Apple watch cellular vs GPS.

Apple cellularApple cellular
Home/Blogs/

Apple watch cellular vs GPS


Published on Wednesday, 22nd of October 2025.

Apple Watches are popular for good reason. They allow you to do almost everything an iphone can do bundled into the compact convenience of a watch. Apple Watches also offer some neat health, fitness and safety features that you can’t even get from your phone, such as heart-rate monitoring, sleep tracking, blood oxygen monitoring, fall, and crash detection, and emergency calling features.

But if you’re here reading this, you probably already know about all of these great features. It’s the difference between a cellular Apple Watch vs a GPS Apple Watch that has you looking for answers.

Let’s jump in to get a better idea of whether the cellular Apple Watch is the better choice for you.

What is the difference between an Apple Watch cellular and an Apple Watch with GPS only?

When shopping around for an Apple Watch, the first thing many people notice differentiating GPS and cellular smart watches is the price tag. For a smart watch this is cellular compatible, this will typically cost up to $100 more than the standard GPS-only Apple Watch. So, why the price difference? In short, a cellular Apple Watch enables internet connectivity for when you’re away from your phone. This means that you can use your watch to make calls and texts, check socials, stream music and podcasts, navigate with Apple Maps and more, all without your phone beside you.

Comparing GPS only Apple Smart Watches against Cellular + GPS Smart Watches.

Here is a breakdown of what each watch can do, both with and without your iPhone nearby.
Feature GPS-Only Model Cellular + GPS Model
Phone-Free Connectivity Requires a known Wi-Fi network Connects independently via cellular (LTE)
Make & Receive Calls/Texts Only when connected to your nearby iPhone or a Wi-Fi network (with Wi-Fi Calling enabled) Yes, completely phone-free (SMS/MMS requires the paired iPhone to be on and connected to a network somewhere)
Stream Music & Podcasts No. Can only play music/podcasts synced or downloaded to the watch. Yes, stream millions of songs from Apple Music or Spotify.
Use Maps for Navigation Only when connected to your nearby iPhone or a Wi-Fi network. Yes, get turn-by-turn directions directly on your wrist.
Use Siri Only when connected to your nearby iPhone or a Wi-Fi network. Yes, ask questions, set reminders, and more.
Emergency SOS Yes, but requires your iPhone to be nearby or a known Wi-Fi connection. Yes, can call emergency services from your wrist, even without your phone.
Family Setup Not supported. Yes, allows you to set up a watch for a child or family member who doesn't have an iPhone.
Workouts Tracks all workouts with GPS, heart rate, etc., without your phone. Tracks all workouts with GPS, heart rate, etc., plus all connectivity features (e.g., streaming music, taking calls).
Apple Pay Yes, works without an iPhone or Wi-Fi connection. Yes, works without an iPhone or Wi-Fi connection.
Additional Cost Standard price. Higher upfront cost (approx. $100 more) + ongoing monthly carrier fee (approx. $10/month).
 

1. Peace of mind wherever you are.


Maybe you’ve gone for a run and need to let your partner know how soon it will be until you’re home. Perhaps you went for a quick grocery shop phone-free and forgot one item from the shopping list? It’s these little conveniences that make the cellular Apple Watch a favourable option.

2. Seamless phone-free workouts.


Ever felt weighed down by your phone on a run, cycle, or gym work out? Comfortable and efficient fitness is one of the strongest selling points of the Apple Watch, and with a cellular smart watch, you can run out the door phone-free, track your workout, and post your achievement wherever you are. And if you choose to workout longer than anticipated, you can let your loved ones know via text or call. Apple’s September keynote is a global tech event, and this year’s launch has reshaped industry standards. With the addition of the iPhone Air, Apple is directly targeting a desire for lighter, slimmer devices without sacrificing performance. Furthermore, making ProMotion a standard feature across all models is a significant step in democratizing premium features throughout the entire lineup.

3. Screen-free time whilst still being reachable.


Many of us are looking for good excuses to decrease our screen-time, but the fear of being unreachable often makes this a lofty challenge. Whether it’s spending time in nature on a hike, focussing at school or uni, or spending time with the family, the ability to be phone-free but still reachable by call, text, or social messaging is an extra nice treat.

4. Keep the kids connected without a phone.


Cellular Apple Watches allow for a way for families to keep connected, without investing in a phone for the kids. This option is particularly ideal for families with children attending primary school and early high school, where parents aren’t ready for their kids to have a smart phone just yet, but wish for an option that lets them be easily reachable. A fun feature for the kids to enjoy on the smart watch is the walky-talky app which can let them send short voice messages between them and their other Apple Watch wearing family members!

Learn more about how to keep connected with your kids with family-friendly phone plans.

5. On-the-job connectivity and convenience.


For those of us who are easily distracted by our phones, a cellular Apple Watch has a lot to love, particularly when we’re on the job. Whilst it’s necessarily for us to be contactable at work, whether it’s in a meeting, sitting at the desk, or working face-to-face with clients or colleagues, a cellular Smart Watch ensures we’re 100% present without being completely out of reach. Perhaps a Smart Watch is the perfect productivity accessory you didn’t know you needed?

Does a cellular Apple Watch need its own sim card?

Yes, smart watches such as the Apple Watch do require their own sim card to allow for calls, texts and internet connectivity. As per a standard phone sim card, this sim will require a plan to be regularly paid to a wearable sim carrier company. Some carrier companies offer smart watch eSim ‘add ons’ to their mobile plans which make having a cellular smart watch a lot more affordable.

Is an Apple Watch with cellular worth it?

Knowing whether or not to invest in a cellular Apple Watch, and smart watch phone plan is entirely dependent on your own lifestyle and budget. Whilst many people are happy to have their phone in their pocket whilst using their Apple Watch when they’re out and about, others purchase the Apple Watch specifically for the freedom of being phone-free.

Save on your Apple Watch data plan wherever your workout takes you with Everyday Mobile from Woolworths.

Whether you’re looking to make workouts more seamless or you want a safe way to keep connected with your kids on the go, a cellular Apple Watch is a great option. With Everyday Mobile, you can have a smart watch eSim plan added onto your existing sim-only plan for only $10 per month.

To be eligible for the $10 smart watch eSim add on, you’ll need:
1. Paying for a $40, $50 or $60 5G Sim Only plan
2. Have an eSim compatible Apple iPhone or Samsung Galaxy device. Learn more here.
3. Own an Apple Watch or Samsung Galaxy Watch with cellular connectivity (LTE). And that’s it!

Learn more about the other perks and savings offered by Everyday Mobile from Woolworths.

FAQs about cellular Apple Watches and Smart Watch eSims.

Does apple watch cellular work internationally?

No, the Smart Watch eSIM Add-on is for use in Australia only and won't support calls or data overseas. However, if your smart watch has Wi-Fi, you may be able to connect to Wi-Fi networks for some functions like receiving notifications (if your phone is also connected) and using Wi-Fi-based apps.

Does an apple watch need a separate cellular plan to your iphone?

If you have a cellular + GPS Apple Watch, then you’ll need a sim card for your watch, separate from your phone sim card. GPS-only smart watches rely on the sim card in your phone to make calls, texts, and connect to the internet. A sim card is not needed for GPS-only Apple Watches.

Does an Apple Watch use data from your iphone?

Yes, both a GPS-only Apple Watch and a GPS + cellular Apple Watch can piggyback off of your phone’s wifi connection or mobile data. Only a cellular Apple Watch with an eSim can use data when your phone isn’t there.

Can I use apple watch GPS + cellular without a data plan?

Technically you can still use your Apple Watch without a data plan, however your watch will need to be connected to your iphone to be able to use its call, text, and internet capabilities. In order to use your Apple Watch’s cellular features, you’ll need a wearable eSim like what is offered as an add on from Everyday Mobile from Woolworths.

How do I activate an Apple Watch eSim?

1. Open the Watch app on your iPhone.
2. Tap My Watch (bottom left).
3. Tap Cellular.
4. Tap Set Up Cellular.
5.  Follow the prompts — you’ll be redirected to your carrier’s setup screen. 
      a)  You may need to sign in with your carrier account.
      b) Confirm or add the Apple Watch add-on service (sometimes called NumberShare or OneNumber).
6. Wait while your carrier activates the Sim on your watch (can take a few minutes).
7.  Once activated, you’ll see your carrier name (eg. ‘Everyday Mobile’) in the Control Centre on the watch when connected to cellular.


Note: The information presented in this article was accurate and applicable at the time of its publication.

5G SIM Only plans.

~ Sign up to a new $40, $50, $60 Everyday Mobile from Woolworths SIM Only Plan between 9 August 2023 00:01 AEST and 27 January 2026 23:59 AEDT and link your Everyday Rewards card during the checkout process to receive 10% off plan monthly price every month as long as you stay active on the plan and have an Everyday Rewards card. Offer not available to existing customers who change to a SIM Only Plan. Not available in conjunction with any other offer. Everyday Mobile from Woolworths reserves the right to amend the offer at any time without notice. Everyday Rewards Terms and Conditions apply.

> Offer applies to new customers who activate a $40, $50, or $60 Everyday Mobile from Woolworths SIM Only Plan and existing Everyday Mobile from Woolworths customers who upgrade from an existing SIM Only Plan to a higher value $40, $50, or $60 SIM Only Plan between 00:01 AM AEST on 3 September 2025 and 23:59 PM AEST on 30 September 2025 (Offer Period). Customers who move from a Prepaid Plan to a SIM Only Plan or who move from a SIM Only Plan to a Prepaid Plan during the Offer Period are excluded from this Offer. One-Off bonus data will be applied within 48 hours of activation for new customers and on the next bill cycle date for upgrading customers. Any unused data at the end of the billing month will rollover in the customer’s Data Bank, refer to the CIS for more information. This Offer is not available in conjunction with any other offer. Everyday Mobile from Woolworths reserves the right to withdraw or amend this Offer at any time without notice.

Prepaid 30 days.
$25 Starter Packs for $12.50, $30 Starter Packs for $15 and $35 Starter Packs for $17.50 available for new customers between 3 September 2025 00:01am AEDT and 16 September 2025 11:59pm AEST. Offer only available for new Starter Pack purchases and does not include any ongoing recharges after the 30 day credit expiry. Offer is available in store at Woolworths Supermarkets or online at https://mobile.everyday.com.au/. This offer is not available in conjunction with any other offer. Everyday Mobile from Woolworths reserves the right to amend this offer at any time without notice.

>> Offer applies to new customers who activate a $30 or $35 Everyday Mobile from Woolworths 30 day Prepaid Plan and existing customers who upgrade from an existing Everyday Mobile from Woolworths 30 day Prepaid Plan to a higher value $30 or $35 Everyday Mobile from Woolworths 30 day Prepaid Plan between 00:01 AM AEST 3 September 2025 and 23:59 PM AEST 30 September 2025 (Offer Period). One-off bonus data will be applied within 48 hours of activation or upgrade. Customers who move from a Prepaid Plan to a SIM Only Plan or who move from a SIM Only Plan to a Prepaid Plan during the Offer Period are excluded from this Offer. Any unused data will rollover in the customer's Data Bank with the next eligible 30 day Prepaid Plan recharge, refer to the CIS for more information. This Offer is not available in conjunction with any other offer. Everyday Mobile from Woolworths reserves the right to withdraw or amend this Offer at any time without notice.


General & Other.

1 Visit mobile.everyday.com.au/offers/10-off-your-shop for applicable terms and conditions, including eligibility criteria.

2 If you are signed up to an eligible Everyday Mobile plan in 2025, the base plan price will not be increased for the duration of 2025 (i.e. until 31 December 2025). For the purposes of this promise, ‘eligible Everyday Mobile plan’ means the following plans currently available to purchase from Everyday Mobile: $25, $30, $35 Prepaid 30-day plans, $40, $50, $60 SIM Only plans, and $130, $250, $320 Long Expiry plans. Furthermore 'base plan price' means the Cost of Recharge for Prepaid 30-day plans and Long Expiry plans, and the Minimum Monthly Charge for SIM Only plans, as defined in the Critical Information Summaries for these plans. Everyday Mobile reserves the right to offer promotional or discounted pricing on eligible Everyday Mobile plans at any time. This Price Promise does not apply to discontinued plans or promotional or discounted pricing on the eligible Everyday Mobile plans for applicable terms and conditions.

† Everyday Mobile from Woolworths uses the Telstra Wholesale Mobile Network with a mobile coverage area that reaches more than 98.8% of the Australian population and covers more than 1.7 million square kilometres of the Australian landmass. 5G requires a 5G enabled plan and compatible device. 4G & 5G speed caps apply. Download speeds are capped. Refer to the Prepaid 30 days CIS, SIM Only CIS or Long Expiry CIS for the capped speeds for each mobile plan. This will state the maximum potential download speed. Typical speeds may often be slower and will vary due to factors such as location, device capabilities, distance from the base station, local conditions, concurrent users, hardware and software configuration and download/upload destination. Refer to the CIS for more information.

* Visit mobile.everyday.com.au/support/refer-a-friend for applicable terms and conditions for Refer a friend.

To maintain Data Bank, you must recharge your Prepaid service before credit expiry or keep your payments up to date on your active Postpaid service. Refer to the CIS for more information.

Gift up to 50% of your Included Data per recharge or usage period to another active Everyday Mobile from Woolworths plan that includes the Data Gifting feature.

Up to 5% discount on Everyday WISH Gift Cards, Woolworths Supermarket Gift Card, BIG W Store Gift Card, BWS Store Gift Card and Dan Murphy's Store Gift Card purchased via the Everyday Mobile account Portal. Discount amount depends on the type of Gift Card purchased (3% off Everyday WISH eGift Cards, 4% off Woolworths Supermarket eGift Card and 5% off BIG W, BWS and Dan Murphy's eGift Cards). Discount will not be applied to the delivery fee if purchasing a physical Gift Card. This offer is available 1 November 2021 00:01am AEDT to 28 June 2026 11:59pm AEST for Everyday Mobile from Woolworths customers who have registered and can login to the Everyday Mobile from Woolworths My Account Portal or Everyday Mobile from Woolworths app. Offer valid on Gift Cards purchased via the Woolworths Gift Cards Portal only. A minimum of $5 and a maximum of $500 can be loaded onto an Gift Card upon purchase. Maximum of 5 Gift Cards per transaction. Woolworths Group Limited ABN 88 000 014 675 is the issuer of the Everyday WISH, Woolworths Supermarket, BIG W, BWS and Dan Murphy's Store Gift Cards. All Gift Cards have no expiry date and are redeemable at participating stores only. For a list of participating stores and full Gift Card Terms and Conditions visit woolworths.com.au/giftcards. Discount will not be applied to purchase of Gift Cards purchased directly through https://giftcards.woolworths.com.au or https://www.woolworthsgiftcardstore.com.au/deal/default.

< eSIM quick connection is available on Everyday Mobile from Woolworths Prepaid, Long Expiry and SIM Only plans. If you are transferring your number from a different provider please allow for porting time, typically 4 hours (during porting hours). For coverage information please visit Network Coverage.

§ Visit the Smartwatch eSIM Add-on page for applicable terms and conditions, including eligibility criteria.

>View expired offers and promotions here