• Deutsche Telekom is offering 5G connectivity on Apple Watch devices using RedCap (Reduced Capability) on its 5G+ standalone (SA) network, automatically falling back to LTE when 5G is unavailable.
• The operator says the feature is included at no extra cost on its existing tariffs (MagentaMobil and Smart Connect), and that customers can use a MultiSIM under the same number as their iPhone.
What happened
Deutsche Telekom (DT) has announced that it is the only operator in Germany currently supporting 5G connectivity on the latest Apple Watch models via 5G RedCap, a Reduced Capability variant of 5G that is designed especially for devices with smaller form factors, lower data throughput demands, and limited battery capacity.
The network automatically reverts to LTE when 5G is unavailable. DT emphasises that there is no additional charge: all MagentaMobil and Smart Connect plans already include 5G, and MultiSIM is the easiest way to activate the function on the watch. The Apple Watch Series 11, Apple Watch Ultra 3, and Apple Watch SE 3 are among those being sold by DT stores with the RedCap capability now enabled. 
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Why it’s important
RedCap devices use fewer antennas, narrower bandwidth, and streamlined functionality compared with full-spec 5G devices, reducing energy consumption — a major concern for devices such as smartwatches. DT states that these features are particularly important given the smaller batteries in wearables.
RedCap fills a gap between full 5G (eMBB etc.), massive IoT (mMTC) and legacy LTE-based wearable solutions. It offers better performance than LTE for many device use-cases without incurring the cost or complexity of full 5G NR. According to GSMA and others, RedCap (and evolved RedCap, eRedCap) are intended exactly for that “middle-zone” of applications. For DT, being first to provide 5G RedCap on wearables in Germany is a competitive advantage. It positions DT not merely as infrastructure provider, but as innovator in the wearable/IoT ecosystem. Other operators globally are investing in RedCap trials and deployments.
