The introduction of the Apple Watch’s Family Setup feature in India brings a blend of promise and skepticism to the concept of smartwatches as phone replacements for children. This high-end gadget, designed to function as a phone alternative for young users, integrates extensive parental controls with communication capabilities. However, its high cost and operational constraints prompt a deeper examination of its true value.
A New Way for Kids to Stay Connected
The Apple Watch’s Family Setup, launched recently, aims to provide a smartphone-like experience without the complexities and distractions of a traditional phone. With this setup, children can use the Apple Watch to make and receive calls, send messages, and track their activities—all while remaining under parental supervision. The watch includes features such as GPS tracking and a Schooltime mode to limit distractions during study hours.
Despite its appeal, the Apple Watch remains a premium device. The requirement for a Reliance Jio connection to set up the watch, along with the need for a Jio eSIM, adds an additional layer of cost and complexity. Currently, Airtel and Vi do not support eSIMs for Family Setup, though they do support eSIMs for other Apple Watch functionalities.
Family Setup: Functionality and Limitations
Family Setup on the Apple Watch operates differently compared to setting up a watch for personal use. Instead of pairing directly with the parent’s iPhone, the watch is linked to a child’s iCloud ID, offering a tailored yet somewhat limited experience. The core functionalities, including GPS, voice calls, and messaging, remain accessible if an eSIM is enabled. However, features such as ECG, sleep tracking, and advanced health metrics are restricted for users under 13, reflecting the device’s focus on younger audiences.
Parents can monitor their child’s location through the Find My app, and Schooltime mode helps manage distractions by locking most of the watch’s functions during study periods. Despite these features, some limitations exist, including the absence of certain apps and health functions for younger users.
Practical Experiences and Challenges
Testing the Apple Watch SE with a child reveals a mixed bag of results. The device integrates well into daily activities like dance classes and bicycle rides, with children enjoying the interactive features and basic health tracking. The Schooltime mode effectively reduces distractions during study sessions. However, the high cost of the Apple Watch remains a significant factor, with prices starting at ₹29,900 for the SE model and ₹41,900 for the Series 9.
An unexpected challenge has been the arrival of spam messages and calls, which the current setup doesn’t efficiently filter. Additionally, managing the device’s settings and tracking usage requires active involvement from parents through the Watch app, Screen Time, and the Health app.
Is It Worth the Investment?
The Apple Watch’s Family Setup represents a sophisticated alternative to traditional smartphones for children, offering a range of functionalities while allowing parents to maintain oversight. It caters to a specific need for early-age digital communication and tracking, making it a viable option for families willing to invest in a high-tech device.
As the technology matures and more carriers support Family Setup, the Apple Watch may become a more accessible and practical tool for parents. For now, it serves as a niche product that balances the need for connectivity with the desire to limit a child’s exposure to full-fledged smartphones. Whether it justifies its cost depends largely on individual family needs and the child’s daily routine.
In summary, while the Apple Watch offers innovative features for children, its effectiveness and value are contingent upon both its cost and the specific needs it fulfills within a family’s lifestyle.
