In Germany, the Apple Watch can be brought back into the cellular network via discount stores. Recently, providers like Simplytel, Winsim and Smartmobil have suddenly started using a multicard as an eSIM in the smartwatch, as users report. At the moment, the configuration does not seem to be running smoothly: Watch owners refer to various error messages and several attempts that have to be made before they finally manage to set up the login data via the watch app on the iPhone.

1 & 1 as a new Watch sales partner This is apparently only possible with brands from 1 & 1 Drillisch. In addition to the aforementioned discounters Simplytel, Winsim and Smartmobil, this also includes Handyvertrag.de, DeutschlandSIM, Yourfone and PremiumSIM. As a new Apple Watch sales partner, 1 & 1 has only been one of the mobile network providers supported by Apple in Germany for a few weeks – this now also seems possible for the other brands of the group. This has not yet been officially confirmed. On the support pages of providers such as Simplytel, it is explicitly noted that there is no support for the Apple Watch.

Start 2020 it was possible for several months to set up a multicard from the discounter as an eSIM on the watch, but Apple blocked this with a network operator update in the summer. Whether the option, which is now available again, will be blocked again at a later date remains open for the time being.

MultiSIM / Multicard required Um Bringing an Apple Watch into the cellular network requires a MutiSIM or Multicard, and the watch must use the same cellular number as the associated iPhone. So far, this required booking a term contract with one of the major providers Telekom, Vodafone or O2, prepaid customers had to stay outside.

The only exception since watchOS 7 is the new family configuration, so that an Apple Watch can be set up for a family member with their own mobile phone number, Corresponding offers are currently only available from Telekom and Truphone in Germany.

(lbe)