Why a cellular Apple Watch (4G) does not work in the Netherlands

“Can I use a cellular Apple Watch in the Netherlands?” The iPhonededitors are regularly asked this question. In this article we explain why you probably shouldn’t do this.

Cellular Apple Watch in the Netherlands: what about?

Just to get straight to the point. Yes, it is possible to buy a cellular Apple Watch (with 4G) in the Netherlands. However, actually using the smartwatch with mobile internet is a completely different story.

How does this work? Let’s start with the basics. Apple sells two types of smartwatches: a ‘regular’ WiFi version, and one with cellular. In the Netherlands you will mainly encounter the former. An Apple Watch with Wi-Fi relies heavily on the paired iPhone. For example, your Apple phone must be nearby to make calls with your Watch.

This is not the case on a cellular Apple Watch. These watches are a lot more independent because of the built-in esim, or the possibility to use a digital SIM card. In the United States, for example, people with a 4G Apple Watch pay a few dollars more per month to also have internet on their watch.

The major role of providers

In order to actually use an Apple Watch with 4G (or 5G), you also need a helpful provider in addition to a suitable watch. They have to support the esim technique. In the Netherlands you can contact KPN, Simyo, T-Mobile, Truphone and Vodafone for this.

But, it’s not that simple. These providers can help you with an esim ‘card’, but not with the variant that the Apple Watch needs. This has to do with additional requirements from Apple.

Dutch providers only support smartwatches that have an esim and comply with the GSMA Consumer Model, a widely supported standard in the telecom industry. The esim implementation of the Apple Watch requires additional functionality and Dutch providers do not support it (yet).

So in summary it comes down to this. There’s nothing against buying an Apple Watch with 4G capability. You can pick up these ‘luxury’ versions at some web shops, although you often pay an extra price for them. After all, these models with 4G are obtained from abroad via gray imports.

However, it is of little use, because no Dutch provider supports the specific requirements of the Apple Watch in the field of esims. It is therefore impossible to use your electronic SIM card on the smartwatch.

What if I buy a foreign Apple Watch including a subscription?

Are you able to buy Apple Watch including esim subscription in Belgium, Germany or France? Even then you will probably come home from a cold fair. The Apple Watch does not support roaming.

You can therefore not use the internet subscription on Dutch soil. Only when you cross the border do you have a signal on your smartwatch. This solution is (in theory) only possible if you live very close to the border. We wouldn’t bet on it though.

However, there are a few reasons why you could still buy a cellular Apple Watch in the Netherlands. You do not do this for the internet connection, but for the looks. With a cellular version, you have more choice of materials and models. Many people find a case made of ceramic, titanium or stainless steel stylish and you will only find these variants on cellular Apple Watches.

The easiest option for Dutch people is to buy a 4G Apple Watch from Telenet. This Belgian provider has been offering cellular smartwatches via One Number since the end of 2020. With this service you can share the number of calling minutes, text messages and the mobile data bundle between your Apple Watch and paired iPhone.

Also interesting: Explanation: Why the Apple Watch doesn’t work (decently) on Android

The future of cellular Apple Watches

For the time being, Dutch providers have no concrete plans for issuing esim subscriptions that can handle mobile internet. However, almost all parties indicate that they are “investigating” the options.

KPN says, for example, not to spread rumors to prevent customers from being disappointed if it does not go through. Vodafone acknowledges that there is a lot of demand for cellular-Apple Watches, but says it can’t promise anything about their eventual arrival.

So hope is pinned on the future. What is certain is that Apple will announce a new smartwatch at the end of this year. The Apple Watch Series 7 seems to resemble the iPhone 12 in design and get a more angular dial. You can read more about the new Apple watch on the page below.

Everything you need to know about the Apple Watch Series 7