Apple has just introduced its Family Setup feature in India, bringing kids a new level of connectivity with the cellular Apple Watch. This means children can make calls and send messages without needing an iPhone. Apple is promoting this new feature on its website, expanding the existing capability that allows an Apple Watch to be set up independently of an iPhone.
So, how does the Apple Watch for Kids work? The feature is designed to help kids stay in touch with family and friends while using the smartwatch’s communication, health, fitness, and safety features—aall under parental control. Parents can approve which contacts their children can communicate with, ensuring their interactions are safe and monitored.
Safety is a crucial focus of this feature. The Apple Watch includes Emergency SOS, enabling kids to quickly call for help if they find themselves in a dangerous situation. Apple Maps assists with navigation, helping children find their way home, and the Find People feature allows them to share their location with family members, providing extra peace of mind for parents.
The Apple Watch tracks fitness through activity rings for those who enjoy staying active. Kids can set and work towards fitness goals, and they can even challenge friends to see who can achieve the most impressive results. Parents can monitor their children’s fitness progress with their iPhones, as well as their health and activity levels.
One beneficial feature is the schooltime mode. When activated, it displays a yellow circle on the watch’s face, signaling that notifications are blocked, apps are restricted, and Do Not Disturb is turned on. This helps children stay focused during school hours. Parents can activate this mode manually or schedule it through their iPhone, giving them control over their child’s smartwatch usage during school.
To set up Apple Watch For Kids, you’ll need an Apple Watch Series 4 or later or an Apple Watch SE, paired with an iPhone 8 or newer running the latest versions of watchOS and iOS. A wireless service plan for the Apple Watch is required to enable cellular capabilities. The parent and child need Apple IDs with two-factor authentication enabled for setup.
Apple’s new feature for kids offers a modern solution for families looking to balance safety, communication, and fun. With its blend of safety features, fitness tracking, and connectivity tools, the Apple Watch for Kids is set to become a valuable addition to family life in the digital age.
