Can I use Apple Watch without it syncing to my phone?.

Hi

No, I'm afraid that you can't.

A compatible model of iPhone is required in order to set up and use all models of Apple Watch, including for managing and syncing with the watch over time:

• Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) requires an iPhone 6 or newer with the latest version of iOS 11.x.
• Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS) and all other Apple Watch models require an iPhone 5s or newer with the latest version of iOS 11.x.

Apple Watch cannot be set up on a standalone basis or synced with any other device from Apple or any other manufacturer.

More information:

Set up your Apple Watch - Apple Support

Don't worry about bothering me 🙂

All models of Apple Watch can be used for making calls and sending texts when they are connected to the paired iPhone and the iPhone has cellular reception.

Calls and texts may also still be available when the Apple Watch is away from the paired iPhone, including for models that do not have built-in cellular capability.

Functions that are available on your Apple Watch when it is away from your iPhone depend on various factors including:

• Your Apple Watch model:

  Apple Watch - Compare - Apple

• The features of your carrier service plan:
  • Apple Watch - Carriers - Apple
  • Make a call with Wi-Fi Calling - Apple Support
• The type of connectivity that is available to your Apple Watch at the time:

  About Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and cellular on your Apple Watch - Apple Support

Features and requirements that apply under various circumstances are detailed here:

How to use your Apple Watch without your iPhone nearby - Apple Support

You're welcome!

Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) models

EE is currently the only UK network that offers a service plan for your iPhone that supports the built-in cellular features on Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular):

Apple Watch - Carriers - Apple

If you do not wish to sign up with EE, then you cannot currently use the built-in cellular feature on Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) models with another UK network.

However, if your iPhone service plan is with another network, then Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular) can still be paired, set up and used for other features whilst skipping the steps to activate cellular. The cellular feature can then be enabled later, if and when you are using a compatible service plan on your iPhone, whether from EE or another UK carrier in due course.

You may wish to contact your preferred carrier to ask about their plans for providing service plans for iPhone that support Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS + Cellular).

You may also wish to monitor this page for further carriers being added over time:

Apple Watch - Carriers - Apple

Series 3 GPS-only models (and all other Apple Watch models)

Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS) and all other Apple Watch models can be used in any country in conjunction with an iPhone 5s or newer model of iPhone (running the latest version of iOS) and a service plan for the iPhone from any carrier.

More information:

Apple Watch - Compare - Apple

How to use your Apple Watch without your iPhone nearby - Apple Support

No. The Apple Watch requires an iPhone. It is not a standalone device. It is a peripheral for your iPhone.

The support articles linked in my previous reply explain the requirements for texting functionality when your iPhone is not nearby.

You're most welcome! 🙂