Apple Watch Family Setup: A Two-Year User’s Honest Review

Hey there! Let’s rewind to Apple’s September 2020 event. It was packed, showcasing the Apple Watch Series 6, Apple Watch SE, the 8th gen iPad, and the revamped iPad Air. But what slipped under many radars was the Family Setup feature for the Apple Watch. This innovative setup allows you to connect any GPS + Cellular Apple Watch to an iPhone with a completely independent phone number, turning it into a standalone device. Originally intended for parents to give their kids a simplified phone alternative, it’s also handy for linking an Android user’s number to an Apple Watch, as long as you have someone with an iPhone to help set it up. I had the pleasure of using Family Setup as a sort of prelude to owning a phone, and I must say, my two-year journey with it was quite fulfilling.

The Apple Watch Series 7 and Family Setup

For my Family Setup experience, I went with the 41mm Apple Watch Series 7, primarily because it has cellular capabilities, which are essential for this feature. While the Apple Watch SE would have been a solid alternative, its lack of a keyboard nudged me towards the newer model. Having a keyboard made a world of difference.

Staying Connected

The Apple Watch proved to be a decent communication tool, though not without its quirks. At home, I relied heavily on dictation to send messages quickly, as tapping out texts on the tiny keyboard can be cumbersome. Silent mode became my ally, ensuring I was subtly notified of incoming texts without alerting everyone else. Calls, however, required a workaround. The tinny speakers weren’t ideal, so I’d pair my AirPods for a clearer experience.

Communicating on the Move

On the go, the watch’s small size did come with some challenges. A lack of an efficient cooling system meant it could heat up after a series of texts or calls. In public, dictation felt a bit awkward, pushing me to use the keyboard. Initially, this was awkward, but the swipe-to-text feature learned my frequently used words and improved the experience. Calls were trickier; prolonged ones made the watch uncomfortably warm to wear, leading me to resort to handheld use akin to an iPod Nano. Fortunately, my interactions were generally brief, which kept things manageable.

Fitness Tracking Features

As someone who loves staying active, having a fitness tracker on my wrist was motivating. Transitioning from a Fitbit, my expectations were high, and the Apple Watch didn’t disappoint. Its customizable activity rings were more immediate and relatable than mere numbers, adding a playful element to fitness with mini-competitions among friends. The accuracy of workout and GPS tracking matched, if not exceeded, my previous Fitbit Charge 4 experience.

Beyond the Basics

The Apple Watch’s App Store offers limited compatibility for Family Setup, as many apps require a paired iPhone. However, some stand-alone apps, like WaterMinder, are quite beneficial. There are also quirky games such as Jellyfish Tap. Apple Music streaming was a real perk, perfectly aligning with my workout routines, and even Amazon Music was available for variety.

Performance and Battery Life

The S7 SiP was adequate for my needs, launching apps quickly and ensuring smooth animations. The battery life, however, was a letdown. Initially, it kept pace until 8 PM, but with time, it required charging earlier in the day—eventually down to 4 PM. By the end, battery health had dipped to 79%, reminiscent of the infamous iPhone 14 Pro situation.

Final Thoughts

In a nutshell, the Apple Watch Family Setup is a bit of a mixed bag. It doesn’t outperform cheap Android devices in many areas, but it serves its purpose for its intended audience, delivering just what users like me need. Interestingly, I found it led to more genuine interactions and memories than my friends with smartphones, freeing me from the endless cycle of YouTube or texting during social gatherings. To sum up, Family Setup was an engaging adventure that kept me connected to what truly mattered while helping me enjoy life’s moments more fully.

FAQ

What is Apple Watch Family Setup?

Family Setup is a feature that lets you connect a GPS + Cellular Apple Watch to an iPhone with a different phone number, essentially making it a stand-alone device. It’s ideal for kids or anyone without an iPhone who wants to enjoy the benefits of an Apple Watch.

Can I use any app with Family Setup?

Not all apps are available with Family Setup, as many require an iPhone. However, some apps like WaterMinder work independently, and Apple Music streaming is also accessible, offering a good mix for users.

How does the battery life hold up?

Initially, the battery life is decent, lasting the whole day. But over time, you may find it needs charging by early evening. Keeping track of battery health is crucial to maintain its longevity.

Looking for Cellular Plans for Apple Watch?

Here’s a breakdown of all the plans that are currently available in the US.

CarrierCost (per month)Additional Details
US MobileFREE with Unltd Premium
Or $6.5/mo annually
Or $9.5/mo
Taxes & fees included!
Standalone coming soon.
Works with any plans.
Verizon$15 + tax & fees$7.50 credit with certain plans​Verizon
AT&T$10 + tax & fees
T-Mobile$12 + tax & feesOnly works with certain plans​www.iphonelife.comiMore
Xfinity Mobile$10 + tax & feesPairs well with Xfinity home internet​ www.iphonelife.comCoverage Critic
C Spire$10 + tax & feesOnly available in select regions​Wear To TrackiMore
Apple Watch Family Setup: A Two-Year User's Honest Review