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Apple Watch cellular connectivity limitations

Hello,


We would like to get our son an Apple Watch series 3 for his 5th grade graduation in place of an iPhone. Can it be outfitted with talk & text capabilities if it’s not synced to an iPhone? That is the preferred route.


Thanks!


Dan

Posted on May 1, 2020 2:01 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on May 1, 2020 4:53 PM

Will not work.


The Apple Watch is an iPhone accessory, and requires an iPhone to be paired with it.


Do not think about using your own iPhone, as you will then be giving your son full access to everything on your iPhone. Your phone calls, your text messages, your address book, etc...


A cellular Apple Watch shares the iPhone's phone number.


Also the Apple Watch extends its battery life (keep in mind it is a tiny battery), but trying to use the iPhone for radio communications when it is near the radio. Apple does not expect you to spend 24/7 away from your iPhone. The battery depending solely on the cellular radio would have it battery depleted in several hours (much less than a typical day before bedtime).

2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

May 1, 2020 4:53 PM in response to DGC77

Will not work.


The Apple Watch is an iPhone accessory, and requires an iPhone to be paired with it.


Do not think about using your own iPhone, as you will then be giving your son full access to everything on your iPhone. Your phone calls, your text messages, your address book, etc...


A cellular Apple Watch shares the iPhone's phone number.


Also the Apple Watch extends its battery life (keep in mind it is a tiny battery), but trying to use the iPhone for radio communications when it is near the radio. Apple does not expect you to spend 24/7 away from your iPhone. The battery depending solely on the cellular radio would have it battery depleted in several hours (much less than a typical day before bedtime).

Apple Watch cellular connectivity limitations

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