Apple Watch Ultra 3: No satellite messaging, 5G only with Telekom
Two key new features of the Ultra 3 can currently only be used to a limited extent or not at all in Germany.
An Apple Watch Ultra on the wrist – here still in Generation 1.
(Image: Sebastian Trepesch / heise medien)
In Germany, the new features of the Apple Watch Ultra 3 will be limited at launch. Satellite messaging, now available for the first time via Apple Watch, currently does not work in Germany or the rest of Europe, as Apple notes in the fine print. This means that even with the Ultra 3, you cannot send iMessages or SMS messages to family or friends in areas with no cell service. This means that one of the most important new features is missing.
Satellite emergency calls yes, messaging no
The emergency SOS function via satellite, familiar from the iPhone, is available on the Ultra 3, now in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, Italy, and Spain, among other countries, provided that the Alpine region is covered, for example. In contrast, satellite messaging has been limited to the majority of North America since its launch in fall 2024. Apple is therefore working on "making these functions available in other regions as quickly as possible". However, this depends on "regulation by government authorities, the necessary approvals and other market-specific requirements".
Users in Germany can also manually transmit their location from the Ultra via satellite. However, this requires that the watch is operated with an active mobile phone tariff and the respective mobile phone provider also support the function. The Apple Watch can only be connected to the mobile network via a MultiSIM or Multicard via eSIM, which usually requires a comparatively expensive fixed-term contract with a major network operator.
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5G only with Telekom
Another key new feature of the Apple Watch Ultra 3, Series 11, and SE 3 is also only available to a limited extent in Germany: 5G mobile connections can currently only be used by Telekom customers. The new functionality represents a "first in German mobile communications," as the network operator announced on Friday, and has been implemented based on RedCap technology. RedCap stands for "Reduced Capability" and promises lower energy consumption. The new watches also continue to support LTE.
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