Apple Watches have the capability to have their own separate phone numbers. This feature is particularly useful for those who want to use their Apple Watch as a standalone device for making calls, sending texts, and accessing data without relying on their iPhone.
When setting up an Apple Watch, you have the option to connect it to your iPhone or set it up as a new device. If you choose to connect it to your iPhone, the Apple Watch will share the same phone number as your iPhone. However, with the introduction of the family setup feature in watchOS 7, Apple Watches can now have their own unique phone numbers.
Family setup is designed for families who want to give their children or older adults the freedom and connectivity of an Apple Watch, without the need for them to have an iPhone. This feature allows you to pair multiple Apple Watches to a single iPhone, each with its own phone number.
To set up family setup, you need an Apple Watch Series 4 or later with cellular connectivity, running watchOS 7 or later. The iPhone used for setup must be an iPhone 6s or later, running iOS 14 or later. Once you’ve met these requirements, you can proceed with the family setup process.
During the family setup process, you can choose to either transfer an existing phone number to the Apple Watch or create a new phone number. If you choose to transfer an existing phone number, your current iPhone number will be replaced by a new one, and the Apple Watch will take on the old iPhone number. This means that the Apple Watch will have its own distinct phone number.
It’s worth noting that the family setup feature requires a cellular plan, and additional fees may apply depending on your carrier. You’ll need to check with your carrier to understand the specific requirements and costs associated with adding an Apple Watch to your cellular plan.
Once the family setup is complete, each Apple Watch can be used independently to make calls, send texts, and use cellular data. This means that even if the paired iPhone is not nearby, the Apple Watch can still function as a standalone device, utilizing its own phone number.
Apple Watches have the ability to have their own phone numbers through the family setup feature introduced in watchOS 7. This allows each Apple Watch to operate independently, making calls and sending messages without relying on an iPhone.