Apple has introduced its new “Apple Watch for Kids” initiative in India, extending the benefits and safety features of the Apple Watch to children, even without their own iPhones. This new functionality, available on Apple Watch SE and Series 4 models and above, allows parents to easily set up and manage an Apple Watch for their children directly from their iPhone.
With cellular models, children receive their own phone number and Apple ID, which parents can oversee using the Apple Watch app on their iPhones. This empowers children to make calls, send messages, and utilize the health, fitness, and safety features of the Apple Watch, all while incorporating built-in safeguards.
Key Safety and Communication Features
The Apple Watch for Kids offers various ways for children to stay connected with family and friends. Parents can pre-approve contacts for calling and messaging, while features like Emergency SOS ensure swift assistance when needed. Apple Maps assists children in navigating home, and the Find People app enables them to locate family members or share their current location. Activity rings and fitness tracking are customized for children, setting age-appropriate goals and metrics.
Parental Controls with Schooltime Mode
A standout feature of the Apple Watch for Kids is Schooltime mode, easily recognizable by a yellow circle on the watch face. When activated, it blocks notifications, restricts app access, and enables Do Not Disturb to help children concentrate during school hours. Parents can manually activate Schooltime mode or schedule it to engage automatically using the Apple Watch app on their iPhone, effectively managing distractions at school.
Durability, Comfort, and Personalization
Designed for active lifestyles, Apple Watches feature crack-resistant displays and water resistance up to 50 meters. Comfortable, colorful band options such as the Sport Band and Sport Loop cater to smaller wrists. Children can personalize their Apple Watch with fun faces and complications tailored to their interests, accessing a variety of kid-friendly apps via the App Store, with parental oversight over purchases and downloads.
Steps to Configure an Apple Watch for Your Child
To set up an Apple Watch for a child, parents require an iPhone 8 or later running the latest iOS, along with an Apple Watch Series 4 or Apple Watch SE with cellular connectivity. An independent cellular plan with data is essential for the Apple Watch. Using the Apple Watch app on their iPhone, parents can pair the watch, establish a new Apple ID for the child if necessary, and customize parental controls, Schooltime scheduling, contact approvals, and location notifications to suit their family’s needs.
Conclusion
The launch of Apple Watch for Kids in India integrates the Apple Watch’s communication, fitness, safety, and personalization features with robust parental controls. Through cellular models and Family Setup, children gain independence while parents enjoy peace of mind. This initiative reflects Apple’s commitment to empowering families by enhancing connectivity, activity, and safety. Features like Schooltime mode and contact restrictions facilitate responsible device usage, while location notifications and Emergency SOS provide additional reassurance. With the Apple Watch for Kids, wearable technology emerges as an invaluable asset for modern parenting.
