The only feature country locked on the watch is ECG.

BlinkyBill:

 

There is no such thing as “country-locked”.

 

the architecture of the watch e-sim simply copies an iPhone’s sim content to the watch - it is a simple action without any “locking” shenanigans. That’s why there is a 1:1 dependency on the iPhone and the watch.

 

my sister’s watch, which I purchased in Japan (series 4), works fine in Australia, where she lives.

 

And yet my iPad Pro doesn't see any carriers except global ones. But sure if you've actually seen an example of it working that way awesome - you just can't assume it will.

Also, eSIMs can have locking shenanigans. If you purchase a US model for example, and the first carrier you activate it on is AT&T, some devices carrier lock to AT&T.

Ordered from Apple, delivery 13/12. I've been waiting a long time for this. I run and cycle so it will be great to have emergency connectivity and full streaming music access without having to carry my phone.

No Edition versions?

Hmm...$1400 for the SS cellular (even if I am not activating cellular)...tough sell for me at the moment. 

Here's the link to get it working...doesn't work for me.

https://www.spark.co.nz/help/mobile/set-up/one-number/

Kyanar:

 

BlinkyBill:

 

There is no such thing as “country-locked”.

 

the architecture of the watch e-sim simply copies an iPhone’s sim content to the watch - it is a simple action without any “locking” shenanigans. That’s why there is a 1:1 dependency on the iPhone and the watch.

 

my sister’s watch, which I purchased in Japan (series 4), works fine in Australia, where she lives.

 

 

And yet my iPad Pro doesn't see any carriers except global ones. But sure if you've actually seen an example of it working that way awesome - you just can't assume it will.

 

Also, eSIMs can have locking shenanigans. If you purchase a US model for example, and the first carrier you activate it on is AT&T, some devices carrier lock to AT&T.

 

Let’s see if I can explain this, in simple terms so that you understand. It’s better than making things up.

the eSim for the Apple Watch is architected and configured specifically for the watch - it is NOT the same architecture and configuration as for an iPhone or cellular iPad. The watch is designed to be linked to a specific IPhone - you cannot operate the cellular features of the watch without that linkage. On setup, Sim data is copied from the phone to the watch, it is a simple copy. So the watch cannot be configured to be carrier-locked or the imaginary “country-locked” because of the architecture of the watch sim capability. That’s why the phone and the watch have one number and the same cellular plan.

Any Apple Watch works in any country with compatible broadcast bands - for example NZ, Aust, Japan watches are all the same model A2157 (which in fact covers the entire world except North America for which the equivalent model is A2095). There are other models for the 40mm and the Nike versions, but they have the same geographical aggregation.

so when you say things like “my iPad does this, so the Watch must do it too”, or “the Watch is country-locked”, well all this does is mis-inform those with genuine questions.

I don’t think it’s helpful to post stuff you just make up.

BlinkyBill:

 

No Edition versions?

 

contacted Apple and they have no info if/when the Edition versions will be made available in NZ.

Kyanar:

 

And yet my iPad Pro doesn't see any carriers except global ones. But sure if you've actually seen an example of it working that way awesome - you just can't assume it will.

 

Also, eSIMs can have locking shenanigans. If you purchase a US model for example, and the first carrier you activate it on is AT&T, some devices carrier lock to AT&T.

 

The original iPad Pro's had an Apple Sim, or Embedded Apple SIM which was basically a multi carrier capable SIM from Apple for a short term mobile data plan on some carriers, this differs from the eSIM standard which the newer generation supports.

You can see which model has which, here https://www.apple.com/nz/ipad/cellular/

myopinion: From the Spark website: If I bought my Apple Watch overseas, will it work in NZ?​

Spark NZ supports Apple Watch Series 3, 4 and 5 with LTE bands 3, 7 and UMTS 2100 MHz and 850 MHz. Learn more about bands, supported locations and carriers at apple.com/watch/cellular

Correct.  This page clarifies the models supported

https://www.spark.co.nz/help/mobile/set-up/one-number/#devices

Hi @jaidevp

Any news on when existing watch owners will be able to activate the One Number plan?

Right now in the Watch app I still see "Spark NZ does not currently support Apple Watch". Is there a carrier update we need to enable it?

Cheers

code15:

 

Hi @jaidevp

 

Any news on when existing watch owners will be able to activate the One Number plan?

 

Right now in the Watch app I still see "Spark NZ does not currently support Apple Watch". Is there a carrier update we need to enable it?

 

Cheers

 

My money is on the 13th when the new watches are supposed to be delivered by.

Should be available to activate now. I've been in contact with Spark and they are in the process of trying to get it going...

Handsomedan:

 

Hmm...$1400 for the SS cellular (even if I am not activating cellular)...tough sell for me at the moment. 

 

For something that I update on a yearly cycle, I don't think I'll ever go for SS and definitely wouldn't pay for an edition version. 

code15:

 

Hi @jaidevp

 

Any news on when existing watch owners will be able to activate the One Number plan?

 

Right now in the Watch app I still see "Spark NZ does not currently support Apple Watch". Is there a carrier update we need to enable it?

 

Cheers

 

Hi likely to be available from the 13th.  Today is preorder.