Apple Watch Ultra 3: No satellite measurement, 5G only at Telekom

In Germany, the innovations of the Apple Watch Ultra 3 remain limited at the start. The satellite measurement measurement, which is now also possible for the first time via Apple Watch, currently does not work in this country or in the rest of Europe, as Apple notes in the small print. With Ultra 3, neither iMessages nor SMS can be sent to family or friends with Ultra 3. This lacks one of the most important innovations.

Satellite emergency call yes, messaging no

The emergency call function known from the iPhone via satellite is made available at Ultra 3, now in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, Italy and Spain-the Alpine region is therefore covered, for example. In contrast to this, satellite messages have remained since the introduction in autumn 2024 limited to the majority of North America. Apple therefore works to “provide these functions in other regions as soon as possible”. However, this depends on “regulation by government agencies, the necessary permits and other market -specific requirements”.

Users in Germany can also manually transmit their location from Ultra via satellite. However, the prerequisite is that the watch is operated with an active mobile phone tariff – and the respective mobile phone provider supports the function on top of that. The Apple Watch can only be brought into the mobile network via a Multisim or Multicard via ESIM, which usually requires a comparatively expensive term contract with a large network operator.

5G only at Telekom

Another central innovation of Apple Watch Ultra 3, Series 11 and SE 3 is also only available to a limited extent in Germany: 5G mobile radio connections can currently only use Telekom customers. The new functionality represents a “premiere in German mobile communications”, As the network operator announced on FridayThis is implemented on the basis of RedCap technology. Redcap stands for “Reduced Capability” and promises lower energy consumption. The new watches continue to support LTE.