Apple has been slowly adding standalone features to Apple Watch. The dedicated App Store is arguably the biggest feature. In other words, you no longer have to carry iPhone for jogs, gym, or that yoga session. This article will walk you through Apple Watch features that don’t need an iPhone.
1. Stay Fit
You can use and access all Apple Watch fitness features without an iPhone. For instance, it can track a slew of workouts, including swimming, weight lifting, hockey, badminton, yoga, pilates, and much more. That apart, you can keep a tab on step count, heart rate, ECG, and Oxygen saturation level.
2. Listen to Music and Podcasts
This one is my favorite. You can download Apple Music playlists to your Watch and listen on AirPods or any other Bluetooth headset. With cellular support, you can even stream Apple Music and Spotify. The latest Apple Watch offers a generous 32GB of storage. Feel free to download those scintillating podcasts and tackle your gym session like a pro. You will need WiFi or cellular connectivity to download new Podcasts.
3. Cellular features without iPhone
Well, it is a good time to break free from your iPhone! It is certainly good to ditch your iPhone for the morning jog. That doesn’t mean you have to miss important calls and notifications. With the handoff feature, you can make a call, send SMS, photos, email, and respond to notifications on Apple Watch. However, this feature is available only on Apple Watch cellular variants.
4. Find your way
I always wonder how Apple has squeezed in so many features on Apple Watch. You can use Apple Watch to navigate, source transit information, and much more. The best part is Siri’s voice commands. Yes, summon Siri and ask for directions. Apple Watch now supports third-party navigation apps as well.
5. Settle your shopping bills with Apple Pay
You are in a queue at Whole Foods and suddenly realize you have left your iPhone back home? Fret not; Apple Watch comes with an NFC. Tap your Apple Watch and clear the bill using Apple Pay. That said, the feature is available only at NFC-enabled POS terminals. Another downside is that Apple Pay is not supported in countries like India.
6. Fall detection and Emergency SOS
There are numerous accounts of how the Apple Watch has saved lives. The fall detection feature is a lifesaver if you are in an accident or immobile due to a health emergency. Thankfully, you don’t need an iPhone for this feature to work; make sure you set up emergency contacts on your iPhone. In case of a fall, the Apple Watch will automatically call 911.
7. Walkie Talkie
Off for a hike? Apple Watch comes equipped with a walkie-talkie feature. Ask your friends to join the call and stay in touch. This feature doesn’t require iPhone and is very useful for group communications.
8. Plan your day
It is always prudent to plan your day. However, doing so on an iPhone could mean a ton of distractions. Apple Watch lets you keep track of appointments, meetings, reminders, and more. You also get to set alarms, timers, stopwatches, and check weather forecasts. Furthermore, you can add calendar events using Siri. Wrapping up Apple is on the right path by reducing Apple Watch’s reliance on iPhone. I am looking to buy a cellular version Apple Watch solely to reduce my phone usage. It seems like a good way to keep a curb on screen time. I prefer the Apple Watch instead of the iPhone while on the run or at a gym session. I wouldn’t suggest Android users go for an Apple Watch on a related note. They would stand to lose a lot, and it’s simply not worth it. Squeeze the most out of Apple Watch with our detailed guide. Which is your favorite Apple Watch standalone feature? Let us know in the comments below. Read more:
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