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The Apple Watch Series 3 is the first smart watch Apple has introduced with full cellular capabilities. Last week at Apple’s iPhone X event, the company noted that LTE-equipped smart watch will carry the same number as your primary line you’re connected with, will be able to make and receive calls, alerts, messages, and even use Siri.
Even though LTE being introduced in Apple’s new Watch is a major step forward, there is something you need to keep in mind if you’re a traveler or plan to travel in the future. According to an Apple representative that spoke with a MacRumors reader, Apple Watch LTE models “purchased in the U.S. online store will only work with the four carriers in the United States.”
Basically, what this means is that if you’re enjoying the LTE connectivity in the United States, you will not be able to enjoy the same features abroad. Here’s what Apple’s statement reads:
If you purchased one (an Apple Watch S3 GPS + Cellular) through the US Apple Online Store, it’ll only work for the 4 US carriers. It wouldn’t work internationally unfortunately. I’m not entirely sure what type of error it would show if you took a US Watch to Germany, but it wouldn’t be compatible with Telekom.
Apple’s own product page for Apple Watch 3 indicates that roaming is “not available outside your provider network coverage area.” This may or may not be a deal breaker for some. If it’s not a deal breaker for you, pick up the new Apple Watch. If it is, maybe you should skip on it? It’s worth noting that the Watch will work perfectly fine abroad with the exception of the LTE coverage.
