. Apparently 9 does work independently
Apple Watch Series 9, Apple Watch SE, and Apple Watch Ultra 2 cellular models with an active service plan allow you to make calls, send texts, and so much more — all without your iPhone……
To cover the LTE and UMTS bands used around the world, there are two separate cellular models for Apple Watch Series 9, Apple Watch SE, and Apple Watch Ultra 2. They have been optimized for use in the country of purchase, and not all models work in all countries or regions. There is no single model that supports cellular service worldwide. To see which carriers in your country or region offer cellular service for Apple Watch, refer to the chart below.3
I dont think you can set up an brand new apple watch without an iPhone.
Not to be paired with an existing plan (add-on). Purely a standalone eSim on an independent plan?
Can’t in Australia. Starting a new thread won’t change the answer…
To be fair though, Apple doesn't make this clear.
I think this is 'enforced' by the telco, and not iPhone
When I did my research for my Samsung Galaxy S5 Watch LTE, there is no option to get an eSim without having a 'main' number on your phone.
It has to be an add-on (additional $5 / $10 from the main number)
It is not officially documented, but you can put a regular pre-paid esim on the galaxy watch.
Oh good to know, the question is where can we find that “unicorn” (prepaid esim without a main mobile account).
Unicorn? How hard did you look? Search this forum and you will find. There are many.
@bargaino: Thanks! O my, what a difficult task just to have the mobile esim plan on a watch… anyway, thank you!
Is that even possible? Telstra will charge you $5 a month on top of a plan for the honour. Might come in handy one day if I lose my phone…