Why has the cellular network function of Apple Watch 3 been suspended?

According to news on October 20, the cellular network function of the third-generation Apple Watch is still unavailable. The new product, released in September, connects to the cellular network through a built-in eSIM card, allowing users to make calls, send text messages and use apps.

However, one month after its launch, users in mainland China still cannot use this new feature. According to the Wall Street Journal, this new feature may be regulated due to security concerns.

According to the original plan announced by Apple, China Unicom will be the first to support making calls with Apple Watch Series 3 in some areas, including Shanghai, Guangdong, Henan, Hubei, Hunan and Tianjin.

However, on September 28, China Unicom suspended new users from applying for the "One Number Multi-Terminal" service, and users who have already subscribed can continue to use it. The relevant page of Apple's online store also changed the description to say that "cellular network service will be launched later this year and will only be available for mobile phone accounts belonging to specific cities." From now on, even if users receive a brand new Apple Watch Series 3, they will not be able to activate an independent cellular network.

In response to this, Apple claimed: "China Unicom informed us that the cellular network function of Apple Watch Series 3 has been suspended."

An unwilling Named analysts believe this may be related to the user real-name system implemented in China. The LTE standard used in watches is completely different from that used in smartphones, and there are currently no regulatory policies for this. China has fully implemented the real-name system for mobile phone numbers, and the eSIM card on the Apple Watch is built in by Apple rather than the operator.

eSIM is not a new technology, but it is not yet available in mainland China. Xiaomi once launched a "virtual SIM card", which also enables communication without inserting a physical card. However, this function can only use data in mainland China and cannot be used to make calls and send text messages. But Xiaomi’s virtual SIM card can make calls in Hong Kong.

This will affect sales of the new Apple Watch 3. According to a report released by market research company GBH Insights, 70% of Apple Watch Series 3 buyers are new users who have never bought an Apple watch. These people are more inclined to buy the higher-priced cellular version, and more than 80% of users who have already purchased it have purchased this version.

The new Apple Watch is tasked with driving Apple’s revenue in the fourth quarter because the situation after the launch of iPhone 8 is not as good as before. Apple has significantly reduced iPhone 8 production capacity from November to December, cutting orders to suppliers from 10-12 million units at the peak of a single month to 5-6 million units. But it’s not all bad news for Apple. The first batch of iPhone

Hope it will be improved soon.