All the things an Apple Watch can do without an iPhone

The Apple Watch offers a comprehensive experience, making it stand out among the company’s range of products.

After being introduced in 2015, the electronic watch has become a major contender in the field of wearable technology. With each new generation, Apple has incorporated features like GPS, LTE, and weather resistance, making the Apple Watch increasingly independent from the iPhone. But is it feasible to completely disconnect it from the iPhone?

This article outlines the capabilities of an Apple Watch without relying on an iPhone.

Is it possible to utilize an Apple Watch without an iPhone?

Yes and no.

Upon receiving your Apple Watch, it is necessary to have an iPhone in order to complete the setup process. This cannot be avoided. The Watch app on the iPhone handles most of the initial setup tasks, without which the watch simply becomes an expensive bracelet.

Unfortunately, setting up an Apple Watch requires an iPhone. According to Apple, the watch is meant to be used in conjunction with their smartphone, meaning it cannot be set up using a Mac or iPad. We will guide you through the steps of setting up the watch, but without an iPhone, it will not be possible.

Why did we use “yes and no” instead of just “no”? While an Apple Watch cannot be set up without an iPhone, it is possible to set up an Apple Watch for someone without an iPhone, such as a child or family member, using your own iPhone. They will still have access to many features of the Apple Watch. To do this, you must add them to your Family Sharing Group and their Apple Watch must be connected to the internet. However, it does not need to have a cellular connection, as long as it can connect to a Wi-Fi network to send and receive data. The only times they will need to be near your iPhone is to update their Apple Watch software or adjust some settings.

You can also utilize numerous features on your Apple Watch without your iPhone present. Below, we will go over the functions that do not require an iPhone for your Apple Watch.

Can the Fall Detection/ Crash Detection feature on the Apple Watch function without a cellular connection or iPhone?

If you are considering buying an Apple Watch for your elderly parent in order to have the peace of mind that the Fall Detection feature provides, you may be curious if it can function without an iPhone or cellular connection nearby.

The crash detection function may also be of interest. However, what if you are not in close proximity to your phone or do not have access to WiFi at the time of the event?

To access these functions, you will need to have an Apple Watch that is either a Series 9, Series 8, 2nd generation SE, or Ultra model (1 or 2).

The Apple Watch has the ability to alert emergency services in the event of a car accident or fall. However, it requires either a cellular network or Wi-Fi connection to make the call.

The capabilities of an Apple Watch without an iPhone.

The Apple Watch is capable of performing these tasks independently, without the need for an iPhone in your pocket.

Sometimes, your Apple Watch may need to be connected to either a Wi-Fi network or cellular.

Track Activity and Workouts

Do you want to complete your activity goals, but don’t want to bring your iPhone with you on a run or walk? The Apple Watch can easily track your steps and health data while you’re on the go. Once you get back home, you can sync the data to your iPhone if you have one.

Utilize additional health functions

You can still access the following features on your Apple Watch without an iPhone, Wi-Fi, or cellular connection:

• Monitor pulse rate (all versions)

• Record an electrocardiogram using an Apple Watch Series 4 or newer.

• Record your blood oxygen levels (for Apple Watch Series 6 or newer models)

• Monitor sleep (Apple Watch Series 3 or newer)

• Monitor medication usage (compatible with Apple Watch Series 4 or newer models)

• Monitor menstrual cycle (Apple Watch Series 1 or newer)

• Utilize the stopwatch, configure alarms and timers.

Listen to music

If you enjoy listening to music or podcasts while running or gardening, you can store a large selection of tracks directly on your Apple Watch. This means you can listen without needing to have your iPhone with you. Keep in mind, the Apple Watch does not have a headphone jack, so you will need to use Bluetooth headphones to avoid disturbing your workout or annoying your neighbors with the built-in speakers.

If you have a Wi-Fi or cellular connection, you are able to stream music from Apple Music as well.

This guide will demonstrate how to connect Bluetooth headphones to an Apple Watch and how to listen to music on the watch individually.

Listen to podcasts and audiobooks

If you have synchronized podcasts and audiobooks on your Apple Watch, you can still listen to them without a Wi-Fi or cellular connection. Additionally, if you have access to a Wi-Fi or cellular network, you can also stream them.

Read news

This is another one you will need a Wi-Fi or cellular connection for, but even without your iPhone nearby you can still check the latest stories on the News app, or track stocks.

Initiate and answer telephone calls.

If you own an Apple Watch Series 3 or newer and it has cellular capabilities or is connected to Wi-Fi, you can configure it to function as an extension of your iPhone. This will allow you to make and receive calls on your Watch, even if your iPhone is not with you.

There are extra expenses associated with utilizing the eSIM function, however they are significantly less burdensome compared to the typical plans provided by mobile service providers.

To learn more, refer to: How to initiate or respond to a phone call on Apple Watch.

Transmit and receive written communication.

Similar to making phone calls, as long as you are connected to either Wi-Fi or cellular data, you can send and receive messages on your Apple Watch.

View your calendar, read and send emails.

This also applies to emails – you don’t need your iPhone as long as you are connected to a Wi-Fi or cellular network.

Look at photos

Synchronize your preferred images so you can view them on your Watch at any time.

Use Maps

The Apple Watch offers a highly beneficial feature of utilizing the Apple Maps app even without an iPhone in proximity. This functionality will necessitate either a cellular plan or a Wi-Fi connection. Once established, you can freely move around without the burden of carrying an expensive and bulky iPhone in your pocket.

Learn all the necessary information about using Apple Maps on your Apple Watch.

You have the option to utilize the Compass to determine the direction of North without relying on a network connection.

Use Apple Pay

You might not realize it, but once you’ve set up Apple Pay on your Apple Watch, there’s no need to have your iPhone with you when paying for things at the checkout. Just double-press the Side button and hold the Watch over the contactless sensor, and the payment should go through automatically.

If you haven’t utilized this function yet, familiarizing yourself with how to utilize Apple Pay on the Apple Watch will make the checkout process faster.

You may have the option to add transit and ID cards to your Apple Watch for easy access.

Is it possible to pair an Apple Watch with an Android phone?

If Apple has not authorized the use of the Watch with iPads and Macs, it is unlikely that Android phones will be prioritized.

It is plausible that Apple views the Watch as a key factor in driving sales, as users may remain loyal to the iPhone solely for the purpose of using the Apple Watch. As a result, there is not a strong incentive for the company to allow the devices to be compatible with other platforms in the near future.

If you haven’t purchased an Apple Watch yet or need to upgrade your current model in order to access the features mentioned above, make sure to explore the top options for Apple Watch and the best deals available.

Apple Watch, iPhone