The Apple Watch lineup is available in a number of different options and configurations, ranging from different case materials, colors, sizes, and more. One of the most important things to consider, however, is whether or not you should buy an Apple Watch with cellular connectivity.
An Apple Watch with cellular lets you go out in the world without your iPhone while still remaining connected. It’s a useful feature but one that comes at a cost.
Which Apple Watch models offer cellular?
According to Apple:
Apple Watch cellular models with an active service plan allow you to make calls, send texts, and so much more — all without your iPhone. With International roaming, make calls, send texts, stream music, and get help in an emergency in many of the places your travels take you. You can complete a call to emergency services even when you’re traveling abroad just by pressing and holding the side button. And now with Apple Watch For Your Kids, members of your family who don’t own an iPhone can use Apple Watch
Apple currently sells the Apple Watch SE, Apple Watch Series 11, and Apple Watch Ultra. The Apple Watch SE starts at $249 with GPS connectivity and $299 with GPS and cellular. Meanwhile, the Apple Watch Series 11 starts at $399 for GPS and $499 for cellular and GPS. This year, the Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch Ultra were also upgraded with 5G connectivity.
One thing to consider, however, is this: The Apple Watch Series 11 in titanium, the Apple Watch Series 11 Hermès, and the Apple Watch Ultra are only available with GPS and cellular connectivity. This means that your Apple Watch will have the necessary hardware for cellular connectivity, but you’ll have to decide whether to pay the monthly price.
Associated costs with cellular
Most plans will cost you at or around $10-$15 each month, still much cheaper than many iPhone plans. You may be able to get a deal on a cellular plan if you purchase a watch directly from a carrier like Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile.
It’s also important to keep in mind that if you buy a standard Apple Watch with GPS, you cannot add a cellular plan later. You have to purchase an Apple Watch GPS + Cellular in order to have access to a plan now or in the future.
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