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Traveling Internationally With Apple Watch: What to Know

Traveling Internationally can be fun and exciting, especially when traveling to areas with different cultures, climatic conditions, or time zones. The real work lies in deciding what electronics to pack for your trip and how to pack them. 

While the devices you pack majorly depend on the purpose of your travel, everyone who travels often knows that one thing you should never leave behind when traveling across countries is your Apple Watch. There are however a few things you should know about traveling Internationally with Apple Watch.

Why travel with an Apple Watch

An Apple Watch makes your traveling experience better! You don’t have to juggle carrying suitcases and handling your other mobile devices. You can send and receive texts, including flight alerts, while on transit.  Not only are you able to avoid missing important information while traveling Internationally, but it also tracks your steps and monitors your health variables as you navigate through airports.

You can also take full advantage of your Apple Watch when you’re in areas that support tap-to-pay. While tap-to-pay is not very common in the U.S, you can use your Apple Watch to pay for goods and services in numerous countries all over the world. Not only is paying with your watch less stressful, but it is just as secure as using your credit card. If you are scared because you can damage your device while travelling, we gathered tips below to help you avoid it. In case you damage it anyway, you can sell broken Apple products to resellers.

Apps that will Help You With Travel

Traveling Internationally means you might end up in locations with poor internet access or no internet access at all.  Apple Watch apps for travel like Solar, Astronomy and Modular faces always come in handy. Set up these apps, especially Modular face, with information that remain current even when you’re in a location with no internet access such as  weather conditions, sunrise, and sunset as well as activity  Remember to load these apps before you lose internet connection. I recommend loading the apps you plan on using before you begin your trip at all or before you get on your flight.

Which bands you should have 

While some bands have unique features that make them especially great for certain kinds of trips, you can never go wrong with an all-purpose band. You could choose to travel with multiple bands, but an all-purpose option can basically handle all you need. The Apple’s Woven Nylon collection are especially great because they go with any outfit. So whether you’re attending a fancy party or a corporate meeting, they fit right in. You may prefer a neutral color like black or blue or you can go for something less conservative, depending on what works for you.

Another thing you should consider when choosing  Apple Watch travel accessories, is that it is possible to lose it in the hustle and bustle of traveling. It would hurt more if you lose an expensive band on your trip. It is advisable to travel with a band that isn’t overly expensive. This way, you can easily replace it if it gets missing.

Best Cases While traveling with Apple Watch

Your Apple watch no doubt needs to be kept safe as you travel. Apart from aesthetics, you have to choose a case that will protect your watch and at the same time is easy to pack. 

 If you want to bring multiple bands, a multipurpose travel case like the Twelve South’s Timeporter would be a great choice. It can hold spare bands and it has a tabletop charging solution to make charging on the road easier. 

Don’t forget about charging

Your Apple Watch is of no use if its battery is dead. Apple Watch has a  long lasting battery-life , but you will need to charge it at some point, especially If your trip will last longer than 24-hours. A percularity of Apple Watches is its magnetic charging. It is unlike charging  your other devices where you can easily lend a charger or a cable from people around.

Keep in mind that you may not always get an outlet to charge your Apple Watch while in transit, so it is safe to have a back-up plan. A great back up plan would be to take an external battery along with you. There are several high-capacity batteries with built-in Apple Watch charging solutions. Most of these batteries have strap-on features that make it easy to charge your Apple Watch while moving around.

Get Something to Clean Your Apple Watch

When traveling Internationally with your Apple Watch, take along screen wipes. Some locations are dustier or hotter than others and you can get sweat and all kinds of dirt on your Apple Watch as you travel. A sweaty or dusty Apple Watch would certainly be uncomfortable so you will need to get something to clean your Apple Watch. Screen wipes are always the better choice because they are not only great for your phone screen, they also clean your Apple Watch and band more effectively than other materials.

What If It Gets Broken During Travel 

If your Apple Watch gets broken, your first thought might be to sell it to Apple. While this is not a bad idea, a better deal would be to sell it to a reseller. You can get so much more, depending on the model of your Apple Watch and how damaged it is.

Using an Apple Watch for Travel

Last Updated on February 18, 2024 by Grant

We have been using Apple Watches as fitness trackers and travel watches since 2017 when we both got the Series 2 watch. In that time, the Apple Watch has proved an excellent companion on the trail and in our travels to several countries. 

The most recent iteration of WatchOS, combined with the additional sensors on the Series 6 Apple Watch, has made this device exceptional for our travels. The newest version of the watch is even more capable. The Apple Watch Ultra is an amazing tool for serious adventure travelers. 

(Disclaimer: When we link to places where you can buy our stuff or places we stayed, we are using special codes that earn us commissions on the sales at no additional cost to you. Please see our  Review Policy   for more information.)

What Makes An Apple Watch Great For Travel

The Apple Watch’s flexibility is the key attribute that makes it truly amazing for travel. The ability to customize your watch face with the exact information and tools you need while traveling is simply exceptional. You can even create multiple watch faces to use at different points during the same trip!

You can also easily switch out the watch band depending on the situation you find yourself in. If you want, you can use a nice, breathable band for a hike during the day and then switch to something more refined for dinner.

How I Customize My Watch Face

I make a point to use the analog Infograph face. It affords me a whopping eight complications, each providing me with pertinent information and capabilities.

“Complication” is the term watchmakers use to describe the small details included on a watch face that give information other than time. For example, most analog watches have some sort of complication for the date at the 3 o’clock position.

For Apple Watches, complications both display information and act as a shortcut to the app. Clicking on the weather complication, for example, will give you more detailed information. Some complications, however, are just shortcuts to the app on the watch.

If you don’t like how crowded the Infograph face is there are several other options that do not have as many complications cluttering the screen. Again, that’s what makes the Apple Watch great for travel.

Complications I Use 

Starting at the top left, I use the Calendar complication. While knowing the date is useful, I am more concerned about knowing what day of the week it is. In many places, both in the US and overseas, the day of the week can have a significant impact on what is open. 

At the top right, I have the time in my home city. I do this so I know what time it is for the majority of our family. That said, when Bonnie was in Paris without me, I changed that to be what time it was where she was. 

Read more about Bonnie’s trip to Paris here.

Below that, I use the Weather complication to give me the current temperature. It also gives me the high and low and current conditions. 

On the inside left, I use the Altimeter complication. This is nice when we are out West traveling through the mountains. It is not as useful normally… until you realize it is also a shortcut to the Compass app. The Compass app is extremely useful for navigation.  

On the inside right, I use the Activity complication. This allows me to see my “rings” and know if I need to get up and move around more. The “rings” are Apple’s way of tracking your fitness. The three rings track how many hours you have been standing, how many minutes of exercise you have gotten and how many active calories you have burned.

Below that, I have the Sunrise/Sunset complication. I love to take photos during the golden hour. Knowing at a glance when the next sunrise or sunset will take place is key. This is also key for hiking so you know how many hours of daylight you have remaining.

App Shortcuts

At the very bottom of the screen, I have the Camera Remote app and the Workout app. I use the Camera Remote app often while out on the trail. This is particularly handy if I want to put my iPhone on a tripod and take a selfie. The Workout complication is perfect for quickly launching the app for a hike or a long walk. 

I find these complications to be quite useful and give me a lot of useful information at a glance.

More Tips For Customizing Watch Faces

One of the tricks I like to do is to create other faces for specific purposes. Since you can easily swipe right and left between various faces, you can create a face just to suit a specific function.

For example, I have a “Time Face.” This allows me to have all of the complications useful for keeping track of time, like Timer and Stopwatch, on one face an easy swipe away.

Creating a “Time Face”

I use the World Time watch face and I add in four time-related complications: Stopwatch, Timer, Alarm and Calendar. That way, I can easily just swipe to this face to access those apps without them taking up real estate on the watch face I walk around with.

I use the World Time watch face because it allows me to see where the sun is up around the world. This is quite useful when you are working on planning a trip and you want to know whether it is daytime when you are calling for a reservation. 

Creating a Heart Face 

Because I had a heart attack back in 2015, my heart health is always in the back of my mind. So, I created a watch face I could swipe to for my heart.

Read more about my heart attack in Dubrovnik, Croatia.

I use the Modular watch face to give me easy access to the Heart Rate complication, the ECG complication and the Blood Oxygen complication. 

I have found the heart rate measurements to be consistent with the blood pressure cuff I have at home. Since I do not have atrial fibrillation, the ECG function is not as important to me. That said, if the heart rate sensor is having difficulties (due to the hair on my wrist) the ECG will pick it up. Plus, it gives me piece of mind if my heart is racing even though it cannot detect a heart attack. 

The blood oxygen sensor is mostly accurate. That said, when I got COVID back in August 2021, I did not rely on the measurements from the watch. Rather, I used a pulse oximeter. Still, for casual measurements, it is reliable enough. 

Apple Watch as a Navigation Aid

Probably the best use of an Apple Watch is as a navigation aid. If you use Apple Maps for navigation in your car (which we do all the time), the watch will give you haptic alerts for turns. That is quite useful if you are in the midst of an excellent podcast (like the Dear Bob and Sue Podcast about the National Parks and other public lands) and are about to miss an exit or a turn. Having that buzzing alert on your wrist is a nice reminder. 

But where that really shines is if you are renting a car without Apple CarPlay, like the Jeep we rented in Maui. Even though I had no informational display on the car, I was still able to keep my eyes on the road while using navigation by following the prompts on my Apple Watch. It made getting around the island that much easier.

Read more about our trip to Maui here.

Using Apple Watch For Walking and Mass Transit Directions

Any time we are in a city and need to get around, we use our Apple Watches extensively for walking and mass transit directions. 

The walking directions allow you to leave your phone in your pocket once you have put in the route. The directions pop up on your wrist, alerting you with haptics when you approach a turn. It is quite convenient and allows you to enjoy walking through a city without burying your head in your phone. 

The mass transit directions are similarly good. They do not, however, have as many haptic prompts in metro stations. That is mainly because they are mostly underground and GPS signal is tough. 

On a recent trip to Chicago, we used our phones extensively to navigate the city and had an excellent experience. 

Read more about our trip to Chicago in Bonnie’s upcoming article.

Pro tip: You can set up an Express Transit Card in Apple Pay section of the Watch app on your phone. That will allow you to just tap your watch on the turnstile and breeze through.

The Updated Compass App: A Game Changer

If you are a hiker, having a good approximation of your compass bearing is useful when using a paper map. The real benefit of the newly redesigned app is you can track your steps and follow a set of digital breadcrumbs back to where you started.

I cannot tell you how useful this would be if you decide to just wander around an area like the narrow streets near the Acropolis in Athens. After a while, the streets all start to look the same. If you aren’t keeping track of where you are going, it is easy to get lost.

The app also tracks where you parked your car (if it was connected via Bluetooth or CarPlay). That’s really handy in large parking lots. 

Making Use of Focus in iOS and WatchOS

One of the best additions to iOS 16 and Watch OS 9 was the addition of different Focus settings. I have set up a focus just for travel. When I turn it on, it automatically changes my watch face to my travel face. It also is set to only allow certain notifications from apps.

I have set up different watch faces with different complications based on which complications I use at home, at work, out and about and while traveling. For example, I have Outlook calendar notifications turned on for my work face, allowing me to know when my next meeting is. At home, I have the Latch complication on my face because the apartment I live in uses that app to control common doors.

Focus and Lock Screens

The focus setting also customizes my Lock Screen. I use one of the Weather & Astronomy lock screens which shows where I am on the globe, even if I don’t have cellular service. It was really cool to see my location displayed on the Lock Screen in the middle of the Gulf of Mexico while on a recent cruise.

Read more about our cruise aboard the Norweigan Breakaway here.

While setting up a Focus takes time, I have found it helps me get the most out of the flexibility of my phone and watch. By spending the time to get all of the settings right, I am able to automate customizing my phone and watch for different situations easily. 

For example, I have a Focus setting for while I am at home, at work, in the car, at bedtime, while traveling and when I don’t want to be disturbed. My home and work Focus settings come on automatically based on my location. My driving setting turns on automatically when my phone connects to a car or uses CarPlay. 

Travel Apps For Your Apple Watch

Honestly, I don’t use a lot of third-party apps on my watch. In terms of apps for travel, the big ones I have are the Fly Delta app, primarily because it pushes gate change notifications to my watch. 

I also have the Hilton Honors app but I only use it for notifications to check in for my hotel. I don’t use it for digital keys (I rarely use those) but I could. 

The AllTrails app is our staple for hiking. I have found that to be invaluable on the trail, especially if all of the data has been downloaded. Still, you have to run both the workout app and the AllTrails app if you want workout credit for your hike. 

Lastly, I use the FordPass app, which allows me to remotely start, lock and unlock our truck.

Cons of Using an Apple Watch for Travel

The single biggest con to using an Apple Watch for travel is the battery. The Apple Watch pretty much has to be charged every night. Additionally, if you are flying on an overnight flight, you may need to charge the watch during the flight in order to keep it up and running for an entire day when you land. 

For long trips on a plane, we have started carrying a small, rechargeable battery for charging our watches. It is also handy if, for some reason, we forgot to put the watch on the charger at night.

You can also have battery problems when using GPS without a cellular signal to back it up. When we hiked the Yosemite Valley Loop, Bonnie’s watch did not last the entire hike because she did not have GPS enabled on her phone for the hike. The battery just could not keep up with that much demand. 

The next con is having an internet connection while you are traveling. If you are traveling overseas and are not using your phone’s data capability while traveling, some of the features of the watch are pretty much disabled, namely the Weather app. 

Lastly, while the normal Apple Watch is perfectly fine for swimming, it is NOT a dive watch. I learned that the hard way while snorkeling Cozumel. My watch did fine while swimming or in a hot tub several times before but diving down to check out a reef in Cozumel, even in about 15 feet of water, was more than it could handle. So, now I carry another watch with me if I am expecting to get deep. The new Apple Watch Ultra, on the other hand, is designed for diving to depth. 

So What Watch Would You Use For Travel if Not an Apple Watch?

If something were to happen to my Apple Watch or I feel like I am going to be in a potentially too deep water environment for it, I really like my Citizen Eco-Drive Field Watch . This watch is simple, has a solar cell to keep the battery charged, has a luminescent coating on the dial for reading the watch at night and is lightweight. 

I really like the simple, classic look of an analog field watch. Also, I really love that I rarely need to worry about replacing the battery. 

• These military-inspired watches with rugged looks and a comfortable fit are born ready for adventure.
• 3 Hand, Day / Date
• Silver-Tone Stainless Steel Case with Olive Green Nylon Strap
• Luminous Hands and Markers and Mineral Crystal
• Featuring our Eco-Drive technology – powered by light, any light. Never needs a battery100 Meters Water Resistant and 5 Year Limited Warranty

Final Thoughts on Using an Apple Watch for Travel

The Apple Watch is incredibly capable as a travel watch. It gives you exceptional flexibility and customizations to provide you with either excellent information at a glance or the ability to quickly access useful apps. 

• CARBON NEUTRAL — An aluminum Apple Watch Series 9 paired with the latest Sport Loop is carbon neutral. Learn more about Apple’s commitment to the environment at apple.com/2030.
• WHY APPLE WATCH SERIES 9 — Your essential companion for a healthy life is now even more powerful. The S9 chip enables a superbright display and a magical new way to quickly and easily interact with your Apple Watch without touching the screen. Advanced health, safety, and activity features provide powerful insights and help when you need it. And redesigned apps in watchOS give you more information at a glance.
• ADVANCED HEALTH FEATURES — Take an ECG anytime. Get notifications if you have an irregular heart rhythm. See how much time you spent in REM, Core, or Deep sleep with sleep stages. Temperature sensing provides insights into overall wellbeing and cycle tracking. And take note of your state of mind to help build emotional awareness and resilience.
• A POWERFUL FITNESS PARTNER — The Workout app gives you a range of ways to train plus advanced metrics for more insights about your workout performance. And Apple Watch comes with three months of Apple Fitness+ free.
• INNOVATIVE SAFETY FEATURES — Fall Detection and Crash Detection can connect you with emergency services in the event of a hard fall or a severe car crash. And Emergency SOS lets you call for help with the press of a button.

• ADVANCED HEALTH FEATURES — Keep an eye on your blood oxygen. Take an ECG anytime. Get notifications if you have an irregular heart rhythm. See how much time you spent in REM, Core, or Deep sleep with sleep stages. Temperature sensing provides insights into overall wellbeing and cycle tracking. And take note of your state of mind to help build emotional awareness and resilience.

I use the watch extensively when I travel. While it has its drawbacks, they are more than outweighed by the pros of the device. 

We highly recommend the Apple Watch for travel.          

Travel Resources

What do you use to find a flight.

We use Skyscanner to find deals on flights. Skyscanner has a great interface and compares tons of airlines for the best pricing and routing. That said, it does not always have every airline and some airlines will have better deals on their website. Still, Skyscanner is a great place to start. Click here to search for a flight.

What do you use to find a hotel?

We typically stay at Hilton properties , so we use the Hilton website . You can find good Hilton Honors discounts or AAA discounts for a hotel there. We make great use of our free night certificates from our Hilton Honors American Express. Click here to book a Hilton property.

If there are no Hilton properties available, we use TripAdvisor to read reviews and book the hotel. We find we can get the best price that way. Click here to search for a hotel.

We recently partnered with Stay22 to add interactive maps to each of our destination posts. This will allow you to see a plethora of hotels and vacation rentals all in one responsive map of the area.

What if I need more space than I can get at a hotel?

We use Vrbo for the times when we have rented a cabin for a weekend getaway, like this cabin in Townsend, TN , or needed to rent a house for a large family vacation. We had a great experience with them in terms of refunding deposits when COVID hit and will continue to use them. Click here to search for a vacation rental.

Who do you use for rental cars?

As a general rule, we book with Hertz for rental cars. We have had nothing but good experiences with them. Plus, we really like unlimited mileage and not worrying about crossing state lines. We have even rented from Hertz overseas in both Slovenia and Croatia . Click here to book a rental car.

How about booking a cruise?

We have found some amazing prices for booking a cruise through Cruise Direct . We have saved a lot of money on our cruises compared to what we found elsewhere, making a last-minute Bahamas cruise even cheaper. Click here to book a cruise.

What if I want to rent an RV?

We highly recommend Outdoorsy for RV rentals. We rented a camper van for a week to visit Rocky Mountain National Park for the elk rut and Custer State Park for the Buffalo Round-Up and had a blast. The program was easy to use and we really enjoyed the freedom of having a camper van for that trip. Click here to rent an RV.

What do you use for booking tours?

We don’t often book tours. Typically, we like to do stuff on our own. That said, there are some experiences you can’t have any other way. So, when we do want to book a tour, we always check Viator first. Click here to book a tour.

Do you use anything to get discounts on the road?

We make extensive use of both Good Sam and AAA on the road. Good Sam is normally regarded as a discount card for RVers at campgrounds and Camping World but anyone can use the 5 cents off a gallon at the pump at both Pilot and Flying J. Click here to get a Good Sam membership. We have had AAA as long as we have been married and it has more than paid for itself in discounts at hotels, aside from the peace of mind of having roadside assistance. Add in paper maps and the ability to get an international driver’s license and it is more than worth it for any traveler out there. Click here to get a AAA membership.

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International Roaming: Does the Apple Watch Work Abroad?

What To Know

• For example, if you’re traveling to a country that uses a different cellular standard than your home country, you may not be able to use the cellular features of your Apple Watch.

It’s also important to note that international roaming charges can be expensive, so it’s a good idea to check with your carrier to understand the costs involved and to ensure that you have the correct plan for your needs.

• If you’re planning on being in a foreign country for an extended period of time, it may be worth considering getting a local SIM card for your iPhone and Apple Watch.

If you’re like most people, you probably don’t think much about your Apple Watch’s cellular connectivity when you travel internationally. But if you’re planning to use your watch outside of your home country, it’s important to know if it will roam internationally.

The good news is that the Apple Watch Series 6 and later do support international roaming. This means that you can use your watch in another country, even if you don’t have a local SIM card or cellular plan.

Does Apple Watch Roam Internationally?

The Apple Watch is a great tool for traveling, as it can be used to track your location, communicate with friends and family, and access information and entertainment. However, if you’re planning to travel internationally, you may be wondering if your Apple Watch will work in other countries.

The answer is yes, the Apple Watch does work internationally, as it is designed to work with many different carriers and networks around the world. However, it’s important to note that the availability of features and services may vary depending on your location and the carrier you’re using.

For example, if you’re traveling to a country that uses a different cellular standard than your home country, you may not be able to use the cellular features of your Apple Watch. In this case, you would need to use a local SIM card or a Wi-Fi connection to access data and communicate.

Overall, the Apple Watch is a great tool for traveling, as it can be used to track your location, communicate with friends and family, and access information and entertainment. However, it’s important to be aware of the limitations and costs involved when traveling internationally.

What Are The Best Practices For Using My Apple Watch Internationally?

• 1. Check your network settings: Before traveling, it’s important to check your network settings to ensure that your Apple Watch is set up to work with the local carriers. This can be done by going to Settings > Cellular and Data on your iPhone and ensuring that the correct international roaming plan is selected.
• 2. Use a local SIM card: If you’re planning on being in a foreign country for an extended period of time, it may be worth considering getting a local SIM card for your iPhone and Apple Watch. This will allow you to use the local carriers’ networks and potentially save on international roaming fees .
• 3. Turn on Airplane Mode: When you’re not using your Apple Watch, it’s a good idea to turn on Airplane Mode to save on battery life and to avoid any unnecessary data usage. This can be done by swiping up on your Apple Watch’s screen and turning on Airplane Mode

What Are The Limitations Of The Apple Watch Internationally?

The Apple Watch is a great piece of technology that has become increasingly popular over the years. It is a versatile device that can be used for a variety of purposes, such as tracking your fitness, checking your messages, and even making phone calls.

However, there are some limitations to the Apple Watch that users should be aware of, particularly when it comes to using it internationally.

One of the main limitations of the Apple Watch is that it is not compatible with all cellular networks . This means that users who travel internationally may have difficulty accessing cellular data or making phone calls. The Apple Watch is currently only compatible with a limited number of cellular networks, including those from AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon in the United States.

Another limitation of the Apple Watch is that it is not always easy to use in other countries. This is because the device is designed to work with the iOS operating system, which is not always compatible with other languages or character sets. This can make it difficult for users to navigate the device or access certain features when traveling internationally.

Despite these limitations, the Apple Watch is still a great device for users who travel internationally. It is a versatile and powerful tool that can be used for a variety of purposes, such as tracking your fitness, checking your messages, and making phone calls. With a little bit of planning and preparation, users can ensure that they have a smooth and enjoyable experience with the Apple Watch when traveling outside of the United States.

What Are The Features Of The Apple Watch That Work Internationally?

– Heart rate monitoring: The Apple Watch can monitor your heart rate and provide you with valuable information about your overall health and fitness. This feature is available to users in most countries, and can be particularly useful for those who are concerned about their heart health .

– Activity tracking : The Apple Watch can track your activity levels and provide you with insights into your fitness and overall health. This feature is available to users in most countries, and can help you stay motivated and achieve your fitness goals.

How Do I Set Up My Apple Watch To Work Internationally?

There are a few things you need to do in order to set up your Apple Watch to work internationally. First, you need to make sure that your Apple Watch is unlocked. This can be done by going into the settings on your Apple Watch and selecting the option to unlock. Once your Apple Watch is unlocked, you need to set up a new Apple ID for your watch. This can be done by going into the settings on your watch and selecting the option to set up a new Apple ID. Once you have set up a new Apple ID for your watch, you need to add a new payment method to your watch. This can be done by going into the settings on your watch and selecting the option to add a new payment method. Finally, you need to set up a new shipping address for your watch. This can be done by going into the settings on your watch and selecting the option to set up a new shipping address.

How Does The Apple Watch Work Internationally?

The Apple Watch is a great device for anyone who wants to stay connected and access information while on the go. The device works by connecting to your iPhone or other iOS device via Bluetooth, and it can be used to make calls, send messages , and access information from your device.

When traveling internationally, the Apple Watch can be a great way to stay connected and access information. The device can be used to make calls and send messages, and it can also be used to access information from your device such as maps, email, and more.

The Apple Watch is designed to work with a wide range of carriers and networks, so it can be used in many countries around the world. However, it’s important to note that the device may not work with all carriers and networks, and it’s always a good idea to check with your carrier before traveling to ensure that the device will work in the country you’re visiting.

The Apple Watch is a great tool for international travel, as it can roam the world and still stay connected. This is a great advantage for those who travel frequently, as they can stay connected to their friends and family back home, even when they are abroad. The Apple Watch also has a built-in GPS, which can be used to track your location and provide you with turn-by-turn directions. This is a great feature for those who are new to a city and need help finding their way around. The Apple Watch is also water-resistant, so you can take it with you when you go swimming or snorkeling. It’s a great device for those who love to travel and stay connected.

Alex Wilson

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How my Apple Watch proved the ultimate travel necessity when I spent a week halfway around the world

What happened when I went to Tokyo with the Apple Watch Series 9

I already wear my Apple Watch on a daily basis, so why wouldn’t it be strapped on my wrist when I set off for a trip halfway around the world? Better yet, are there ways the Apple Watch can prove essential when I’m navigating a foreign country?

That’s exactly what I attempted to test on a recent trip to Tokyo, Japan. Having never been to the city before, I knew I would need some assistance finding my way around and making the most of my experience. And while my iPhone 15 Pro Max is certainly a great tool for finding restaurants, capturing content throughout the week and more, there are times when turning to my Apple Watch Series 9 proved more convenient. 

For example, while exploring Akihabara, I got separated from my travel mates. (It was my fault — I lost track of time in Big Camera, one of the most incredible technology superstores I’d ever seen. (It’s like a Target on steroids.) My iPhone battery was running low and my hands were full of shopping bags. So, to find my friends, I used my Apple Watch to text them, learn where they landed for lunch and get directions to the restaurant via Apple Maps . Thanks to my watch, I arrived just in time to enjoy a memorable tempura lunch.

To that point, I probably used the Maps app most during my trip. If it wasn’t for turn-by-turn directions navigating the bustling streets of Harajuku, it was figuring out whether the bullet train offered the fastest journey to my next destination, or if I could get there on foot instead.

I also relied on Apple Pay for Apple Watch quite a bit to pay quickly for my bounties at convenience stores. With my hands filled with gummy candy, bottled coffees and unconventionally-flavored potato chips, tilting my wrist to the tap-to-pay terminal was much easier than juggling my phone.

While there were plenty of awesome Apple Watch features and Apple Watch apps that came in handy during my time in Japan, there’s also a feature that’s great for the journey both ways. It’s the one Apple Watch setting you should change before your next flight , but you’ll need to watch the full video on our YouTube channel to find out how it worked for a 13-hour flight. (And if that's not reason enough, I'll spoil that some furry friends make a cameo.) 

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Kate Kozuch is the managing editor of social and video at Tom’s Guide. She covers smartwatches, TVs and audio devices, too. Kate appears on Fox News to talk tech trends and runs the  Tom's Guide TikTok account , which you should be following. When she’s not filming tech videos, you can find her taking up a new sport, mastering the NYT Crossword or channeling her inner celebrity chef. 

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admin said: Is the Apple Watch the ultimate travel companion? Here's what happened when I wore it for a week in Tokyo, Japan. How my Apple Watch proved the ultimate travel necessity when I spent a week halfway around the world : Read more

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5 Essential Apple Watch Tips You Need To Know Before Your Next Flight

The Apple Watch is a fairly versatile little wrist-mounted device that can keep track of your vitals, monitor sleep, check in on your fitness goals, and even manage your calls and messages if you want it to. But how well does it travel?

Whether you're new to the Apple Watch entirely or want to know what to look out for when you bring one on an airplane, there are definitely a handful of important things to consider. How do you want to handle boarding? Are you ready for airport security? How do you plan to get around when you arrive? Where are you staying? You may need to do a little bit of prep beforehand, or you might need to keep in mind that certain points of your journey will require a few adjustments. Not to mention, international travel comes with even more considerations.

Regardless of where you're headed or how long you'll be in the air, here are five things for you to plan for when taking your Apple Watch above 30,000 feet.

Set up and use boarding passes

Being able to use the Apple Wallet app on an Apple Watch to hold digital boarding passes isn't a brand new feature, but it's a very useful one if you're going to be flying. To get everything ready:

• Access the boarding pass (via email, web page, or however it's been sent to you) with your iPhone, then tap the Add to Apple Wallet option.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to finish adding the pass to Apple Wallet. Alternatively, tap the Add button in the top-right corner of the screen.
• To use the boarding pass, open the Wallet app on your Apple Watch, tap the pass to open it, and then scan the pass by holding the watch face in front of the airport's scanner.
• Once you're finished with the boarding pass, open the Wallet app on either your Apple Watch or iPhone and select the pass, then tap the three dots icon (...) and select Remove Pass. Removing the pass from one device will carry over to the other.

Be aware that not all passes are compatible with Apple Wallet — and, by extension, your Apple Watch — but many should be. Also, be prepared to either use your iPhone or remove your Apple Watch when scanning your pass, as some scanners are built to scan flat paper passes and won't fit a human wrist.

Download useful apps ahead of time

Take some time before your trip to think about any apps you might want that will help with your travels. If you're unsure of the area you'll be traveling through, there are a number of additional apps you can download for some added peace of mind.

What you may need will depend on where you're going and what you plan to do once you get there, but there are some useful apps that are worth considering if you don't already have them installed. Rideshares like Lyft and Uber can help you get around town once you're out of the air. Booking.com's official app or the Airbnb app helps you to make or keep track of bookings for where you're going to sleep. Most airlines have their own official apps as well, which can help with keeping track of flights, boarding, and so on.

You can, of course, install additional apps once you get to your destination and realize they'll come in handy. However, if you can anticipate your needs in advance, it's a good idea to have everything set up before you leave — because you don't necessarily know how strong or reliable your coverage will be once you're on your way.

Getting through security

Don't expect to keep your Apple Watch on you at all times when passing through the airport — particularly when going through security. It's a good idea to take it off along with everything else you plan to put in one of those little plastic bins before attempting to step through the metal detector or body scanner, depending on the airport.

If you're worried about someone stealing your watch, don't be — TSA agents are keeping a pretty close eye on the X-ray conveyor belt, so it's unlikely that anyone can walk up and grab it. But you can always place your precious items (Apple Watch, iPhone, wallet, etc.) at the bottom of the bin and then place a jacket, sweatshirt, etc., on top of them to at least make it harder for anyone not to look at the X-ray to see them in there.

Alternatively, you can preemptively remove your Apple Watch and place it inside your carry-on bag before you get to the security checkpoint. That way, it will be tucked inside your closed-off luggage (which will still go through the X-ray machine) without having to go inside one of those open bins at all.

Turn on Airplane Mode

Before takeoff, it's recommended that you turn on Airplane Mode for your Apple Watch to turn off wireless features while still being able to use many of its other functions. This way, you will have plenty of battery life when you arrive at your destination.

• To turn on Airplane Mode, press the Side Button to open Control Center and then tap the Airplane Mode icon (it looks like an airplane).
• If you're using an Apple Watch with watchOS 9 or older, you'll have to swipe up from the bottom of the watch face to open Control Center. From there, you still tap the Airplane Mode icon to turn it on, as before.
• You can set your iPhone and Apple Watch to mirror each other when Airplane Mode is turned on by opening the Apple Watch app on your iPhone.
• Then select General, tap the Airplane Mode option, and toggle on Mirror iPhone.

Even with Airplane Mode turned on, you can still access Wi-Fi and Bluetooth from either your iPhone or Apple Watch. However, if you turn either one off while Airplane Mode is on, turning Airplane Mode on again in the future will automatically turn off those connection settings as well (unless and until you manually turn them back on again).

You can set up international roaming

Cellular models of the Apple Watch Series 5 and newer, Apple Watch SE, and Apple Watch Ultra also support international roaming in watchOS 9.1 and later. Setting up a cellular connection will allow your Apple Watch to connect to a local LTE network (or UMTS if your carrier supports it) for calls, messages, music, notifications, walkie-talkie, and other such functions without the need for a Wi-Fi connection — or even without having your iPhone present. International roaming isn't something you need to worry about if you're not traveling out of the country, but if you are, the option is there (depending on the country).

• To set it up, contact your iPhone's cell carrier and make sure it supports both VoLTE and roaming in the first place. If your carrier does support both VoLTE and roaming, ask to add your Apple Watch to your cellular roaming plan.
• Once the Apple Watch is added to your roaming plan, open the Settings app on the watch.
• Tap the Cellular menu option, then turn on the toggle for Data Roaming.

Whether or not you can make use of international roaming with a cellular-supporting Apple Watch depends on your carrier, your model of Apple Watch, and the country or region you're traveling to. No version of the Apple Watch will support cellular in every area of the world. Also, remember that data roaming can lead to added charges on your cellular bill, depending on your carrier's rules and regulations.

How to roam with your Apple Watch and use LTE data in a foreign country

I've been back and forth between the Boston and Montréal metro areas recently for work and roller derby, which has given me a whole new appreciation to the difficulties of phone roaming and carrier fees. Now, I currently have a great plan from AT&T that lets me use my domestic data at no additional cost while roaming, but my Series 3 Apple Watch isn't quite so lucky: When I cross the border, its cellular antenna turns off, rendering my watch LTE-less until I return.

This is because the Apple Watch can't currently roam on foreign networks . There are several credible theories as to why — like poor battery life performance, and the fact that each watch model has an incredibly limited number of LTE bands so you would only be able to roam in some countries and not others — but the fact remains: Your Apple Watch works with your iPhone, in your home country. Period.

... Well, that sounds like a challenge.

A primer for using your Apple Watch in a foreign country

As I mentioned, the Apple Watch has a limited number of LTE bands in comparison to the iPhone: Whereas your U.S.-based smartphone can jump onto a different LTE band to roam on a U.K. network when visiting Europe, the U.S. version of the Apple Watch Series 3 doesn't have space for those bands — and as a result, couldn't connect to that network even if roaming were supported.

But if you're traveling to a country that does use bands built for your region's Apple Watch (like moving from the U.S. to Canada), it can theoretically communicate with those networks — Apple's just chosen not to provide roaming support.

Tip: You can check which LTE bands are supported by your region's Apple Watch on Apple's website .

So how can you convince your Apple Watch to connect to those preinstalled LTE bands? Simply put, you have to buy a cellular plan for your iPhone on a compatible carrier in that country. What kind of plan depends on the country you visit — right now, most carriers are only offering the watch as a post-paid device. (If you have to sign up for a post-paid device, you may also need a local mailing address on your account — you can try your hotel, a friend's house, or worst-case a local fast food chain.)

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To test this theory — and, let's be honest, get my Apple Watch back up and running in Canada — we set my iPhone up as a second device on iMore editor-at-large Rene Ritchie's existing Bell plan, and authorized it for a wearable plan, too. In theory, all I needed to do was swap SIM cards, turn off my AT&T plan in the Watch app, and start using my watch.

Reality, of course, had other plans.

When I first popped my new Bell SIM into my iPhone 8 Plus, I was able to get online immediately, thanks to Rene setting up the account in advance. But when I went to the Watch app's Cellular section, I was less lucky.

So we packed up and paid a visit to Rene's local Bell store, where he chatted with the salesperson and I gazed in horror at the size of the Gear S3 .

Verdict: "Nothing you can do on our end. Go ask Apple."

A visit to the Apple Store didn't initially yield success, though a smart comment from one of the specialists led me to force a carrier software update by resetting my network settings; after running the update, the Watch app immediately offered me the option for setting up the device.

Once I pressed a few buttons and confirmed my emergency address, we were ready to go: I toggled my iPhone 8 Plus into Airplane mode and put the Seriess 3 GPS + Cellular model to work.

How to use your Apple Watch in a foreign country

Before following these steps, I highly encourage you to consider the following three factors:

• Did you check Apple's website to make sure your Apple Watch model can work in the foreign country you want to visit?
• Can you pay for a phone and watch plan in the foreign country that doesn't cost an arm and a leg? (For reference, getting added to Rene's plan cost $60/month; a brand new Apple-Watch-supported Bell plan runs more like $100.)
• How long do you need to have this plan? Can you disable it when you leave?

If the answer to all three of these questions is "yes", proceed.

• Open the Watch app from your home screen.
• Tap on the My Watch tab.
• Select the Cellular option

• Tap the Info button .
• Tap Remove [carrier] Plan to untie your Apple Watch's eSIM from your current terrestrial wireless provider. Keep in mind: This won't cancel your plan; you'll have to go to your carrier directly if you'd like to do that. It's the equivalent of taking out a SIM card to add a new one.
• Set up an Apple Watch-compatible wireless plan with your foreign carrier. (You may need an address in that country to do so.)
• Get a nano-SIM card from the new carrier.
• Switch the SIM cards in your iPhone between your current carrier and your new foreign carrier.
• Confirm that you can access the internet with your new SIM card.
• Open the Watch app.

• Select the Cellular option.
• Tap Set Up Cellular to set up a watch plan with your foreign carrier. Note: If this setting is greyed out, you may need to update your carrier settings: You can do so by forcing a network reset on your iPhone: Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings .

Bottom line: This is a great tip for snowbirds and other dual-country enthusiasts, but if you're only visiting a country for a few days this is currently more hassle than it's worth. There's also the inconvenience of having a different number when on your foreign SIM: While I've gotten around this by having iMessage and FaceTime identify as my email address, it's still a pain if you want to place non-FaceTime Audio phone calls.

This may change as additional carriers offer support for the watch and expand their plan types (i.e. offering watch support with pay-as-you-go plans), but until they do, I'm reticent to recommend this option to someone unless they can afford the time and monthly cost.

Let me know below.

○ Apple Watch Series 6 FAQ ○ Apple Watch SE FAQ ○ Apple Watch Series 6/SE Hands-on ○ watchOS 7 review ○ watchOS 7 FAQ ○ Apple Watch Series 6 deals ○ Apple Watch SE deals ○ Apple Watch users guide ○ Apple Watch news ○ Apple Watch discussion

Serenity was formerly the Managing Editor at iMore, and now works for Apple. She's been talking, writing about, and tinkering with Apple products since she was old enough to double-click. In her spare time, she sketches, sings, and in her secret superhero life, plays roller derby. Follow her on Twitter @settern.

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Apple watch ultra 2: 5 reasons it's the perfect smartwatch for traveling.

From long battery life to a very bright display, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is the ideal watch for travel.

Key Takeaways

• The Apple Watch Ultra 2 has exceptional battery life, making it the perfect smartwatch for long trips without worrying about frequent charging.
• The Ultra 2 has a bright display with a peak brightness of 3,000 nits, making it easy to read even in direct sunlight or bright environments.
• The Depth app on the Ultra 2 adds value for divers, providing essential information such as depth, water temperature, and dive time while also encouraging users to push their limits.

I spent the last week of October in Fiji, participating in the 2023 GoPro Creator Summit. GoPro hosts the annual summit in a different exotic location, inviting dozens of content creators and athletes to trek the globe, and then capture their activities on GoPro's latest camera.

This year, that meant capturing everything from riding down the river in a speedboat, to scuba diving, free diving, or skydiving onto or near one of the countless islands that make up Fiji.

I'm neither a creator nor an athlete, but I was invited to cover different aspects of the event (some of which will be published here soon). I also took the chance to test out the new Apple Watch Ultra 2 , putting it through its paces in an environment I don't normally get to experience.

I've used the original Ultra since it launched, so I was excited to experience the Ultra 2, which doesn't differ all that much from the original Ultra, on paper at least. However, it turns out there are a couple of key areas where the Ultra 2 truly shines brighter than the original Ultra, making its case to be the smartwatch you want when traveling. At least, I know I do.

Battery life for days… literally

The number one reason why I love traveling with the Ultra 2 is its long battery life. On short work trips, usually 36–48 hours, to cover a launch event, I don't have to worry about even taking an Apple Watch charger with me. The Ultra, and now the Ultra 2, has more than enough battery life to get through the entire trip. Carrying one less charger, especially one designed for a single device, is always a good thing.

My trip to Fiji was longer than my short work trips, of course. I was there for a total of five days when you look at the calendar, but thanks to timezones and the international date line, I was actually gone closer to eight days. And when I got back home, I almost immediately got on another plane and flew to Texas for four days to attend a wedding. In total, I was on the road for 12 days.

During that time, I had to charge the Ultra 2 a total of five times, which was roughly every other day. I'd typically wake up and put the watch on its charger while getting ready, and once I was ready to go for the day, so too was the watch.

On Nov. 1, my last day in Fiji, I woke up at 6 am local time, flew out at 10 pm local time, and landed at LAX at 12:30 pm, on November 1. I didn't get home for another 12 hours. I basically lived the same day twice because time zones are weird. And I didn't have to worry about charging the Ultra 2 during my own personal Groundhog Day.

This is in stark contrast to Google's Pixel Watch 2 , which I've found needs to be charged every 28 hours or so. The same goes for any of Apple's non-Ultra models; you're going to get about a day's worth of use out of it before placing it on the charger.

Be it a long trip, like my recent outing, or a short work trip, the extended battery life of the Ultra 2 is a key feature.

A display so bright

Fiji is a beautiful place, so naturally, I spent a lot of time outside for various activities and events. Nearly all that time was spent in direct sunlight, or if I was in shade, there was still plenty of bright light, which is an environment that's not ideal for looking at your phone's or smartwatch's display.

Even with the iPhone 15 Pro Max's 2,000 nits peak brightness, I struggled to see the screen in direct sunlight. However, the Apple Watch Ultra 2's screen is so bright I never once had to cup my other hand around the display so I could read the time or check a message. Every time I glanced down at it, be it the always-on display or after raising my wrist, I could clearly read what I needed.

The Ultra 2's display has a staggering peak brightness of 3,000 nits, that's up from 2,000 nits on the first-generation Ultra, and a third higher than the iPhone 15 Pro Max .

According to the Health app on my iPhone, there was a day when I spent 437 minutes outside and in sunlight, and the Ultra 2 provided enough power to the display to keep it visible while not causing an excessive drain on the battery. Impressive.

I'm no diver, but I see the value of the Depth app

I had hoped I would have the chance to go scuba diving while in Fiji, but because I ditched my certification class years ago to watch a hockey game and there not being enough time to go through a certification course before the trip, I was left with one option: snorkeling.

One of the reasons I wanted to go scuba diving was to test out the Depth app on the Apple Watch Ultra. The app automatically turns on when it detects it's underwater, putting information like your current depth (and your range of depth), the water temperature, and the amount of time you've been under on your wrist. It effectively acts as a dive computer, giving you the most critical information, with the option to use and trigger third-party apps that go even further.

When snorkeling, however, that information isn't nearly as important, but that doesn't mean it wasn't fun to see.

I wasn't entirely content with floating on top of the water looking at the coral and fish below, so I tried to practice my freediving the best I could. That is, holding my breath, going down into the coral, and swimming alongside the fish and other wildlife.

I used the Ultra 2 and the Depth app to measure how deep I was going on each dive. The deepest? A whole six feet. But you know what? It was an awesome six feet.

While I didn't get to fully test out the Ultra 2's Depth app and dive computer prowess, I did use it as a tool to track and encourage myself to push my personal boundaries and limits. And it was a success.

It's built to survive, and that brings peace of mind

Up until the original Ultra was released, I owned and wore every Apple Watch Series model. Still, whenever it came time to go swimming, especially in the ocean, or put myself in environments where I could bang my wrist on something and break the display, I took it off.

Even though I spent a lot of time in Fiji's beautiful water - salt water, more specifically - or riding in a speed boat that frequently would do a 360-degree turn going who knows how fast, throwing the passengers from one side to the other, or riding a jetski at nearly 50 mph, or going through a Survivor challenge… I never once thought about taking the Ultra 2 off because I was afraid it'd break.

The fact that the housing is made of titanium is a nice selling point, but what instills the most confidence is the flat display design. That is, the titanium housing comes up alongside and over the edges of the display, leaving only the flat top that's ever-so-slightly recessed to further protect it.

I did have one close call, however, during my trip, but that wasn't due to the watch itself, but the fault of the watchband. The Ultra 2 I received from Apple came with the green/gray Alpine Loop band. Despite having numerous watch bands, some designed for water activities, I decided to use the Alpine Loop band for my trip.

All was well until I jumped off a pier into the ocean. Everything was fine until I hit the water, and I immediately felt the Apple Watch Ultra 2 slide down my wrist, over my hand. I quickly closed my hand and kept it from sliding off my arm, down to the bottom of the sea.

I was so distracted by rescuing the watch, that I didn't realize that my sunglasses fell off and were slowly making a descent of their own. Thankfully, someone on the pier reminded me, and I could leave the water with both the watch and sunglasses.

Complications are invaluable

Last but certainly not least, the Ultra 2's larger display and ability to show more information on a watch face in the form of complications were key to keeping me on schedule and in the right place while traveling.

I relied on complications from apps like TripIt and Flighty at the airport and rocked Fantastical 2's daily schedule complication for further guidance.

But the complication I used the most came from the Clock app on the watch. More specifically, I put the local time back home on my watch face so I didn't have to do all sorts of mental math to figure out the time and day of the week in Colorado. Subtracting 18 hours from your current time sounds easy, until you do it multiple times a day. Not to mention that as soon as I got back, I switched time zones yet again by going to Texas, and that was then again thrown off, thanks to the time change over the weekend.

Bottom line

Apple watch ultra 2.

I was already really fond of the Apple Watch Ultra before my extended time away from the office. Still, after spending almost two weeks with the Ultra 2, I'm even more sold on it being the best smartwatch you can own for traveling thanks to core features like extended battery life, rugged design, super bright - and big - display and its secondary features like the Depth app and complications that are full of information, it's the complete package.

Apple Watch cellular editions finally getting international data roaming

Owners of cellular editions of the Apple Watch have some good news, because at long last they'll be able to roam with their wrist computers.

Apple's big iPhone event isn't just about the phone, the Apple Watch was treated to its own time in the spotlight. And not just the new Series 8, either. Older versions of Apple's wrist computer are getting new features as well.

For owners of cellular models, there is some long-awaited news. International roaming is finally coming to the Apple Watch.

It's not  all Apple Watches, but a decent portion of the back catalog will get international roaming. All cellular Apple Watch models from Series 5 onwards will have the feature.

Of course, there's also the carrier aspect to consider and by the end of 2022 Apple is promising support from 30 of its partners. The initial list includes Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile in the U.S., Three and O2 in the UK, and international carriers including China Mobile, Softbank, and Movistar.

That's not the only piece of news either for owners of existing Apple Watches. Anyone who owns a Series 4 Apple Watch and later will also get the new low-power mode. Depending on which watch you have, it'll provide up to 36 hours of battery life by turning down what you have on the display and what the watch is doing. Even so, it'll still track activity, and fall detection will still operate. But you'll lose the always-on display or automatic workout detection.

This all comes alongside the big new hardware announcements. At the same event, Apple revealed the new Apple Watch Series 8 , the new affordable Apple Watch SE 2 , and the high-end, outdoors-focused Apple Watch Ultra . The much-rumored Apple Watch 'Pro' is indeed Apple's attempt to take on the likes of Garmin with a truly rugged outdoors watch packed with features for hiking, diving, and more. Apple Watch Ultra will also have the biggest battery ever put into an Apple Watch, so it gets the battery life without the need for the low power mode.

Apple Watch Series 8

The new Apple Watch Series 8 brings a couple of upgrades over the previous gen Apple Watch. It now comes with a temperature sensor and it can also detect when you're in a serious car crash.

Set up cellular on Apple Watch

With a cellular connection on Apple Watch, you can make calls, reply to messages, receive notifications, and more — even while you’re away from your iPhone.

Before you start

Make sure that you have the latest software on your iPhone and your Apple Watch .

Check for updates to your carrier settings .

Make sure that you have an eligible cellular service plan with a supported carrier . Your iPhone and Apple Watch must use the same carrier,* and you must be within your carrier's network when you set up cellular on your watch.

If you have an enterprise or corporate cellular service plan, check with your company or carrier to see if they support this feature. Pre-paid accounts and some older accounts aren’t currently supported. To make sure that your account is eligible, contact your carrier.

* An Apple Watch that you set up for a family member can use a different carrier than your iPhone uses.

You can activate cellular when you first set up your Apple Watch , or when you set up a watch for a family member. During setup, look for the option to set up cellular, then follow the onscreen steps.

You can also set up cellular later from the Apple Watch app:

On your iPhone, open the Apple Watch app.

Tap the My Watch tab, then tap Cellular.

Tap Set Up Cellular.

Follow the instructions for your carrier. You might need to contact your carrier for help.

You might see a phone number assigned to your Apple Watch that differs from the phone number assigned to your iPhone. The number shown for your Apple Watch is for your carrier's billing or tracking purposes only; your iPhone and Apple Watch share the same number.

Set up cellular on a family member's Apple Watch

You can set up a cellular Apple Watch for a family member who doesn't have their own iPhone. If your cellular carrier supports the use of a managed Apple Watch, you're given the option to add the watch to your plan during setup. Look for the option to set up cellular, then follow the onscreen steps. If your carrier doesn't support cellular on a managed Apple Watch, you might be able to use an alternative carrier.

If you don't initially set up cellular on your family member's Apple Watch, you can do it later:

Open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone.

Tap All Watches, tap your family member's Apple Watch, then tap Done.

Tap Cellular, then tap Set Up Cellular.

To see the phone number assigned to your family member's Apple Watch after you set up cellular, go to Settings on the watch, then tap Phone.

Setting up a managed Apple Watch for a family member is available only in certain countries or regions .

If you're in China mainland, you must verify your identity when setting up cellular on a family member’s Apple Watch, as required by local regulations. Contact your carrier for further assistance if needed.

Connect to a cellular network

Your Apple Watch with cellular automatically switches to the most power-efficient wireless available: It can connect to your iPhone when itʼs nearby, a Wi-Fi network, or cellular. When your watch connects to cellular, it uses LTE networks. If LTE isn't available, your watch will try to connect to UMTS if your carrier supports it.

When your watch connects to a cellular network, you can check the signal strength from Control Center or the Cellular complication that you can add to most watch faces. To open Control Center, touch and hold the bottom of the screen, then swipe up.

The Cellular button turns green when you have a connection. The green bars show the signal strength.

The Cellular button turns white when your cellular plan is active, but your watch is connected via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi to your iPhone.

Learn what your Apple Watch can do while connected to Wi-Fi or cellular , even when your iPhone isn't nearby.

Changing carriers

Your iPhone and Apple Watch must use the same carrier, unless the watch was set up for a family member who doesn't have an iPhone. If you change carriers on your iPhone, you need to remove the previous service plan on your Apple Watch and sign up for a new plan.* Here's how:

Your Apple Watch should automatically switch to the carrier that your iPhone is using. If you need to add a new plan, tap Add a New Plan, then follow the onscreen steps. If your previous plan still appears in the Apple Watch app, you can remove it .

If you need help, contact your carrier.

* Carrier fees may apply. Contact your carrier for details.

Transfer your cellular plan to a new Apple Watch

When you’re ready to start using a new Apple Watch, you can transfer cellular service from your old watch to your new one. Here’s how:

Remove the cellular plan from your old Apple Watch. You can do this from the Apple Watch app or by erasing your old Apple Watch.

Pair your new Apple Watch with your iPhone. During setup, tap “Set up Cellular” to add a cellular plan.

Some carriers allow you to transfer your existing plan to your new Apple Watch directly from the Apple Watch app.

If you don’t see an option to transfer your cellular plan, contact your carrier for help.

Remove your cellular plan

You can remove your cellular plan at any time:

Tap Remove [carrier] Plan. Tap again to confirm.

You might need to contact your carrier to cancel your cellular subscription.*

When you erase and unpair your Apple Watch, you also get the option to remove the plan from your Apple Watch. When asked, choose Erase All to remove the plan.

International roaming with your Apple Watch

With watchOS 9.1 and later, international roaming is available on cellular models of Apple Watch Series 5 and later, Apple Watch SE and later, and Apple Watch Ultra.

To get international roaming on your Apple Watch, contact your iPhone carrier to add your watch to your iPhone cellular roaming plan. For international roaming to work on your Apple Watch, your carrier must support VoLTE and roaming. Not all carriers support international roaming on Apple Watch and coverage in other countries is determined by your carrier.

To turn on international roaming, open the Settings app on your Apple Watch. Tap Cellular, then turn on Data Roaming.

International roaming is not supported for cellular models of Apple Watch used in Family Setup.

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. Find out which carriers in your country or region offer cellular service for Apple Watch .

To check your cellular data usage, use the Apple Watch app. Open the app on your iPhone, tap the My Watch tab, tap Cellular, then scroll to the Cellular Data Usage section.

Turning on cellular for extended periods uses more battery power. Also, some apps might not update without a connection to your iPhone.

To receive SMS, MMS, or push notifications from third-party apps on your Apple Watch with cellular, your paired iPhone must be powered on and connected to Wi-Fi or cellular.

Learn how to use Dual SIM with cellular models of Apple Watch .

Contact Apple Support

Need more help? Save time by starting your support request online and we'll connect you to an expert.

Prime Day price drop: $219 for Apple Watch SE and $279 for Apple Watch Series 8

Deal alert: Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch SE via Amazon.

These days, nearly every adult travels with a smartphone.

From capturing photos and videos to managing the travel journey while on the go, smartphones have become indispensable for road warriors, myself included.

But while everyone might carry a smartphone, smartwatches are far less ubiquitous. These wearable devices are designed to be a companion to your phone, giving you easy access to the most important notifications and content on your wrist.

Personally, I wasn't initially sold on the smartwatch concept. I liked the look and feel of my mechanical Swiss watch, but my thinking has changed over the years.

As a longtime iPhone user, I have been intrigued by the Apple Watch ever since its unveiling. I skipped out on the first few generations but eventually decided to take the plunge and get my first Apple Watch when Series 4 was released in 2018.

At first, I found the Apple Watch to be more like a toy than a powerful device on my wrist. But as the Apple Watch keeps improving (with more travel-focused upgrades coming this fall), it's become a fixture in my wardrobe — here's why.

The flight experience is much easier

As a frequent traveler ( I took more than 100 flights and flew more than 175,000 miles last year), I am always looking to streamline my travel journey. Anything that can save me a few minutes will undoubtedly add up to hours over the course of a year.

That's one of the biggest reasons why the Apple Watch has become an appendage on my wrist.

For one, the watch helps simplify the airport experience with seamless access to my boarding passes. I always check in via the airline app when the 24-hour window opens. I save my boarding pass directly into my Apple Wallet, and I love that it's automatically displayed on my iPhone lock screen when I'm in the airport.

But with the Apple Watch, it gets even simpler.

Boarding passes are wirelessly synced across devices, so my watch is always ready to display the boarding pass QR code at just the tap of a button. Instead of fumbling around for my phone at the check-in counter or gate, I simply tap the boarding pass on my watch and show it to the agent.

I don't need to worry about where my phone is or possibly spilling the drink I just bought from the (overpriced) coffee shop. With just a flick of the wrist, I'm ready to go.

Moreover, my Apple Watch helps me be among the first to know about timely flight (and train) status updates . From boarding notifications to gate change announcements, all the important information requires just a glance at the watch. There's no need to pause to open an app on my phone.

Most major airlines offer Apple Watch apps, which deliver important information in an easily digestible format. Many even include bite-size widgets that can display directly on a customizable watch face — a big time-saver for me.

For my friends and family, it can be a challenge to navigate airports, understand complicated boarding processes and decipher airline apps; this is especially true when they're totting around luggage (and possibly kids, too). Luckily, the Apple Watch has helped remove much of this stress for me.

Payments are seamless

Traveling around with an Apple Watch also makes it much easier to pay for goods and services when jogging around a city or running a quick errand.

I store all my most-used credit cards in my digital Apple Watch wallet. That way, I don't need a physical card or my phone to check out at merchants with tap-to-pay technology .

I just tap my wrist on the payment terminal, and I'm ready to go.

When traveling internationally, I usually leave some of my credit cards at home or in the hotel safe. The ability to access them all on my watch without safety or security concerns is certainly helpful for my points-maximizing strategy .

Furthermore, many major cities have introduced tap-to-pay payments for mass transit. Back at home in New York City, I regularly use my watch to tap for subway rides — a feature that makes getting around much simpler.

There's a built-in workout tracker

Staying healthy when I'm on the go is a must. Given my hectic travel schedule, I always try to work out whenever I land in a new city, whether it's a short jog near the hotel, a quick stop in the hotel gym or a longer hike on the outskirts of town.

The Apple Watch makes tracking my fitness goals significantly easier and more fun. I love looking back at my workout history and progress every few weeks.

Another useful fitness feature is the ability to pair my Apple Watch directly with gym equipment. I've found that many new and recently renovated hotel gyms feature machines that support this technology. The ability to sync real-time stats and heart rate measurements means that I'm getting a more accurate look at my metrics.

I'm also a big recreational hiker, and I recently wore the watch on a hike in New York's Hudson Valley. Aside from tracking my workout metrics, I appreciated that the watch can connect to a cellular network, so I don't need to worry about being off the grid while hiking both at home and abroad. (International cellular roaming is a feature available on Apple Watch Series 5 and later, Apple Watch SE and later, and Apple Watch Ultra.)

Better yet, more powerful connectivity upgrades are coming this fall — details on that below.

I can control my content with little effort

With just a small display, I didn't originally think that the Apple Watch could help me enjoy content while on the go.

While it has its limitations (notably the screen size and the 32-gigabyte storage), the Apple Watch does make it easier to listen to and control my music when I'm traveling.

For one, I keep a few playlists saved locally on my watch so that I can play some tunes without my phone nearby. This is especially useful when I'm jogging with just my watch and second-generation AirPods Pro .

Additionally, I appreciate that when I listen to music with my phone nearby, the watch offers a "Now Playing" screen that allows me to control the volume, skip a track or even switch audio sources with just a tap.

The watches are bigger, better and safer

Around the holidays, I started wearing the Series 8 watch, which starts at $399 — though it has been discounted to $279.99 for Amazon Prime Day . (There's also an entry-level Apple Watch SE that offers a smaller case with fewer sensors, starting at $249. It has been discounted to $219 for Amazon Prime Day .)

You can enjoy all of the aforementioned features across the entire Apple Watch lineup. However, I've found that the tech giant has made the watch an even more powerful travel companion this year by introducing the Ultra model, which I recently upgraded to.

It offers a 49-millimeter case (Apple's largest) in an incredibly durable titanium design that survived being banged against airplane seats, subway poles and airport security bins.

Though the watch is primarily designed for off-road adventurers and high-achieving athletes (with features tailored for hikers, divers and runners), it also doubles as an incredible travel smartwatch, in my experience. Thanks to the larger screen, bigger battery (I recently managed to go nearly 50 hours between charges) and an extremely accurate built-in GPS, the Ultra might make the most sense for a super-frequent traveler looking for the best of the best.

Whichever model you pick, you'll likely be reassured that all of this year's watches feature Crash Detection. This new — and potentially life-saving — feature can automatically call emergency services if the watch detects that you've been in a severe car crash.

Bottom line

From the airport and the plane to my exercise routine at my final destination, my Apple Watch has allowed me to get on my way faster and more efficiently than ever before.

It allows me to scan my boarding pass or pay for a coffee with a flick of my wrist, while also tracking my workouts and playing my music. This is why the Apple Watch is my go-to smartphone companion.

As smartwatch technology has progressed over the past few years, we've seen travel brands debut Apple Watch apps and install more Bluetooth-friendly devices on planes and in hotel rooms — and even more innovation is coming.

At the Worldwide Developers Conference in June, Apple unveiled the new WatchOS 10 . Once it debuts this fall, I'm confident that my Apple Watch will become an even more essential travel companion.

That's because the new software features a host of travel-focused updates, including a redesigned widget experience for even easier access to boarding passes and flight status, compass improvements to track when you last had cellular service, offline maps to help you navigate around town without an internet connection, and much more.

But for now, you'll need to excuse me. My watch just buzzed because it's time to board my flight home.

Additional reporting by Kyle Olsen.

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What to Know if You Plan to Travel Abroad With AirTags

Apple's new AirTag item trackers are ideal for attaching to things like bags and luggage cases, which makes it likely they'll become popular with travelers and backpackers who want to keep tabs on their personal possessions abroad.

For this reason, it's worth remembering which AirTag features work wherever you are, which ones depend on you being nearby the ‌AirTag‌, and which functions aren't supported in certain countries and regions.

Locating AirTags Using Precision Finding

AirTags can be tracked in Apple's Find My app, which uses Bluetooth signals from a lost ‌AirTag‌ to relay its location back to its owner. Apart from Bluetooth, each ‌AirTag‌ is also equipped with a U1 Ultra Wideband chip, and on devices that also have U1 chips, there's a Precision Finding feature that enables you to more accurately determine the distance and direction of a lost ‌AirTag‌ when it's in range, when compared to Bluetooth alone.

• Solomon Islands
• Turkmenistan

Finding Nearby AirTags Using Bluetooth

In countries where Precision Finding isn't available, ‌AirTag‌ owners can still fall back on Bluetooth to locate a missing item if it is approximately 30-40 feet within range. There are built-in speakers to play a sound to find a lost ‌AirTag‌, and you can either play a sound through the ‌‌Find My‌‌ app or ask Siri to find an ‌AirTag‌ with a sound.

Finding AirTags using the Find My Network

You can still track the location of an out-of-range ‌AirTag‌ in Apple's ‌Find My‌ app, but you won't be relying on the Bluetooth signals of your own device. Instead, the ‌‌Find My‌‌ Network takes advantage of nearly a billion Apple devices out in the world to help you locate your ‌AirTag‌, with the associated item showing up on the map when it's located by someone else's device.

However, if you're traveling in a remote region, be aware that if an ‌AirTag‌ isn't nearby and there are no Apple devices in the area in which it's located, ‌Find My‌ will only be able to tell you where it was last seen on the map.

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Top Rated Comments

This author of this article doesn’t seem to understand how Ultra Wideband works. It’s between iPhone and AirTag and has nothing to do with the country you’re in. It will even work on the Moon, as the system only uses cellular data to relay location to devices other than your own phone.

Ultra Wideband isn't universally supported worldwide, therefore Precision Finding won't work in the following countries:

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The Ultimate Guide to Watches and Travel

From GMT and world time watches to tips and tricks for safety and enjoyment, here’s all you need to know about traveling with watches.

By Zen Love

There are plenty of good reasons to consider the watch you take traveling: the right timepiece offers a sense of preparedness in a relatively unfamiliar environment; it can become part of lasting memories; and, of course, you want to catch planes, make meetings on time and beat jet lag.

Since travel forces you to select only the few items you’ll be spending time with, you want to choose carefully. The right travel watch might be a dedicated tool with features specifically meant for tracking different time zones, one that’s rugged and ready for adventure, or just one that you love and want as a travel companion. In the coverage below, we’ve got all you need to know about the watches that are best for day trips or globetrotting, as well as the tips, tricks, gear and solutions that’ll enhance your excursions.

Travel is largely curtailed for many people around the world at the moment, of course, but we’re optimistically looking forward to the chance to get away again. The following articles and the cool watches featured will get you ready and inspired to get back out there as soon as it’s safe and responsible to do so.

These Are Our Favorite Adventure Watches of 2020

From rugged dive watches to world timers, these are some of the timepieces we want to take adventuring in 2021.

How to Pack and Travel with Your Watches

Let the watches you travel with enhance your memory-making and selfie-taking adventures.

The Best Cases, Rolls and Pouches for Traveling With Your Watches

Keep your beloved timepieces safe and orderly.

One Simple Feature Makes These 3 Watches Perfect for Traveling

A 12-hour rotating bezel is a handy way to track another time zone without the added cost of a GMT complication.

The 11 Best Mechanical Watches to Wear When Traveling

Whether you’re driving coast to coast or flying from JFK to Narita, here are the watches that will keep you on time.

These Are Seven of the Most Affordable GMT Watches

GMT watches needn’t be bank-breaking. From big Swiss companies and upstart microbrands, here are 7 affordable GMTs.

Travel in Style with These Seven Incredible World Time Watches

World time watches allow you to see the current time in any place in the world with just a quick glance at your wrist.

What Makes Rolex’s GMT-Master The Best Travel Watch Ever?

This two-timer from the jet age is technically and aesthetically the mother of all GMT watches.

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Adrienne So

Which Apple Watch Is Best Right Now?

If you buy something using links in our stories, we may earn a commission. This helps support our journalism. Learn more . Please also consider subscribing to WIRED

Best for Most People Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) Read more

The Best Apple Watch Apple Watch Series 9 Read more

Best for Outdoor Sports Apple Watch Ultra 2 Read more

If It's on Sale for Under $300 Apple Watch Series 8 Read more

We on the WIRED Gear team agree: If you have an iPhone, the Apple Watch is the best wearable to go with it. But which version should you buy? This year, Apple launched the Series 9 and the new Ultra Watch 2, the update to last year's rugged sports watch. The company has stopped selling last year's Series 8, but you can still find them at online retailers (sometimes for a significant discount), along with older models. All of these watches look pretty similar and share a rotating stable of features. Here, we break down which one is best for you and whether older models are worth the price.

Be sure to check out our other buying guides, like the Best iPads , Best Smartwatches , and Best iPhones .

Updated January 6, 2024: We added an update on the status of the import ban on the Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2.

Special offer for Gear readers: Get a 1-year subscription to WIRED for $5 ($25 off) . This includes unlimited access to WIRED. com and our print magazine (if you'd like). Subscriptions help fund the work we do every day.

Best for Most People

If you have any doubt as to whether you should get an Apple Watch at all, the SE is Apple's entry-level option. OK, so it isn't the most exciting Apple watch. It hasn't been updated since 2022 and doesn't have the flashiest standout features, like the ability to check your skin temperature or your blood oxygen. The smaller, 1,000-nit display is now very noticeable now that bigger, brighter screens have come to Series 9. Most regrettably of all, it does not have the next-gen ultra-wideband chip to precision-locate your many other Apple devices.

However, it is the most affordable of what Apple touts as its first carbon-neutral products (when bought in conjunction with the new sport loop , that is). It's compatible with WatchOS 10 , which is where many new health and wellness features show up. It has the last S8 chip, which is what the Series 8 has, and features like Crash Detection to call your emergency contact and emergency responders if you've been in a car accident and are unresponsive for 10 seconds. It also has the newly redesigned Compass app, fall detection, and support for international roaming, and it works with Family Setup. It comes in a teeny 40-mm case size, and the nylon back makes it even lighter. If you have an Apple Watch, everyone in your family wants an Apple Watch. The SE will serve you, your nana, and your 9-year-old perfectly well.

The Best Apple Watch

The Series 9 looks pretty much the same as last year's Series 8 but has the new S9 chipset for faster onboard processing of Siri commands, which improves battery life noticeably and theoretically provides more privacy for your sensitive medical data. It also has a new feature called Double Tap , which borrows from Apple's accessibility learnings. The accelerometer, gyroscope, and optical sensor will detect the minute shifts as you tap your index finger and thumb on your watch hand twice to activate the primary button on your watch screen; it's nice for stopping and starting music or timers around the kitchen.

The display is also brighter, and it's compatible with WatchOS 10 , which has a bunch of fun new app redesigns and more health-related features—you know, just in case you feel like telling Apple all your complicated feelings about your latest brunch with your mom.

Why It Might Be Hard to Find : Last December, Apple decided to suspend sales of the Series 9 ( 7/10, WIRED Review ) and Watch Ultra 2 on Apple.com, pending an expected ban by the International Trade Commission. The federal agency is considering a ban because of a dispute over a patent for the technology that Apple uses in the newest Watch models’ blood-oxygen sensor. On December 27, an appeals court paused the import ban when Apple filed an emergency appeal . The watches are currently back on sale, but we (and Apple) should have more information on the permanent status of the ban once the United States Court of Appeals has heard the motion.

Best for Outdoor Sports

Do you want an Apple Watch that can replace your satellite messenger, your cycling computer, and your running watch? Then, my friend, the Watch Ultra 2 ( 8/10, WIRED Recommends ) is for you. Like the Series 9, it has the new S9 chipset for faster processing and Double Tap and the new ultra-wideband chip for precision-locating your phone, and it will be more sustainable when paired with the Alpine Loop strap or the Trail Loop . It also has a new, shockingly bright 3,000-nit display. I didn't see a difference on a sunny day on the water, but you might, on a glacier somewhere.

However, like the Series 9, many of the Watch Ultra 2's best new outdoor features are only fully apparent when you're also within reach of your iPhone. The touted offline maps are only visible on the watch when you download them on your iPhone and have it charged and within Bluetooth range of the watch. If you start a cycling activity on your watch, it shows up as a Live Activity on your iPhone. Many of these features—along with the handy Action button and the three-mic array—are also available on last year's debut Watch Ultra and WatchOS 10. Again, if you bought a Watch Ultra last year, I would wait to upgrade. If this is your first, however, you will thoroughly enjoy the Watch Ultra 2. This is the watch to get if you love outdoor sports but also want the full functionality of a smartwatch —as long as you don't accidentally close the tab that tells you how to get back home.

Why It Might Be Hard to Find : Apple recently decided to suspend sales of the Watch Ultra 2 and Series 9 on Apple.com starting December 21 and in its retail stores December 24, pending an expected ban by the International Trade Commission. The federal agency is considering a ban because of a dispute over a patent for the technology that Apple uses in the newest Watch models’ blood-oxygen sensor. On December 27, an appeals court paused the import ban when Apple filed an emergency appeal . The watches are currently back on sale, but we (and Apple) should have more information on the permanent status of the ban once the United States Court of Appeals has heard the motion.

If It's on Sale for Under $300

The ITC's ban will not affect the Series 6, 7, or 8, which also have the blood-tracking capabilities. If you can find it on sale, last year's Series 8 ( 8/10, WIRED Recommends ) is a perfectly capable watch. It's compatible with WatchOS 10, which is where most of the fun updates come in anyway. Unlike the Watch SE, it has all the health and safety hardware, like the improved accelerometer for Crash Detection to tell your loved ones if you're in a car accident, sensors for measuring your skin temperature, and ECG and blood oxygen measuring. No, it doesn't have precision locating, but you can always ping your iPhone!

WatchOS 10 works with Series 4 watches and later, so if someone wants to give you one or you can find it significantly marked down, those are also worth considering. As Apple has added its health features one by one to each watch, you should double-check to make sure it has the ones you want. For example, the Series 5 doesn't have SpO 2 monitoring, and SpO 2 monitoring doesn't work on the Series 6 if the user is under 18 or doesn't have a paired iPhone.

Eric Ravenscraft

Julian Chokkattu

Avoid These Watches

It's been years since we've seen retailers carry the Series 1, Series 2, or Series 3. You may see them on resale sites, but they are not worth the price. Family Setup works only on Series 4 and above, so you can't pick these up as cheaper options for your old or young family members. The Series 1 isn't waterproof; neither the Series 1 or 2 has any cellular capability; and none of these watches are compatible with the latest WatchOS version.

Should You Buy a New Band or Case?

The latest Apple Watches are more durable than ever. However, it's not easy, but I have scratched and banged mine up before. Given that Apple's service pricing is notoriously exorbitant —repairing a watch costs almost as much as buying a new one!—you should consider getting a case and screen protector.

Bigger and more expensive isn't always better. If the case is big and doesn't fit well, it will rattle annoyingly every time you get a notification. I like the Spigen Thin Fit Case ($14) and a screen protector set from Amazon ($10) ; extras are nice if you mess up the first application. There are a ton of different band options, and no one says you have to wear the same band every day! But my favorite strap is probably Apple's own lightweight nylon sport loop ($49) , which has the additional benefit of being made from recycled materials.

Apple Watches are notoriously hard to keep charged, so I love Mophie's 3-in-1 Apple travel charger set ($150) . You could also pick up a power bank ($50) with a built-in Apple Watch charger so you're not caught out with a dead watch. For more suggestions, check out our other guides, like the Best Apple Watch Accessories and the Best Portable Chargers .

Brenda Stolyar

Medea Giordano

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Compare Apple Watch models

All the essentials. Light on price.

Powerful sensors, advanced health features.

The most rugged and capable.

GPS + Cellular  

Supports Family Setup (GPS + Cellular models) 13 Connect family members who don’t have an iPhone

• PRODUCT RED
• Graphite (PVD)
• L1 GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and QZSS
• L1 GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, and BeiDou
• L1 and L5 GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, QZSS, and BeiDou
• Always-on altimeter
• Always-on altimeter with expanded operating range from -500m to 9000m
• Water resistant 50 meters 9
• Water resistant 50 meters 10
• Water resistant 100 meters 11
• Certified IP6X dust resistant not available
• Certified IP6X dust resistant 23
• Certified IP6X dust resistant 24
• MIL-STD 810H not available
• Tested to MIL-STD 810H
• Electrical heart sensor not available
• Electrical heart sensor (ECG app) 3
• Second-generation optical heart sensor
• Third-generation optical heart sensor
• International emergency calling 8
• Emergency SOS 7

International roaming 20 High-g accelerometer Up to 256 g-forces with Fall Detection and Crash Detection

• High dynamic range gyroscope
• Double tap gesture not available
• Double tap gesture
• On-device Siri
• Ambient light sensor
• Water temperature sensor not available
• Water temperature sensor
• Depth gauge and Depth app not available
• Depth gauge and Depth app
• Dive ready to 40m / 130 ft. not available
• Dive ready to 40m / 130 ft.
• EN13319 certification not available
• EN13319 certification
• Oceanic+ app not available
• Oceanic+ app for use as a dive computer (available on the App Store) 21
• Dual speakers
• Siren not available
• Three-microphone array with beamforming and wind noise mitigation

Capacity 32GB GPS + Cellular

Capacity 64GB GPS + Cellular

Capacity 32GB GPS

Capacity 64GB GPS

• Capacity 64GB not available

Nylon composite and sapphire crystal back GPS + Cellular GPS

Ceramic and sapphire crystal back GPS + Cellular GPS

Ceramic and sapphire crystal back GPS + Cellular

There’s an Apple Watch for everyone.

• Apple Watch SE Buy Learn more
• Apple Watch Series 9 Buy Learn more
• Apple Watch Ultra 2 Buy Learn more
• Apple Watch Hermes Series 9 Buy Learn more

Apple Watch models

Apple watch series 9.

• 41mm or 45mm case
• Always-On Retina LTPO OLED display, up to 2000 nits
• Ion-X glass display on aluminum cases; sapphire crystal display on stainless steel cases
• GPS and GPS + Cellular models
• S9 SiP with 64-bit dual-core processor; W3 wireless chip; second-generation Ultra Wideband chip 25
• Digital Crown with haptic feedback; side button; double tap gesture; on-device Siri
• Temperature sensor, 5 electrical heart sensor and third-generation optical heart sensor
• High and low heart rate notifications, irregular rhythm notification, and ECG app 31 ; sleep stages
• International emergency calling, 8 Emergency SOS, 7 Crash Detection, 7 and Fall Detection
• Dust resistant (IP6X) 23
• LTE and UMTS, 12 Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n), and Bluetooth 5.3
• GPS/GNSS, compass, and always-on altimeter
• Built-in speaker and mic
• 64GB capacity
• Fast charge time 17

Apple Watch Ultra 2

• Always-On Retina LTPO OLED display, up to 3000 nits
• Flat sapphire crystal display
• GPS + Cellular model
• Digital Crown with haptic feedback; side button; Action button; double tap gesture; on-device Siri
• Temperature sensor; 5 electrical heart sensor and third-generation optical heart sensor; depth gauge; water temperature sensor
• International emergency calling, 8 Emergency SOS, 7 Crash Detection, 7 and Fall Detection; Siren
• Recreational dive to 40 meters
• Dust resistant (IP6X) 24
• Dual speakers and three-mic array with beamforming
• Fast charge time 18

Apple Watch SE

• 40mm or 44mm case
• Retina LTPO OLED display, up to 1000 nits
• Ion-X glass display
• S8 SiP with 64-bit dual-core processor; W3 wireless chip
• Digital Crown with haptic feedback; Siri
• High and low heart rate notifications and irregular rhythm notification 4 ; sleep stages
• 32GB capacity

Apple Watch Series 8

• Always-On Retina LTPO OLED display, up to 1000 nits
• S8 SiP with 64-bit dual-core processor; W3 wireless chip; U1 chip (Ultra Wideband) 25
• Dust resistant (IP6X) 32
• Fast charge time 33

Apple Watch Ultra

• Digital Crown with haptic feedback; side button; Action button; Siri
• Dust resistant (IP6X) 34
• Fast charge time 35

Apple Watch Series 7

• Ion-X glass display on aluminum cases; sapphire crystal display on stainless steel and titanium cases
• S7 SiP with 64-bit dual-core processor; W3 wireless chip; U1 chip (Ultra Wideband) 25
• Electrical heart sensor and third-generation optical heart sensor
• International emergency calling, 8 Emergency SOS, 7 and Fall Detection
• LTE and UMTS, 12 Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth 5.0
• Fast charge time

Apple Watch Series 6

• S6 SiP with 64-bit dual-core processor; W3 wireless chip; U1 chip (Ultra Wideband) 25
• Digital Crown with haptic feedback

Apple Watch SE (1st generation)

• S5 SiP with 64-bit dual-core processor; W3 wireless chip
• High and low heart rate notifications, irregular rhythm notification 4 ; sleep stages

Apple Watch Series 5

• Ion-X glass display on aluminum cases; sapphire crystal display on stainless steel, titanium, and ceramic cases
• Electrical heart sensor and second-generation optical heart sensor
• GPS/GNSS, compass, and barometric altimeter

Apple Watch Series 4

• S4 SiP with 64-bit dual-core processor; W3 wireless chip
• Emergency SOS 7 and Fall Detection
• GPS/GNSS and barometric altimeter
• 16GB capacity

Apple Watch Series 3

• 38mm or 42mm case
• Second-generation Retina OLED display, up to 1000 nits
• Ion-X glass display on aluminum cases; sapphire crystal display on stainless steel and ceramic cases
• S3 SiP with dual-core processor; W2 wireless chip
• Digital Crown
• Optical heart sensor
• High and low heart rate notifications and irregular rhythm notification 4
• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2
• 8GB capacity

Apple Watch Series 2

• Second-generation Retina OLED display
• S2 with dual-core processor
• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0

Apple Watch Series 1

• Retina OLED display
• S1P with dual-core processor
• Splash resistant 36

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The Apple Watch Series 3 With Cellular Is Not For International Travel

The new Apple Watch Series 3 with cellular has some impressive uses but it is not a good choice for international travel. Find out why you will not be able to take advantage of that connection with your travels.

But, paying extra for the Apple Watch Series 3 with cellular is not a good move for someone who travels internationally and wants that type of connectivity for travel. Here’s why.

The Apple Watch Series 3 with Cellular Is NOT For International Travel

Let me start by saying this – if you want the cellular function for use only with the networks and region that you bought it with ( like Verizon, T-Mobile, Sprint, or AT&T in the US ),  you will be just fine and it should be a nice fit .

But, one of the areas I really had wanted to see the Apple Watch Series 3 with cellular shine was for travel. This would work for running in new places as well as giving you the option to cut the cord from your phone.

Photo from Apple

I mean, imagine going out for a nice run and pulling up a route on your watch, calling an Uber if need be, receiving a phone call from your travel partner, even paying for something with Apple Pay – all while on your international travels. I realize that many people might say “that’s not me” but the truth is that more people are traveling internationally than before and cellular plans makes it increasingly attractive to use your devices while traveling.

Why the Apple Watch Series 3 with Cellular is Not for International Travel

Countries and carriers that will be compatible with Apple Watch Series 3 cellular

Here is why the Apple Watch Series with cellular will not be good for international travel. According to Apple , “ Roaming is not available outside your carrier network coverage area.”  I asked T-Mobile’s John Legere if this would work outside of the US since they are the only carrier to offer free global data on their domestic plans and did not get a response on this yet. But, going by Apple’s fine print on this and something similar from an Apple rep over on MacRumors , I think it is safe to say that T-Mobile will be the same as the other US carriers.

It will only work on the carriers ( that are listed by Apple – see here ) in the country you purchase it . Big bummer!

Having an Apple Watch Series 3 with cellular that would work for all your world travels would be awesome. It would be a great way to stay connected no matter where you are and whether or not you bring your phone out with you. But, without this ability, I feel that there will be many that will not pony up the extra $70 for the cellular model ( unless you want the 16GB of built-in storage instead of 8GB in the regular Apple Watch Series 3 ).

Hopefully, Apple will roll this out to more countries and carriers and, maybe, even release an update that will allow seamless global coverage with the Apple Watch – like we already have with the iPhone. I realize size is an issue, which is why Apple went with the eSIM, but it would be fantastic to use a Google Project Fi data-only SIM since you only pay for the data used!

Will you be buying the Apple Watch Series 3 with cellular or getting a regular one (if you are

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About the author.

Charlie has been an avid traveler and runner for many years. He has run in marathons around the world for less than it would cost to travel to the next town - all as a result of collecting and using miles and points. Over the years, he has flown hundreds of thousands of miles and collected millions of miles and points. Now he uses this experience and knowledge to help others through Running with Miles.

While I suspect you’re right, I’m hoping you’re wrong. Would love to have the sort of functionality you outline early in the article. Too bad…

More From Forbes

How to choose the best cruise ship cabin for you.

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Balcony staterooms on Norwegian Prima feature a Scandinavian color palette with some modern design ... [+] touches.

Choosing your cruise ship cabin or stateroom is an essential part of planning a dream cruise vacation. The right accommodation can enhance your cruise experience, providing you with a comfortable retreat after a day of adventure, but some choices may turn out to be an expensive mistake.

Here’s how to select the best cruise ship cabin for your needs, whether you're seeking breathtaking views, peace and quiet, convenience, or the best value.

Cruise Ship Cabin Grades

From motel-sized inside cabins to luxurious suites that rival the most expensive land-based hotels, cruise ships offer a range of accommodation grades to suit all preferences and budgets:

Interior Cabins : The most budget-friendly option, these cabins are located inside the ship and have no windows. Although they are often just as spacious as oceanview cabins, the lack of natural light may be off-putting to some.

Oceanview Cabins : Offering a window or porthole, these cabins provide natural light and views of the ocean or ports, a good middle-ground option. On modern ships, such cabins will likely be located towards the bottom of the ship, as balcony cabins now dominate ship exteriors.

Balcony Cabins : These cabins feature private balconies allowing direct access to ocean breezes and private views. These cabins are perfect for those who prefer to enjoy the scenery privately.

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Some ships offer cabins with direct access to the promenade deck, while the largest ships, including MSC World Europa , offer balconies overlooking an internal courtyard or promenade.

The newest, largest cruise ships such as Royal Caribbean's 'Icon of the Seas' offer a huge range of ... [+] cabin grades and locations.

Suites : The most spacious and luxurious option, suites often come with extra amenities and services, ideal for travelers looking for a premium experience. Separate bedrooms, wraparound balconies, and even butler service are some common features of cruise ship suites.

Pioneered by Norwegian Cruise Line, solo traveler cabins are becoming more common across the industry. Whereas for many years solo cabins were usually interior grade, there are now oceanview and even balcony cabins available for solo travelers on some lines.

Consider The Location

Perhaps more so than the accommodation grade, the cabin location can significantly impact your cruise experience.

Top-to-bottom : Cabins on lower decks are usually cheaper with the added benefit of experiencing less movement in rough seas.

However, depending on the size of the ship, they could be farther from entertainment and dining areas. On big ships, there may be 10 or even more flights of stairs between your cabin and the pool, sun deck, buffet, and other amenities found at the top of the ship. There will be elevators, of course, but you should expect queues at busy times.

Cabins on higher decks will provide better views from balconies and suites, and good access to many of the ship’s amenities, but passengers may feel the ship's movement more. You may also hear more noise from outdoor activities on the pool deck.

Cabins on middle floors offer the best combination of access to facilities and less movement in the event of rough seas.

Front-to-back : Just as important as the deck number is the cabin’s location between the ship’s front and rear.

Cabins located at the very front and very back of the ship will experience significantly more movement in the event of rough seas, so choose a cabin towards the middle of the ship if you’re facing multiple sea days or sailing off-season.

Inside cabins on the 'P&O Arvia' cruise ship are a good value accommodation option. They can be ... [+] configured with a double or twin beds.

It’s also worth knowing that most cruise ships feature main dining venues at the rear and the main theater at the front.

The Budget Accommodation Choice

When choosing a cabin, start with understanding your budget. Decide how much you’re willing to spend and remember that while the cabin is important, you’ll also want to budget for on-board activities, excursions, beverages, and other expenses.

If budget matters above all else, an interior cabin is a wise choice. You could also save money by booking a saver fare offered by some cruise lines.

These fares typically don't allow you to select your cabin in advance. This will likely result in you being allocated a cabin at the front or back of the ship, but it will save you money.

Questions To Ask Yourself

If you have more flexibility in your budget, consider what’s important to you in accommodation. If you plan to spend a lot of time in your cabin, you might value a balcony or a spacious room more. Families might look for cabins with connecting doors or extra bed options.

Before booking, read reviews of the ship and specific cabins on websites such as Cruise Critic or watching YouTube reviews. Previous travelers can offer invaluable insight into noise levels, views, and overall satisfaction.

Examine the ship’s layout to see where your cabin is in relation to key areas like the lido deck, dining rooms, and entertainment venues. Consider potential noise from above or below your cabin, especially if it’s immediately above or below a dance floor, crew area, or near the pool.

Your cruise itinerary might also influence your choice of accommodation. For scenic cruises, such as those in Alaska or the Norwegian fjords , a balcony might be worth the splurge to enjoy the magnificent views in relative peace. A balcony breakfast while sailing along a fjord will be an experience to remember.

On the other hand, if you plan to spend most of your time exploring ports and partaking in onboard activities, the type and location of cabin might be of less importance.

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