Apple Watch esim with no carrier contract

[CABC]

The cellular watch supports multiple esims, but do you need a legacy connection in place first?

EE, Voda et al all say yes, but they obviously would. the limited forum info I've gleaned elsewhere suggest that yes, you do need a traditional contract in situ initially. Technically I can't see why unless Apple has restricted this to keep the big operators happy. Has anyone avoided using a traditional mobile contract? Ideally I'd like to have a low use esim in place to stay connected when on a walk or in the pub. Most of the time I'm happy being paired to my phone.

[s2kjock]

Would a low use esim not cost about the same as an add-on to your existing contract anyway, or do you not have a traditional contract for your watch?

[CABC]

s2kjock said:

Would a low use esim not cost about the same as an add-on to your existing contract anyway, or do you not have a traditional contract for your watch?

my phone has a 365 day 20gb global esim from Airalo for £55. similar for the watch would be more than enough.
EE, Voda, O2 all want £8/mth AND a compatible phone contract that's greater than my (low use) needs. Totalled up is looking at £20+/mth more than I need.

I appreciate the mobile vendors motivation, and the benefit of having the same number on the watch. However, email and a 2nd number would serve my needs very well.

[danb79]

CABC said:

The cellular watch supports multiple esims, but do you need a legacy connection in place first?

EE, Voda et al all say yes, but they obviously would. the limited forum info I've gleaned elsewhere suggest that yes, you do need a traditional contract in situ initially. Technically I can't see why unless Apple has restricted this to keep the big operators happy. Has anyone avoided using a traditional mobile contract? Ideally I'd like to have a low use esim in place to stay connected when on a walk or in the pub. Most of the time I'm happy being paired to my phone.

You need to have a Pay Monthly SIM at minimum and then you connect your AW to that account

I have PM SIM's with Three for my 16PM (personal) and Pixel 9 Pro Fold (business) and have my AWU2 connected to my personal SIM

You can't just add PAYG eSIM or similar unfortunately

And they only work in the UK

[s2kjock]

CABC said:

my phone has a 365 day 20gb global esim from Airalo for £55. similar for the watch would be more than enough.
EE, Voda, O2 all want £8/mth AND a compatible phone contract that's greater than my (low use) needs. Totalled up is looking at £20+/mth more than I need.

I appreciate the mobile vendors motivation, and the benefit of having the same number on the watch. However, email and a 2nd number would serve my needs very well.

It is quite restrictive and I can understand your frustration - you would think the whole idea of an esim would allow flexibility when in practice it doesn't really when it comes to smartwatches.

I have a vodafone sim only contract and it costs me £7 extra a month for my esim one-number for my Pixelwatch. It is quite handy occasionally, but unless you go running or do some other activity where you want to leave your phone at home it is of limited use in reality.