Apple Watch Cellular: always online, even without an iPhone nearby

Apple recently presented the Apple Watch Series 10 and Apple Watch Ultra 2. The Ultra 2 has standard internet, while the Series 10 has a model with mobile internet. But what exactly can you do with a Cellular Apple Watch? iPhoned list it for you!

How exactly does it work without an iPhone?

A cellular Apple Watch works as a standalone smartwatch that connects to a cellular network. This way you can make calls, send messages, receive notifications and even use apps without an iPhone.

You do need an e-SIM for this that is linked to your telephone subscription. A cellular Apple Watch gives you the freedom to stay reachable wherever you are, even if you don’t have an iPhone at hand. This is especially easy during exercise or if you are on the road a lot.

Apple Watch vs Cellular Apple Watch

A Cellular Apple Watch (recognizable by the red digital crown) has a number of additional options compared to a regular Apple Watch that does not have a cellular connection. With the Cellular version you can immediately call and send messages, even when your iPhone is not nearby. Thanks to mobile data, you can use apps that require internet, such as streaming music, consulting maps or asking Siri questions.

You also continue to receive notifications from apps and messages, without being dependent on your phone. In addition, you can use GPS and Maps to navigate without your iPhone and make SOS emergency calls via the mobile network in case of emergency. In short, the Cellular Apple Watch gives you more freedom and independence, while the regular version only offers these functions when your iPhone is nearby.

• View the cellular Apple Watches at KPN
• View the cellular Apple Watches at Odido
• View the cellular Apple Watches at Vodafone

Where can I get a smartwatch subscription?

In the Netherlands, you can only take out a subscription for your smartwatch from KPN, Odido or Vodafone. KPN and Odido offer this as a multi-SIM subscription, while Vodafone calls it OneNumber.

It is important to know that you can only request a multi-SIM or OneNumber for 5 euros per month if you also have a mobile subscription with one of these providers. With these providers, your smartphone subscription is linked to your Cellular Apple Watch, so you can use the same data and calling minutes as on your iPhone. This ensures that you are always reachable on the same telephone number.

Which smartwatches come in a Cellular version

Apple offers various models of the Apple Watch in a Cellular version. The models available with cellular connectivity (GPS + Cellular) are:

1. Apple Watch Series 10 – Available with GPS + Cellular version
   (Available from KPN, Odido and Vodafone)
2. Apple Watch Series 9 – Available with GPS + Cellular version
   (Available from Odido)
3. Apple Watch Ultra 2 – Standard equipped with GPS + Cellular version
   (Available from KPN, Odido and Vodafone)
4. Apple Watch SE (second generation) – Available in a GPS + Cellular version.
   (Available from Odido and Vodafone)

Earlier models, such as the Apple Watch Series 8 and Series 7, are also available in a Cellular version, but are no longer always sold new by official stores. Are you looking for a good deal on one of these Apple Watches with subscription? You can find the best offers through the providers we have linked for you below.

Apple Watch Series 10

• View the Apple Watch Series 10 at KPN
• View the Apple Watch Series 10 at Odido
• View the Apple Watch Series 10 at Vodafone

Apple Watch Ultra 2

• View the Apple Watch Ultra 2 at KPN
• View the Apple Watch Ultra 2 at Odido
• View the Apple Watch Ultra 2 at Vodafone

Apple Watch SE 2024

• View the Apple Watch SE 2024 at Odido
• View the Apple Watch SE 2024 at Vodafone