New apple Watch Models Launch Without 5G in Several Key Markets
CUPERTINO,CALIFORNIA – september 10,2025 – Apple’s newly released Apple Watch Series 11,Apple Watch Ultra 3,and Apple Watch SE 3 boast an upgraded 5G modem and antenna architecture,but the faster cellular connectivity is not universally available at launch. Customers in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, and numerous countries across Europe, South America, Africa, and Asia will initially rely on LTE for cellular connectivity.
The absence of listed 5G support varies by region and appears tied to carrier readiness.While Apple does not manufacture separate Apple Watch models for different countries – with the exception of China - the devices sold in these markets likely contain the same 5G-capable hardware as those available in the United states and other supported locations. This suggests the possibility of 5G activation via carrier software updates in the future.
Apple showcased a list of launch-supported carriers during yesterday’s product event, including: Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile (US); Orange (Europe/Global); EE, three/3 (UK/International); Sunrise (Switzerland); AIS (Thailand); SoftBank, NTT Docomo, and au (Japan); SmarTone and CSL (Hong Kong); CTM (Macau); Singtel and M1 (Singapore); Zain (Middle East/Africa); du (UAE); Boost Mobile, US Cellular, and Metro by T-Mobile (US); China Unicom, China Mobile, and China Telecom; and Jio (India).
Notably absent from this list are major carriers in Canada – Telus, Bell, and Rogers – and Australia – telstra, Vodafone, and Optus.
Consumers can verify 5G availability for their specific region by reviewing the technical specifications listed on Apple’s website for the Apple Watch Series 11, Apple Watch Ultra 3, and Apple Watch SE 3. In areas where 5G is not specified as a feature, the watches will default to LTE connectivity. The reason for the staggered rollout is currently unclear, but could be related to regulatory approvals or carrier-specific implementation timelines.
