Apple Watch Family Setup: Your Guide to Cost-Effective Connectivity

Have you ever wished for a way to keep your family connected without splurging on iPhones for everyone? Apple might have just the solution for you. Enter Apple’s “Family Setup” plan – a new, cost-effective way to link your kids’ or elderly family members’ Apple Watches to a single iPhone. Let’s break down how it works, what you’ll need, and what to expect in terms of features and costs.

Getting Started with Apple’s Family Setup

The Family Setup plan is a fresh offering from Apple, allowing parents to tether an Apple Watch to their iPhone. This feature wasn’t previously available, as each watch required its own dedicated iPhone. Now, families can enjoy more streamlined communication and connectivity, but at a price point that might make you think twice.

Which Apple Watches Are Compatible?

Not all Apple Watch models are suitable for the Family Setup. You’ll need to skip the budget-friendly $199 Series 3 Watch, as it’s not supported. However, the new Watch SE and Series 6 are up for grabs. Both become available soon, with the Watch SE starting at $329 for the 40mm model and $359 for the 44mm.

Breaking Down the Costs

  • Watch SE: Starts at $329 for 40mm, $359 for 44mm with cellular capabilities.
  • Series 6: Costs start at $399 and require cellular connectivity.
  • Monthly Cellular Plan: Approximately $10/month per device, varying by carrier.

For a family setting up watches for two kids, you’re looking at an initial spend of about $658, plus $240 annually in additional cell charges. Although it’s not cheap, it’s still more affordable compared to purchasing two iPhones, which could start at $798 for the pair.

Setting Up The Family Devices

If you have some older Apple Watch models lying around, like the Series 5 or Series 4, you’re in luck. These devices can work with Family Setup, provided they have the latest OS7 software update. Make sure your iPhone is at least an iPhone 6S – released in 2015 – to ensure compatibility.

What Can Kids Do With Family Setup?

Through Family Setup, children can make calls, send texts, and get their own unique phone numbers – all without needing an iPhone. Parents have control over whom their kids can contact and must approve these contacts. Each child needs their own Apple ID, which parents can set up for those under 13.

Features Kids Can Access

  • Calendar for schedules and family events.
  • Photo albums synced from a parent’s iPhone.
  • Apple Music streaming for listening to tunes.
  • Apple Maps for easy navigation.

Apple introduces a special mode called “Schooltime,” where a yellow circle shows up on the watch, indicating limited app access and enabling “Do Not Disturb” to help kids focus during school hours.

Looking at the Limits

While the Family Setup packs in great features, there are a few limitations. Kids can’t access health functionalities like ECG, Sleep, and Blood Oxygen monitoring as they require a full iPhone setup. Also, heart rate notifications are limited to users aged 13 and above, while fall detection requires users to be 18 or older.

FAQ

Can my child have an Apple Watch without an iPhone?

Yes, with Family Setup, kids can use an Apple Watch tied to the family’s iPhone, allowing them to communicate and take advantage of various features without needing an iPhone of their own.

What do I need to set up Family Setup for my family?

You need an iPhone with at least iOS 6S, a compatible Apple Watch with cellular capabilities, and an Apple ID for each child you wish to include in the setup.

Are health features available for kids using Family Setup?

No, health features like ECG or Cycle Tracking aren’t accessible through Family Setup due to the need for a complete iPhone setup to manage these capabilities.

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: Your Guide to Cost-Effective Connectivity