Customers who want to purchase an LTE Apple Watch Series 3 model will need a postpaid plan to enable LTE connectivity, meaning it won't be available to those who use prepaid cellular plans. Prepaid plans are often more affordable, but don't support the number sharing features the Apple Watch Series 3 requires.

On AT&T's website, for example, the company says Apple Watch Series 3 connectivity requires the NumberSync feature. NumberSync, which allows one phone number to be used for multiple devices, requires a postpaid wireless account.

apple watch series 3
Apple Watch Series 3 models on Verizon use the NumberShare feature to allow Apple Watch users to accept calls on either device. NumberShare requires a "standard monthly plan" to work. On T-Mobile, the Apple Watch uses the DIGITS number sharing feature, not available to prepaid customers.

Sprint's website only lists an "active handset" as a requirement, but Fortune this week received word that all four carriers will require a standard monthly plan, including Sprint. Regular monthly plans will be needed for all customers who want an LTE Apple Watch.

Because the Apple Watch Series 3 does not get its own phone number, there's a second requirement on all carriers -- a cellular plan that already includes an iPhone 6 or later.

Sprint, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon all plan to charge customers $10 per month to add an LTE Apple Watch to their accounts. Three of the four, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon will be waiving their activation fees, and all are offering three free months of connectivity either up front or through service credits.

The LTE Apple Watch became available for pre-order last night, and the first orders will begin arriving to customers on Friday, September 22, the official launch date for the device. Pricing on the LTE Apple Watch Series 3 starts at $399.

Top Rated Comments

justiny Avatar
105 months ago
For a watch that was supposed to give you all kinds of freedom with cellular, it sure has a lot of restrictions on it.
Score: 35 Votes (Like | Disagree)
BeefSupreme Avatar
105 months ago
This paying an extra 10 bucks a month is pissing me off. I’m not upgrading my series 0 just for that reason.
Score: 22 Votes (Like | Disagree)
BeefSupreme Avatar
105 months ago
It’s just stupid. ONE carrier could have said, “ AW 3 connectivity? Free on our network!”

How many people would have instantly switched their phone contract, right when they are ordering a new phone and watch to go with it for that?
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Mad Mac Maniac Avatar
105 months ago
I’m loving my series 1. I hope by series 4 or 5 the carriers get their act together a little better.
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
nitramluap Avatar
105 months ago
It's ridiculous that it should cost extra at all.

* It shares the same number as the iPhone it's linked to
* It is not going to be using data (via LTE) at the same time as the iPhone it's linked to is using data
* It shares the iPhone's data limits
* It costs the networks nothing to enable this; they don't even have to provide a SIM!

A rort which Apple should have sorted out before announcing the thing.

2017 will be the first year I *don't* buy any new Apple hardware.
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
macTW Avatar
105 months ago
Makes sense. If it's prepaid, where's the greedy $10 come from?
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)