Though Apple didn’t announce the once-rumored Apple Watch for Kids at its September event, it did make a major leap forward with the Apple Watch. With Family Setup, parents can set up Apple Watches for children through an iPhone, so that kids can stay connected through phone calls, messages, and apps, without needing their own iPhone.

“For Family members who do not have an iPhone, Apple Watch offers a remarkable set of features that can help them keep in touch with loved ones, be more active, and stay safe,” said Jeff Williams, Apple’s chief operating officer. “With Family Setup, we’re thrilled to extend these features to the entire family, so everyone can gain more independence and live a healthier life.”

From everyday watchOS features such as making phone calls and FaceTime audio calls, through to sending messages, emails, and using Walkie-Talkie, the new Family Setup feature finally makes Apple Watches accessible to children and those without an iPhone. All users will have their own phone number through a separate cellular plan and can take advantage of iOS features like the Calendar app, Reminders app, Photo sync, and Apple Cash Family, allowing parents to send kids money to spend on their watch using Apple Pay. 

Apple has optimized the Activity rings experience for children, tracking Move minutes rather than calories burned and offering customizable goals for the Exercise and Stand rings. Apple has introduced Outdoor Walk, Outdoor Run, and Outdoor Cycle workouts which have been fine-tuned for children, and coaching notifications have been made more fun and engaging for children, encouraging physical activity without overcomplicating the workout process.

The Apple Watch App Store has been updated for children, with a new kid-friendly mode that allows users to download third-party apps like Coloring Watch and English Dictionary, and with Family Setup, parents can decide what’s available to their children. Schooltime is a new mode for children, helping them stay focused when learning at home or at school. Parents can schedule the new Schooltime feature as well as Screen Time, reminding children to take a break from their smartwatch. Of course, privacy is one of Apple’s core values, and at the forefront of Apple Watch. All personal data is securely encrypted on devices and in iCloud, and Family Setup was designed to ensure parents have full control over their kids’ data.

What’s particularly exciting about watchOS 7 and Family Setup is that Apple Watch has also been optimized for older adults. Fall detection and irregular rhythm notifications are ideal for those in later life, and a refreshed X-Large face shows the time and a rich complication at a glance.

Activity goals can be customized to help users stay motivated, and Health Checklist is designed to check whether features like fall detection are enabled quickly and easily.

Have you tried Family Setup yet? Let us know and check back soon for more news.

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