Do you have to pay monthly for Apple Watc… (2024)

FAQs

Do I have to pay monthly for my Apple Watch? ›

For this particular model, you pay for the watch but if you purchase the watch with gps + cellular then there's a monthly cost associated with it.

No, you do not have to pay a monthly charge to use your watch. As long as you have your paired iPhone with you, you can answer and make calls from your watch, send messages, etc., without paying the $10 monthly fee.

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: On your iPhone, open the Apple Watch app.

Any calls placed, text messages sent and/or cellular data used by Apple Watch are provided via the paired iPhone, so are charged as part of your iPhone's plan and bill. Whether or not it will cost you any more monthly depends on your usage.

Any calls or data-related services are routed either via the paired iPhone or via a direct connection between the watch and a compatible Wi-Fi network (when the watch cannot connect to the paired iPhone via Bluetooth). A separate cellular plan for the Apple Watch is not required.

iPad, Apple Watch, Apple Vision Pro, Mac, and displays

If you buy an iPad, Apple Watch, Apple Vision Pro, Mac, Pro Display XDR, or Studio Display using Apple Card Monthly Installments, you'll have one installment due every month for twelve months.

When your iPhone is off or out of range, your Apple Watch can use a Wi-Fi network to send and receive data. Your watch can also connect to a cellular network if it's a cellular model. And if you've set up an Apple Watch for a family member, they can use a cellular or Wi-Fi connection with their watch.

Get apps from the App Store on Apple Watch

Turn the Digital Crown to browse featured apps and collections. Tap a collection to see more apps. To get a free app, tap Get. To buy an app, tap the price.

For those people who want to get into a habit of leaving their iPhone behind in favor of an Apple Watch, it makes sense to have a cellular plan. Especially for those who run or take walks – with a cellular model, you don't need to keep a bulky iPhone with you to have access to calling, texting, music, and more.

What's the point of an Apple Watch? ›

Apple Watch can do what your other devices can't because it's on your wrist. When you wear it, you get a fitness partner that measures all the ways you move, meaningful health insights, innovative safety features, and a connection to the people you care about most.

When the active watch is in Bluetooth range of the iPhone it will use the data allowance from the iPhone airtime plan. Any other Apple Watches you have associated to your iPhone will still connect to the cellular network if turned on and can make and receive calls via your iPhone number.

In the US, the rates for activation of cellular for an Apple Watch is $10/month. However, understand that the Apple Watch GPS will do everything the cellular watch will as long as the iPhone is close by.

Bluetooth on the Apple Watch has a maximum range of 100 meters/330 feet, though the range may be shorter in practice. If the paired iPhone is connected to a known Wi-Fi network, the Apple Watch and iPhone can communicate over Wi-Fi.

As you describe the way you want to use your Apple Watch, then yes, you have to pay for cellular service on the Apple Watch. If you get a GPS only Apple Watch, or you do not activate the cellular radio, then the Apple Watch can do Everything the cellular model can do As Long As your iPhone is nearby.

It's great to see that you are interested in purchasing an Apple Watch, I am happy to help address any concerns. There is a $10/month charge for the service to be added to your plan.

You can choose to pay for a new iPhone, iPad, Mac, or other eligible Apple product with Apple Card Monthly Installments — instead of paying all at once — in order to enjoy interest-free, low monthly payments.

Do I need a data plan for smartwatches? Yes. Smartwatches make life easier, giving you the features of a cellphone all from the convenience of your wrist. To utilize all the capabilities of a smartphone, such as making calls, sending texts, location tracting, etc., you'll need a data plan.