Q: Does iphone require Data to use Apple Watch
My wife does not require the use of data , but she would like to get an iphone and an apple watch, will the watch work if she only gets a talk and text plan. I am assuming some functions would require access eventually and I hope that wifi connection would be okay.
iMac, Mac OS X (10.6.7)
Posted on Mar 22, 2016 10:33 AM
Hi Scott
Some of the features and services that Apple Watch can be used for do involve using cellular data or internet access via Wi-Fi.
Whenever possible, Apple Watch relies on its Bluetooth connection with the paired iPhone. When providing certain features and services via the watch, the iPhone may use cellular / mobile data and/or Wi-Fi. Apple Watch does not have cellular capability, so cannot use cellular data other than via the iPhone.
Apple Watch still offers a number of features when the paired iPhone is either unavailable (eg turned off) or not within Bluetooth range:
- Play music from a playlist that has been synced to Apple Watch.
- Use the watch to tell the time, along with alarms, timers and the stopwatch.
- Keep track of your activity (Stand, Move, Exercise) with the Activity app.
- Track workouts with the Workout app.
- Display photos from the synced photo album.
- Use Apple Pay to make purchases.
If the watch is not connected to your iPhone via Bluetooth, but is within range of a (2.4GHz) Wi-Fi network that your iPhone has connected to before, the watch can connect to that network and you can also still:
- Send and receive messages using iMessage.
- Send and receive Digital Touch messages.
- Use Siri.
- Make and receive phone calls if you have Wi-Fi calling enabled (depending on your carrier).
More information:
Posted on Mar 22, 2016 11:53 AM