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User profile for user: Nuttydj
Nuttydj Author
User level: Level 1
9 points

Apple watch in different countries

Hi all,


A tricky question with two parts:


I'm looking to buy an apple watch for my mom, in the UK, to do mainly fall protection and possibly be able to phone me if she's lost. So was going cellular but also my siblings live in the US who she'd like to visit, here's my questions


1. Can I buy the watch in the US and use in the UK (cellular), I've read some of the answers on here referring to the bands the watch does etc. But has anyone tried it on watch 6 or se?


2. If the answer to 1 is no, which is fine, will the watch work when in the US?


3. If there's a compromise on functionality between the UK and US models working in the UK / US, which one gives me best coverage of both countries?


I get the warranty issue and can work that out my self. I'm worried for my mom and working out the numerous complexities of getting an apple watch is doing my head in but I'm super keen for it to work for her.


I'd really love any help on this, thanks!

Apple Watch

Posted on May 1, 2021 2:20 AM

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User profile for user: Community User
Community User

Posted on May 1, 2021 2:46 AM

To cover the LTE and UMTS bands used around the world, cellular models of Apple Watch come in regional models for the Americas, China mainland and Europe/Asia Pacific. Unlike iPhone, there isn't a worldwide Apple Watch model that supports all cellular bands used globally.

A cellular watch bought in the US will only function in North America,Canada,Mexico and Puerto Rico anywhere else it will function as a GPS only watch.

A US bought watch will work as a GPS only watch in the UK,fall detection will work and phone calls will be ok as long as the paired phone is with the watch.

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply
User profile for user: Community User
Community User

May 1, 2021 2:46 AM in response to Nuttydj

To cover the LTE and UMTS bands used around the world, cellular models of Apple Watch come in regional models for the Americas, China mainland and Europe/Asia Pacific. Unlike iPhone, there isn't a worldwide Apple Watch model that supports all cellular bands used globally.

A cellular watch bought in the US will only function in North America,Canada,Mexico and Puerto Rico anywhere else it will function as a GPS only watch.

A US bought watch will work as a GPS only watch in the UK,fall detection will work and phone calls will be ok as long as the paired phone is with the watch.

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User profile for user: Nuttydj
Nuttydj Author
User level: Level 1
9 points

May 1, 2021 2:54 AM in response to Community User

Thanks for the reply!


Unless apple locks the region for cellular isn't the actual outcome that it won't work on all bands and therefore it matters what band the operator is using? Hence the question about if anyone had tried it.


If this is the case then there is a really detailed answer of which one is best based on the bands used in the UK and US which I was hoping someone may have some idea on

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Apple watch in different countries

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