The recent banning of certain Apple Watch models from airline flights has left many consumers with questions. Here is a comprehensive guide to the Apple Watch airplane ban, including key details on what happened, which devices are affected, and what it means for travelers.
Background on the Apple Watch Airplane Ban
On January 16, 2023, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) banned select Apple Watch models from being worn on airplanes. This came after testing found that radios used for Bluetooth, WiFi, and cellular connectivity in these devices could potentially interfere with sensitive airplane equipment.
The ban impacts Apple Watch models Series 6, SE, Series 5, Series 4, and Series 3. Older models without cellular connectivity are not included in the ban at this time.
Technical Reasons Behind the Ban
The radio technologies used in the banned Apple Watch models operate on the following frequency bands:
- Bluetooth – 2.4 GHz
- WiFi – 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz
- Cellular – 1.6 GHz
Aviation regulators determined the power levels on these bands could disrupt airplane systems like radios and navigation equipment that rely on close frequency ranges.
Interference can cause issues with an airplane’s ability to communicate and determine positioning, especially during critical phases of flight like takeoff and landing. Therefore, using devices that emit signals on these frequencies is prohibited during flights.
Impact of the Ban on Apple Watch Owners
This ban impacts any travelers who currently own or use one of the Apple Watch models listed.
The most recent estimates indicate over 30 million devices in the US are now prohibited from airplane use.
For consumers affected, this means your Apple Watch must be stowed in airplane mode during all flights. You cannot wear it or use it even if the cellular connection is disabled.
This poses some difficulties for people who are accustomed to relying on their watch for notifications, tracking health data, entertainment, and other features while flying.
It also makes travel more difficult if your watch is your primary timepiece. Should you wish to exchange or return your Apple Watch due to the ban, you may encounter fees from your carrier.
What to Do If You Own a Banned Apple Watch
If you own one of the Apple Watch models included in the FCC ban, you have a few options:
- Turn on Airplane Mode – This will disable all radio transmissions. However, it is still recommended you do not wear or use the watch during flights out of caution.
- Contact Your Airline – For any upcoming flights, check with your airline about their policy. Some may still ask you to remove the watch.
- Consider Not Wearing It – Leaving the banned watch at home is the safest option to avoid any potential interference issues.
- Exchange or Return – You may be able to exchange or return your banned Apple Watch. However fees may apply with your carrier, and replacements may be limited.
Apple’s Response to the Ban
Apple has expressed frustration and disappointment with the ban, saying they believe the affected watches pose no real risk to aviation equipment. However, they have not made any hardware changes to the devices as of now.
Apple is reportedly in talks with the FCC and FAA to attempt to get the ban reversed. Some experts speculate a future software update could limit radio power levels specifically on banned frequencies. But no official fix has been released yet.
Could Other Smartwatch Models Face a Ban?
Since this aviation interference issue seems to stem from common wireless technologies like Bluetooth and cellular, it has raised concerns that other smartwatches and wearable devices could also face in-flight restrictions.
Models from brands like Samsung, Google, and Garmin use similar radio bands to connect headphones, sync data, and enable location services. If thorough testing uncovers they pose comparable risks, broader bans may follow.
So far no other wearable devices have been prohibited. But regulators will likely be assessing other gadgets with wireless capabilities going forward.
Perspectives on the Ban from Industry Experts
Aviation industry groups have expressed support for the FCC’s decision, agreeing safety must come first when any potential for interference exists.
Tech analysts have offered mixed reactions. While nobody contests the need to fully ensure airplane systems function properly, some see the all-our ban as an overreaction that punishes consumers and Apple unfairly. They argue more nuanced technical solutions or standards could eliminate any risk without restricting devices entirely.
This divide in viewpoints will likely drive continued debate as stakeholders including consumers, Apple, regulators, and airlines weigh in.
What Happens Next?
For now, the Apple Watch airplane ban remains in effect in the US. Apple continues working to prove its devices are safe for aviation use, but no reversal of the ban has been announced yet.
It is possible a future over-the-air software update could resolve the issues by adjusting power levels. This would be the ideal outcome to quickly lift the restrictions.
But the FCC has signaled a very cautious approach, so Apple faces an uphill battle to get their Apple Watch models recertified for in-flight use.
Key Takeaways on the Apple Watch Airplane Ban
- Select Apple Watch models have been banned from use during flights due to radio interference concerns.
- The ban came from the FCC and impacts Apple Watch Series 6, SE, 5, 4, and 3 models.
- Bluetooth, WiFi, and cellular radios in these devices use frequencies regulators believe could disrupt sensitive airplane equipment.
For consumers affected, the only fully compliant options are not wearing your Apple Watch during travel or exchanging it for an older, non-cellular model not subject to the ban.
