New Apple Watches for 2026
On September 9, 2026, Apple unveiled the latest batch of Apple Watches, including the Series 12, the outdoor-oriented Ultra 4, and the haute couture Hermès Series 12 and Ultra 4. The new generation boasts overhauled heart rate monitors, faster processors, and longer battery life than their predecessors. Like earlier models, however, all feature cellular connectivity. More precisely, the Series 12 is available in either a GPS-only version or a “Cellular+GPS” model that can download a cellular connectivity plan to call, text, and use mobile data like a phone. Cellular Series 12 models cost $100 more than the GPS-only versions, while the Ultra and Hermès models feature cellular connectivity as standard.
So what does cellular connectivity get you? In essence, it narrows the gap between smartwatch and phone. A GPS-only Apple Watch can only connect to the internet when connected to Wi-Fi or paired with a nearby iPhone. These models rely on a Bluetooth connection between Watch and phone, meaning the user can only use connectivity services like calls, texts, and mobile data on their Apple Watch when their iPhone is close at hand. This also requires a bundled phone & Apple Watch mobile plan, which not every carrier offers. Without a nearby paired iPhone, GPS-only Apple Watches do not support any connectivity services, and can only access the internet (including any online apps) via Wi-Fi.
GPS+Cellular models function as standalone mobile devices, able to call, text, and get online via mobile data, wherever they are. They don’t require a paired iPhone to function and allow the wearer to head out while remaining fully connected, with all the capabilities of a fully-fledged smartphone on their wrist. A GPS+cellular model is also required for Apple Watch For Your Kids mode.
What is Apple Watch For Your Kids?
Though the Apple Watch was initially launched for an adult customer base, parents and caregivers soon saw the appeal of providing their children with a mobile device that lacked the distractions of a typical smartphone, like a camera or large screen. Recognising this demand, Apple developed Family setup mode for the Apple Watch (now known as Apple Watch For Your Kids).
This is a software feature that allows an iPhone user to set up a cellular Apple Watch for someone else (like a child or older adult). The Apple Watch can then download an eSIM and function as an independent mobile device, capable of making calls, sending messages, and using apps, all without a nearby iPhone. The iPhone owner can set up multiple Apple Watches in this mode and keep tabs on each with their phone. The Apple Watches can use a completely different carrier or mobile plan from the iPhone.
How to set up an Apple Watch for your child without changing carriers
The beauty of Apple Watch For Your Kids mode is that it allows the Apple Watch wearer and controlling iPhone user to remain connected, even with totally different carriers. The Apple Watch can use any data plan from an Apple Watch-specialist provider like BetterRoaming, regardless of the provider used by the iPhone owner. The Watch uses its own data and calls allowance, and independent payments, while the iPhone user will still be able to apply parental controls to the Apple Watch, including managing contacts and screentime.
Apple Watch For Your Kids allows children to enjoy the independence of a mobile device, without the unfettered access of a smartphone.
Setting up an Apple Watch for someone else is simple. All you need is an iPhone (for the initial setup) and an Apple Watch running WatchOS 7 or later. Note that Apple Watch For Your Kids is only available on post-2021 cellular Apple Watch models (Series 8 Cellular+GPS, SE 2 Cellular+GPS, Ultra 1 or later). You can find out what model of Apple Watch you have here.
Detailed instructions on adding a BetterRoaming eSIM plan to an Apple Watch can be found here.
BetterRoaming and Apple
Having the freedom to use different carriers with an iPhone and Apple Watch is a significant benefit for consumers. As the public usage of eSIM-connected wearables like the cellular Apple Watch has only emerged in the last few years, not every major mobile carrier offers smartwatch-specific plans. Some legacy carriers do offer bundled phone & watch plans, though these can require the user to switch plans.
BetterRoaming is one of a handful of carriers selected by Apple to offer Apple Watch eSIM plans. Having provided millions of eSIMs since 2018, we offer a range of great-value, easy-to-use Apple Watch plans that support Apple Watch For Your Kids mode.
These plans are flexible and simple to add – unlike long-term “lock-in” plans from traditional carriers, BetterRoaming Watch plans can be cancelled any time. If you need multiple plans – for example, setting up Apple Watches for larger families – these can be simply booked online. Each Apple Watch wearer will have their own independent mobile plan, with individual data allowances, while still being managed by the iPhone owner.
Regardless of the Apple Watch model, a BetterRoaming eSIM plan is the easiest way to get connected.
