O2 is now offering the cellular version of the Apple Watch. When Apple first launched an LTE version of its Watch (with Series 3) it exclusively partnered with EE. Vodafone connectivity was added at the end of last year and now O2 customers can get the smartphone on the company’s custom plans.
New and existing iPhone pay monthly users can now purchase the smartwatch through O2 on a number of price plans, and use it to make calls and stay connected, even when not in range of their handset.
O2 offers seven models of Apple Watch in its store, with the 38mm and 42mm Apple Watch Series 3 with Sport Band starting from £20 pounds upfront and either £14.99 pounds or £16.79 pounds per month respectively on a 36-month plan, including vat.
On the Apple Watch Series 4 side, O2 offers the 40mm and 44mm models with Sport Band, with the larger also gaining Sport Loop and Nike+ variants, along with a Stainless Steel option. Those models start from £20 upfront again, and from £19.50 per month.
According to research conducted by YouGov on behalf of O2, currently less than 1 in 10 people (9%) own a smart watch, with cost one of the most significant barriers to ownership.
Customers who purchase Apple Watch on O2 between Friday 14 June and Wednesday 18 December 2019 will benefit from 6 months’ free airtime for their watch. At the end of their 6 month promotional period the cost of an Apple Watch Airtime Plan will be £5 per month (adjusted annually for RPI).
Customers purchasing Apple Watch from O2 on a custom plan can choose how much they want to pay for the device upfront (from a minimum of £20), and have the ability to spread the remaining cost between 3 and 36 months (in one-month increments) at 0% APR.
This means customers can pay as little as £9.99 a month for the first 6 months if they select a 36 month contract (£14.99 a month thereafter), allowing customers to access smart tech on their terms and according to their budget.
Mark Evans, CEO of O2, said,
“The mobile industry should offer greater flexibility to make the power of technology accessible for all. It can’t be right that rigid contracts and inflexibility are still stopping consumers from accessing the benefits and freedom of advanced technology like Apple Watch Series 4, offering breakthrough communication and fitness features.
At O2 we believe that everyone should benefit from access to technology, so we offer customers the control and flexibility to build plans that best suit their needs.”
According to research conducted by YouGov on behalf of O2, 81% of Brits feel trapped by fixed term contracts for mobile technology, and 89% agree that operators should make monthly contract payments more flexible.
According to the O2 research, the top 5 drivers of consumer uptake will be:
- The ability to track fitness levels (67%)
- The ability to monitor health and wellbeing (61%)
- Messaging e.g. text, emails etc. (60%)
- GPS tracking and navigation (31%)
- Contactless payments (20%)
Apple Watch Series 4 £14.50 Device Plan for 36 months and £0 monthly rolling Airtime Plan (for the first 6 months only, then £5+ RPI), with £20 upfront.
Apple Watch Series 3 £9.99 Device Plan for 36 months and £0 monthly rolling Airtime Plan (for the first 6 months only, then £5+ RPI), with £20 upfront.
