Apple released the Series 7 watch last year without any major improvements over the Series 6. The latest Apple Watch has an edge-to-edge display and runs on the WatchOS 8.
It comes packed with the S7 chip, which Apple claims is its fastest and most power-efficient chip to date. The watch is available in both GPS and cellular models.
In this post, we will cover the connectivity of Apple W7, answering a range of questions with one question in focus.
So without further ado, let’s get started.
Table of Contents
Does Apple Watch 7 Support 5G?
The Apple Watch 7 doesn’t support 5G. As per Apple’s website, the Watch 7 GPS version supports 2.4GHz and 5GHz 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth 5.0. Whereas the cellular model supports all of this plus 4G LTE connectivity for a standalone experience.
5G is new to even smartphones and its availability is still limited. So, don’t expect the Watch 7 to support 5G anytime soon. Apple is likely saving 5G for the future generation of the watch.
Another reason to not add 5G support in the Watch 7 is the battery performance. The watch’s battery life is already around 18-20 hours, and adding 5G would only reduce that further.
Is the Apple Watch Series 7 4G or not?
Apple Watch 7 is not a true 4G device. Rather, it supports LTE bands that fall under the 4G category, commonly known as 4G LTE. In Laymen’s terms, the cellular speed on Watch 7 is faster than 3G but not as fast as 4G.
Again, this is due to battery concerns. Adding 4G support would require a stronger battery and more bandwidth, which in turn will reduce the watch’s battery life.
Is there a 5G smartwatch?
There is no 5G smartwatch as of now. The only 5G-enabled devices are smartphones. 5G is still in its early stages and is not yet available in most countries. Smartwatch manufacturers are likely waiting for 5G to become more mainstream before including it in their devices.
Also, they would have to overcome several hardware challenges, such as the battery life and increased heat generation, to make a 5G smartwatch feasible.
Does Apple Watch 7 have a SIM card?
The Apple Watch 7 doesn’t have a SIM card. Rather, the cellular model of the watch comes with eSIM technology. eSIM is an embedded chip that can be activated and connected to a cellular network by scanning a QR code or by entering the activation code provided by the carrier.
This allows users to switch between carriers without having to replace the physical card. It also eliminates the need for a separate physical SIM card for the watch.
Does Apple Watch Cellular drain battery?
The Apple Watch LTE drains battery faster for the simple reason that it’s connected to a cellular network. A device consumes more power when it’s connected to LTE than when it’s connected to Wi-Fi.
Take for example the latest Series 7 watch. The GPS model lasts up to 18 hours on a single charge, while the cellular model only lasts up to 4 hours with LTE enabled.
Does Apple Watch 7 need Data plan?
The Apple Watch 7 GPS/LTE doesn’t need a data plan to work. You can access the internet via a Wi-Fi connection or through your paired iPhone’s via Bluetooth. However, if you want standalone connectivity, you will need to purchase a data plan from a supported carrier.
The carrier can be same or different from the one you use for your iPhone.
Can I get texts on my Apple Watch 7 without cellular?
You can get texts on your Apple Watch 7 without cellular if you’re connected to Wi-Fi or if your iPhone is nearby and connected to the watch via Bluetooth. The watch piggybacks off your iPhone’s data plan to send and receive text messages.
Can you answer calls on Apple Watch 7 without iPhone?
Again, you can answer calls on your Apple Watch 7 without iPhone if you’re connected to Wi-Fi and your iPhone needs to be on the same network or should be paired to the watch via Bluetooth. This works for both GPS and LTE model
Apple Watch 7 built-in speaker and microphone will allow you hands-free conversation. Plus access to SIRI, the intelligent assistant, for all your needs.
Can you play music on your Apple Watch 7 without iPhone?
You can play music on your Apple Watch 7 without iPhone as it has built-in 32 GB storage to store your favorite tracks. And if you want to access music streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, all you need is a Wi-Fi connection or LTE connectivity.
Only the cellular model of the Apple Watch 7 has LTE connectivity for streaming music. The GPS model has to rely on Wi-Fi or the internet connectivity of paired iPhone.
Can you FaceTime on your Apple Watch 7?
You can FaceTime on your Apple Watch 7 however keep in mind that the watch doesn’t have a built-in camera. Here, you will have to invest in Wristcam, a third-party accessory that features two cameras, one on the front and one on the back, to capture your video calls.
Final Thoughts:
We hope that this article answered all of your questions about the Apple Watch 7 connectivity. The information in this article is current as of April 2022 and is correct at the time of writing. However, we don’t believe that 5G is coming to Apple Watch, and in general smartwatches, any time soon.