Can an Apple Watch work without an iPhone?

My tween daughter wants an Apple Watch, it will be cellular. Doesn't have a phone. However we, both parents, have Android phones (no plans to get an iPhone). We have iPads.


What would be the best way to communicate, track watch, etc. I will be trading in a Verizon Gizmo watch, which had all this functionality through its app. She has grown out of the watch, which is too childish now.


Thanks for help!



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iPad Pro, iPadOS 17

Posted on Dec 21, 2024 6:17 AM

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Posted on Dec 21, 2024 7:11 AM

Expanding on what Jim said just so it's clear, an Apple Watch cannot be activated and set up without an iPhone. It's not possible to do from an Android phone, an iPad, or a computer. So if you don't have an iPhone, definitely do not get an Apple Watch.


Regards.

2 replies

Dec 21, 2024 6:52 AM in response to FrankieVeee

In my opinion, it would make no sense to get an Apple Watch without an iPhone. Stick with a compatible watch for your Android phones. A watch from any manufacturer will need to be paired to a compatible phone for full operations. Cellular watches, just like cellular tablets, cannot make calls or SMS messages without a paired phone. Even with a compatible watch for your Android phones, there will be functionality that will not work without the phone nearby.


Cellular plans for watches are only Data plans, it does not give the watch a phone number to make calls or use the SMS network for messages. That along with many other functions are only accomplished with the paired phone.



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Can an Apple Watch work without an iPhone?

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