Apple has officially launched the Apple Watch “For Your Kids” feature in India, providing parents with a way to keep their children connected and safe without needing a separate iPhone for their kids. This feature is designed to enhance communication and tracking capabilities for children, making it easier for parents to monitor their whereabouts and activities.
Eligibility and Compatible Devices
To utilize the Apple Watch For Your Kids feature, you need a compatible device:
- Apple Watch Series 4 or later
- Apple Watch SE
These models must be cellular versions and should have watchOS 7 or later installed. The Apple Watch must be paired with an iPhone 8 or later running the latest version of iOS. Additionally, both the parent and child will need their own Apple IDs, and the parent must be the organizer or a guardian in the Family Sharing group.
Key Features
The Apple Watch For Your Kids feature comes with several functionalities aimed at enhancing safety and connectivity:
1. Independent Communication
Children can make calls and send messages using their own phone number through a separate cellular plan, allowing them to stay in touch with family and friends without needing an iPhone.
2. Location Tracking
Parents can track their child’s location using the Find My People functionality. This feature sends alerts when a child arrives at or leaves designated locations, providing peace of mind for parents.
3. Emergency SOS
The Apple Watch includes an Emergency SOS feature that allows children to quickly contact emergency services or family members by pressing the side button. Parents listed as emergency contacts will receive immediate notifications in case of an emergency.
4. Health and Fitness Tracking
The watch is optimized for kids, allowing them to track Move minutes instead of kilojoules burned. Children can engage in various workout modes, such as Outdoor Walk, Outdoor Run, and Outdoor Cycle, which are specifically tuned for their age group.
5. Customizable Features
Parents can approve all contacts, ensuring that children can communicate safely. The watch also supports Schooltime mode, which restricts access to apps and activates Do Not Disturb, helping kids focus during school hours.
6. App Store Access
Kids can download third-party apps from the App Store, while parents can manage available downloads through content restrictions and the Ask to Buy feature.
7. Calendar and Reminders
Children can manage their schedules and family events using the Calendar app, and learn to handle tasks with Reminders, promoting responsibility and organization.
How to Set Up the Feature
Setting up the Apple Watch for your child is straightforward:
- Ensure Compatibility: Confirm that you have a compatible Apple Watch and iPhone.
- Create Apple IDs: Both the parent and child need Apple IDs with two-factor authentication enabled.
- Family Sharing Setup: The parent must be the organizer in the Family Sharing group.
- Pair the Watch: Use the parent’s iPhone to set up the Apple Watch for the child, following the on-screen instructions.
The launch of the Apple Watch For Your Kids feature in India marks a significant step in providing parents with tools to keep their children safe and connected. With its array of features focused on communication, safety, and health, the Watch is poised to become an essential device for families looking to enhance their children’s independence while maintaining oversight.