New Apple Watch LTE not available in NZ till next year

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myopinion

931 posts

Ultimate Geek

#223112 13-Sep-2017 11:28

So the LTE version of the new Apple watch is not available until next year here in NZ. It is available in Aussie on the 22nd of September. If I were to buy one from Aussie, would it work in NZ when our carriers start supporting it? I see the Vodafone in AU uses the same frequencies as in NZ for LTE so I'm guessing it would. The US version uses different LTE frequencies by the looks, so wouldn't work here?

Any experts out there know?

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7378 posts

Uber Geek

#1864373 13-Sep-2017 11:33

Its gonna require some sort of explicit network support, as they share the same phone number

I note that at launch it is not available on VF OZ....

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Wiggum

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#1864408 13-Sep-2017 11:45

I recall a time when car phones, and personal cell phones could share the same MSID. It can't be too hard to implement surely? Vodafone called the service "carphone two" or something like that.

wellygary

7378 posts

Uber Geek

#1864418 13-Sep-2017 11:58

Wiggum:

I recall a time when car phones, and personal cell phones could share the same MSID. It can't be too hard to implement surely? Vodafone called the service "carphone two" or something like that.

I'm not saying its hard, just that networks will need to explicitly support it

Paparangi

166 posts

Master Geek

#1864446 13-Sep-2017 12:33

It’s a bit odd, Spark supports the required eSim, and the frequencies required are present in the Australian model.

mattwnz

19378 posts

Uber Geek

#1864491 13-Sep-2017 13:41

If they did support it, won't they charge more for having two device connected? If this is the case I wonder if it would need the person to be on a contracted monthly plan, rather than just prepay. I don't see a big advantage in LTE on it, but I guess it depends what you use yours for. I guess it means you can go out without your phone and just your watch, so it is like a mini phone, but these days people will always take their phone with them anyway.

old3eyes

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#1864498 13-Sep-2017 13:52

Wiggum:

I recall a time when car phones, and personal cell phones could share the same MSID. It can't be too hard to implement surely? Vodafone called the service "carphone two" or something like that.

I remember Telecom in the AMPS days had this feature. Same number for handset and car phone.

Regards,

Old3eyes

Behodar

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#1864500 13-Sep-2017 13:53

It was called "Tandem" if I recall correctly.

old3eyes

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#1864502 13-Sep-2017 13:55

Behodar:

It was called "Tandem" if I recall correctly.

I think you're right.

Regards,

Old3eyes

xpd

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#1864506 13-Sep-2017 14:05

If I was to purchase one of these watches, do I need an existing iPhone, or I could just buy the watch outright and just use it ? Or does it require an iPhone at some point for setup etc ? The watch appeals to me....

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mattwnz

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Uber Geek

#1864510 13-Sep-2017 14:11

xpd:

If I was to purchase one of these watches, do I need an existing iPhone, or I could just buy the watch outright and just use it ? Or does it require an iPhone at some point for setup etc ? The watch appeals to me....

I recall reading that it needs at least an iphone 6, with ios11. I don't think you can use one without pairing it, as you set it up on the iphone. Last years model needed at least an iphone 5 or 5s from memory.

xpd

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#1864511 13-Sep-2017 14:13

That bites..... if correct. Which it probably is.... how they sucker you into their ecosystem for life ;)

Will wait and see I guess...

Gavin / xpd / FastRaccoon / Geek of Coastguard New Zealand

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Behodar

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#1864522 13-Sep-2017 14:29

The specs say that it "requires an iPhone 5s or later with iOS 11 or later".

Paparangi

166 posts

Master Geek

#1864560 13-Sep-2017 15:19

Apple rep says NZ will get LTE watch in a later release wave later this year. No further details given.

mattwnz

19378 posts

Uber Geek

#1864568 13-Sep-2017 15:25

Behodar:

The specs say that it "requires an iPhone 5s or later with iOS 11 or later".

On the apple watch page at https://www.apple.com/watch/ it says it need an iphone 6 or later as per below. It is odd though that an iphone 5s wouldn't work, as that also support ios11. But Apple doesn't usually make errors with this sort of info.

Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) requires an iPhone 6 or later with iOS 11 or later. Apple Watch and iPhone service provider must be the same. Not available with all service providers. Roaming is not available outside your carrier network coverage area. Wireless service plan required for cellular service. Contact your service provider for more details. Check www.apple.com/watch/cellular for participating wireless carriers and eligibility.

gnfb

2397 posts

Uber Geek

#1864569 13-Sep-2017 15:27

So of course the first question is anyone want to buy a "Classic Limited edition series 2" LOL Thanks apple!

So clever ones the chip is in the phone of the new model. Assuming that the cell model is going to be usable world wide I assume I could buy a cell model in the uk bring it back here then wait for the local phone companies to setup?? The question will be will one be able to buy one that is not linked/locked to a particular company ?? My bet is no , or not for a long time.

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