Parents in India have reason to cheer as Apple introduces the “Apple Watch for Your Kids” feature, making it available on Apple Watch SE and Apple Watch Series 4 or later models. This groundbreaking feature brings the incredible communication, health, fitness, and safety features of the Apple Watch to children and other family members who don’t have an iPhone. Let’s dive into how this feature works, who’s eligible, and why it’s a game-changer for families.
Table of Contents
Setting up Apple Watch for your kids
Getting started with Apple Watch for your kids is as simple as setting up their new toy!
Parents can use their iPhones to set up the watch, allowing kids to make phone calls, send messages, and stay connected with family and friends. The process is designed to be hassle-free, ensuring you don’t have to spend hours figuring it out.
Once the setup is complete, your kids can enjoy personalised activity goals that keep them active and have fun creating custom Memoji. As a parent, you’ll have control over who they can contact, so there’s no worry about unwanted calls or messages sneaking through.
Health and safety first
Apple Watch for Your Kids isn’t just about staying in touch—it’s a powerful tool for health and safety. With features like Emergency SOS, kids can easily reach out to emergency services if needed, which provides great relief to parents. Additionally, parents can track their child’s location through the Find People app, offering customisable alerts. Whether your child is at school, at a friend’s house, or out playing cricket, you can keep an eye on them from anywhere.
Independent yet connected
This feature allows kids to enjoy a bit of independence while staying connected to their family. Your child will have their own phone number through a separate cellular plan and can use their own Apple ID to manage tasks with Reminders, keep track of their schedules using Calendar, and even view photo albums synced from your iPhone. They can also enjoy Apple Music, play their favorite songs on Bluetooth headphones or speakers, and ask Siri for help with homework or language translations (because Siri isn’t just for adults!).
Stay active and engaged
Apple’s Activity rings have been optimised to track Move minutes instead of kilojoules burned, making it more relatable and fun for children. The watch allows them to set goals for Exercise and Stand rings, encouraging them to stay active. Workouts like Outdoor Walk, Outdoor Run, and Outdoor Cycle are specifically tuned for kids, ensuring they get the right amount of exercise credit.
Apple has even made coaching notifications more engaging for kids by adding fun emojis. Plus, kids can challenge their friends with Activity Competitions and celebrate their achievements with cool awards right on their wrist. Fitness has never been this fun!
Safety and security features
One of the standout features of this new functionality is Emergency SOS, which allows kids to quickly contact emergency services and notify guardians listed as emergency contacts. The Medical ID feature is another critical tool for parents, enabling you to document your child’s medical conditions, allergies, and medications, all of which can be viewed on the Apple Watch with your permission through the Health app on your iPhone. It’s like having a little guardian angel on your child’s wrist!
Parents can also control the apps and content available on the watch through Content Restrictions and Ask to Buy support, ensuring that your child only has access to age-appropriate apps. The App Store on Apple Watch allows kids to download third-party apps directly, but only with your approval, of course.
Focus on education
Apple has thoughtfully included the Schooltime feature, which is perfect for ensuring your child stays focused during class. A distinctive yellow circle on the watch face indicates that access to apps is restricted, and Do Not Disturb is enabled. The Schooltime schedule can be activated via Control Center on your child’s watch or configured on your iPhone. The Downtime feature also extends to Apple Watch, reminding kids five minutes before it begins, helping them use the watch responsibly.
Availability in India: What you need to know
The cellular versions of the Apple Watch Series 4 or later and the Apple Watch SE, linked with an iPhone 8 or later running the most recent watchOS and iOS, are compatible with the Apple Watch for Your Kids. To use the cellular service, you’ll need a wireless plan, currently available through Jio in India. So, if you’re with another carrier, you might need to switch to enjoy this fantastic feature!
Requirements: Is your family eligible?
You must have an Apple Watch Series 4 or later running watchOS 7 or later with mobile data, or an Apple Watch SE with mobile data, in order to use the Apple Watch for Your Kids. You’ll also need an iPhone 6s or later with iOS 14 or later for the initial watch setup. Both you and the family member using the Apple Watch must have Apple IDs with two-factor authentication enabled, and you need to be part of a Family Sharing group with you as the organizer or parent/guardian.
Final thoughts
The Apple Watch for Your Kids is more than just a piece of technology—it’s a thoughtful tool that brings together safety, independence, and connectivity for Indian children. As a parent, you can relax knowing your child is safe, connected, and staying active. With features like Emergency SOS, Activity rings, and Schooltime mode, Apple has crafted a product that caters to the needs of both kids and their parents.
FAQs
What are the features of Apple Watch for kids?
The Apple Watch for kids comes packed with features designed to keep them safe, connected, and active. Kids can make and receive calls, send messages, and share their location with family members. The watch also includes health and fitness tracking with customised Activity rings, tailored coaching notifications, and workout modes specifically optimised for children. Additionally, safety features like Emergency SOS and Medical ID provide peace of mind for parents. The Schooltime mode helps kids stay focused during class by limiting app access and notifications.
Can I carry a new Apple Watch to India?
Yes, you can carry a new Apple Watch to India. However, to use the Apple Watch for kids’ features with cellular connectivity, you’ll need to ensure the watch is compatible with Indian network bands. Additionally, you’ll need to subscribe to a local wireless service provider, like Jio, that supports Apple Watch cellular plans.
Can I get an Apple Watch for my child?
Absolutely! You can get an Apple Watch for your child, especially if they’re using an Apple Watch Series 4 or later, or an Apple Watch SE with cellular connectivity. You can set it up using your iPhone, giving your child their own phone number, and manage their contacts, apps, and more through parental controls.
What is the use of Apple Watch in India?
In India, the Apple Watch serves multiple purposes. For kids, it’s a tool for staying connected with family and friends through calls and messages, tracking fitness activities, and ensuring safety with features like Emergency SOS and location sharing. The watch also helps parents monitor their child’s health and activity levels and keeps them focused during school hours with the Schooltime mode. It’s a versatile device that enhances both convenience and security for Indian families.
Should a 12-year-old have an Apple Watch?
Whether a 12-year-old should have an Apple Watch depends on individual circumstances. The Apple Watch is a great tool for promoting safety, fitness, and independence in children, especially with features tailored for kids. It allows parents to stay connected with their child, monitor their whereabouts, and encourage healthy habits. However, it’s essential for parents to consider their child’s maturity and readiness for such responsibility before making the purchase.
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