The Apple Watch has been around for quite a while now, always tethered to an iPhone like a dynamic duo. But guess what? Apple has just flipped the script! Now, some folks can enjoy their Apple Watches sans iPhone, all thanks to a nifty feature called Family Setup. Intrigued? Let’s dive into what this means for Apple Watch fans and newcomers alike!
A Whole New World for Apple Watch
Ever since stepping onto the scene in 2015, the Apple Watch has been the trusty sidekick to the iPhone. Initially, you could only use earlier models when your iPhone was nearby, connected via Bluetooth. While the newer wireless models offered a bit more freedom, an iPhone pal was still a must. Until now, that is.
Introducing Family Setup
Enter Family Setup, a game-changer aimed at youngsters and the older folks who aren’t on the iPhone train but still want to stay connected. This feature allows users to call, text, and share their GPS location without the need for a nearby iPhone. There’s a catch, though. You need one iPhone in the household to get things rolling. Once set, the watch gets its very own phone number to keep the user chatting and texting away, iPhone-free.
How Family Setup Shakes Up the Apple Ecosystem
- Provides a cost-effective gateway into the Apple world.
- Encourages more users to dabble in Apple’s hardware and services.
- Potentially boosts sales of other Apple devices.
Apple’s Chief Operating Officer, Jeff Williams, put it best: Family Setup aims to “make Apple Watch available to even more people”. Beyond connecting more users, it subtly lures new buyers into the gadget-loving world of Apple’s ecosystem. If they like what they see, they might just stick around for more Apple goodies down the road!
Why Parents Are All Ears
Family Setup isn’t just any flashy update—it’s clearly got tech-savvy parents in mind. It works with the Apple Watch Series 4 or later, specifically those connecting through a wireless cellular network. The budget-friendly option here? The Apple Watch SE with wireless starts at $329, just a small step up from the basic version.
Keeping Tabs with Safety Features
Imagine this: your child wears a watch that can only contact people you’ve approved. Plus, you get automatic alerts when they arrive at school or another pre-set location. Schooltime even prevents them from goofing off with apps when they should be focusing in class. Oh, and yes, you can send them digital pocket money through Apple Pay—talk about modern parenting!
Parts of what makes this possible are the small tweaks Apple’s rolled out over the years. In 2017 came cellular-equipped watches, and a more recent change awarded the Apple Watch its own App Store and allowed it to run apps without bugging the iPhone. It’s like a walk down memory lane—the way Apple got users hooked on iPods before luring them into buying Mac laptops—only this time, their smartwatch is showing signs of filling the starter role, much like the iPhone did.
What’s Next?
Looking at how things are stacking up, it seems Apple might just be hinting at a standalone Apple Watch and a gradual or phased rollout. Opening the door to more users through Family Setup might be the stepping stone they need to get more people aboard the Apple express!
FAQ
What is the Family Setup feature on the Apple Watch?
Family Setup is a feature that allows users, especially kids and older adults, to make calls, send texts, and share their location without needing an iPhone nearby.
Do you need an iPhone for Apple Watch Family Setup?
While an iPhone is needed initially to set up the Family Setup, users don’t need one for daily operations once it’s configured.
Who benefits most from Apple Watch’s Family Setup?
Young kids and older adults benefit the most as it allows them to stay connected easily without an iPhone. Parents also find it useful for tracking and controlling connectivity.
Looking for Cellular Plans for Apple Watch?
Here’s a breakdown of all the plans that are currently available in the US.
| Carrier | Cost (per month) | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|
| US Mobile | FREE with Unltd Premium Or $6.5/mo annually Or $9.5/mo Taxes & fees included! | Works with any plans. |
| Verizon | $15 + tax & fees | $7.50 credit with certain plansVerizon |
| AT&T | $10 + tax & fees | |
| T-Mobile | $12 + tax & fees | Only works with certain planswww.iphonelife.comiMore |
| Xfinity Mobile | $10 + tax & fees | Pairs well with Xfinity home internet www.iphonelife.comCoverage Critic |
| C Spire | $10 + tax & fees | Only available in select regionsWear To TrackiMore |
