Apple has just introduced the Apple Watch for kids in India, featuring the Family Setup option that allows the smartwatch to be set up independently of an iPhone. This new feature aims to help kids stay in touch with family and friends while leveraging the Apple Watch’s communication, health, fitness, and safety functionalities — all under parental control.
Key Features of Apple Watch for Kids
1. Independent Setup: Children can now use the Apple Watch without needing their own iPhone. This allows them to make calls and send messages, providing a level of independence while staying connected with family.
2. Parental Control: Parents can approve which contacts their children can communicate with, ensuring safe and monitored interactions. The Emergency SOS feature allows kids to call for help quickly if they are in a dangerous situation.
3. Location and Navigation: With Apple Maps and the Find People feature, children can navigate their way home and share their location with family members, giving parents peace of mind about their child’s whereabouts.
4. Fitness Tracking: The Apple Watch tracks fitness through Activity rings, allowing kids to set and achieve fitness goals. Parents can monitor their child’s fitness progress from their iPhone, ensuring they stay healthy and active.
5. Schooltime Mode: A particularly helpful feature, Schooltime mode, displays a yellow circle on the watch face to signal 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.
Requirements for Setup
To set up the Apple Watch for kids, you will need:
- An Apple Watch Series 4 or later or an Apple Watch SE.
- An iPhone 8 or newer running the latest versions of watchOS and iOS.
- A wireless service plan for the Apple Watch to enable cellular capabilities.
- Both the parent and child need Apple IDs with two-factor authentication enabled.
Conclusion
Apple’s new feature for kids offers a modern solution for families seeking 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.
