Does an Apple Watch Need Its Own Line?

Have you ever wanted to make calls, send texts, and stream music without carrying your Apple iPhone with you? Good news — you can do all that and more by connecting your Apple Watch to a cellular plan. 

While this sounds incredibly convenient, there are a few things to consider before adding your watch to a phone plan, such as whether you have a compatible Apple Watch or if you’re ready to take on the monthly fee for smartwatch cellular service with a carrier like Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile. 

In this article, we'll break down the advantages and disadvantages of having a cellular line for your Apple smartwatch and explain everything you need to know before you make the jump. 

Do You Need a Phone for an Apple Watch?

When setting up your Apple Watch for the first time, you'll need to pair it with an iPhone and your Apple ID. So, yes, you will need an iPhone for an Apple Watch to work, at least for the initial setup. 

After it's paired, your Apple Watch can connect to the internet via Wi-Fi or cellular service when you want to leave your iPhone behind. But it's important to know that not all iPhone apps are available on the Apple Watch. You also won't be able to view full webpages or watch videos sent to you via text message, among other things. 

Even if the new Apple Watch Series 10 has a screen 30 percent larger than that of earlier models, it won't replace your iPhone. For now, it's best to think of Apple’s smartwatch as a companion to your iPhone, not a standalone device. 

But that doesn't mean you can't use an Apple Watch independently for many things once paired to an iPhone. 

Will Apple Watch Work With Only a Wi-Fi Connection?

If your Apple Watch is connected to Wi-Fi but your iPhone is entirely powered off, you can still make phone calls, send and receive messages, stream music and podcasts, and check the weather. 

You’ll also be able to control smart home devices, use the Walkie-Talkie app, and track your stocks.

Will Apple Watch Work Without an iPhone, Cellular Service, or Wi-Fi Connection?

If you’re away from your iPhone and cannot connect it to the internet, you can still play audio content installed on the watch, record and play voice memos, and use transit or student ID cards. 

You can also track other Apple devices, view photos, make in-person purchases with Apple Pay, and even see your calendar events (and, of course, tell the time). 

In addition to the above, you can check your fitness goals and health metrics with activity tracking, heart rate monitoring, and sleep schedule editing.

Do You Need a Plan for an Apple Watch?

While you’ll still have functionality without it, having a separate line for your Apple Watch will be helpful when you’re far from your iPhone or a Wi-Fi connection. This is especially true for fitness enthusiasts who enjoy hiking in remote areas or watersports like surfing and diving. 

However, not every Apple Watch can connect to a cellular plan. As of today, there are three main series of the Apple Watch available:

• Apple Watch Series 10 (Standard)
• Apple Watch SE (Budget)
• Apple Watch Ultra 2 (Premium)

For the Series and SE models, you can choose between GPS-only and "GPS + Cellular." The GPS + Cellular versions are more expensive and are the only models that can connect to a cellular plan. The Apple Watch Ultra only comes with a GPS + Cellular option.

A GPS + Cellular Apple Watch can work independently from its paired iPhone since it can connect to a mobile network if you upgrade your phone plan. This allows you to make calls, text, play music, and use apps directly from your wrist, even when your iPhone isn’t nearby. 

If you choose the GPS-only Apple Watch, you can still connect to your iPhone and use its data connection when they are close to each other (within about 30 feet). As we mentioned, that means you can make calls, send texts, and use apps when your iPhone is close.

Should You Buy a GPS or Cellular Apple Watch?

If you know you won’t need a cellular connection with your Apple Watch at any point during your ownership, you can save some money (usually between $50 and $100) by choosing the GPS-only model. Plus, you’ll save the added cost of not paying for an additional line on your phone plan. 

However, if you want to try a cellular line at some point, choose the GPS + Cellular option since you cannot add that functionality to a GPS-only model. 

Apple Watch with Cellular Plan: Pros and Cons

Here, we’ll break down some of the reasons why you may opt for a cellular plan for your Apple Watch and some reasons why it might not be the best choice for you:

Pros of a Cellular Plan for Apple Watch

A Break from Your Smartphone

One of the best benefits of having an Apple Watch with a cellular line is the ability to leave your iPhone at home. 

Do you like running, cycling, and other outdoor activities? Or do you simply want to travel light when you're out and about? The cellular model will allow you to stay connected without carrying your phone. 

Being connected in different situations can also be helpful in emergencies, which we'll discuss below. 

Emergency Features

With a cellular Apple Watch plan, you can use Emergency SOS features without your iPhone. This could be the difference in situations where you need to call for help but can't reach or access your iPhone or don't have access to a Wi-Fi network. 

The Apple Watch can also detect falls or crashes and call local emergency services while sharing your location.

“Apple Watch For Your Kid” Feature

The cellular Apple Watch is also a great option for parents and family members who want to stay in touch with their young children without giving them their own iPhones. 

With "Apple Watch For Your Kid," a feature formerly known as "Family Setup," parents can set up an Apple Watch with an independent phone number on their personal iPhone. This allows their child to have an Apple Watch with access to calling, texting, and other features, like location monitoring. 

Workout Activities 

Athletes and fitness enthusiasts may prefer the cellular model because it can stream music and receive notifications directly to their wrists while they work out. 

A cellular plan eliminates the need to manually sync music to the Apple Watch or carry a heavy iPhone in your pocket during workout activities.

Cons of a Cellular Plan for Apple Watch

 Lower Daily Battery Life

 If you set up cellular connectivity for your Apple Watch, its daily battery life will likely be affected. Cellular connectivity can drain your watch's battery, especially if you frequently make calls using it. 

To combat battery drain, the Apple Watch will switch to the most power-efficient option available — your iPhone, a Wi-Fi network, or a cellular connection. 

When your watch connects to cellular, it primarily uses LTE networks, but if LTE isn't available, it will switch to Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), depending on your carrier's support.

Another way to save battery is to temporarily turn off the cellular option in the Apple Watch settings if you know you won’t need it right away. 

Overall Usefulness

The Apple Watch's cellular capabilities might be unnecessary if you usually have your iPhone nearby. 

If checking notifications or tracking fitness metrics is all you need, that can be done just as well with the GPS-only model.

Apple Watch Line Cost

The cellular Apple Watch is more expensive than the GPS-only version by about $50 to $100.  

There's also the new Apple Watch line cost to consider. You'll typically need to spend an extra $10 to $20 per month to add a new line to your phone plan. While this may not seem like a big deal, that’s about an extra $180 a year. Some carriers may also charge a one-time sign-up fee to get started. 

But, if you’re worried about your bill, you can save money using Navi's free and unbiased Phone Plan Finder below. With it, you can quickly compare dozens of cell phone plans from top carriers around the country based on your needs.

Who Should Get a Cellular Apple Watch?

The decision to go with a cellular Apple Watch largely depends on your personal needs and lifestyle. Here are some scenarios where a cellular network model might be the right choice:

• Active Lifestyle: If you enjoy outdoor activities and want to stay connected without carrying your phone, the cellular Apple Watch provides a great solution. You can receive calls, texts, and notifications directly to your wrist and stream music or podcasts while you’re on the move.
• Parents and Families: For parents who want to stay connected with their children without giving them a full smartphone, the cellular Apple Watch offers a solid compromise. 
• Travelers: Knowing that you can call for help directly from your wrist, even without your iPhone, can provide peace of mind in many situations.
• Those Who Are Comfortable Adding an Extra Phone Line: If you're comfortable adding the expense, the cellular Apple Watch can potentially add more convenience to your daily life than the GPS-only version. 

The Bottom Line

Whether or not your Apple Watch needs its own line is a decision that depends on your lifestyle and budget. 

The cellular Apple Watch provides important safety features and a sense of freedom. However, it is more expensive, both for the product itself and for the monthly bill for its cellular service. 

The GPS-only model could be the perfect fit if you always have your iPhone nearby. It gives you all the main features of the Apple Watch without the additional expenses.

No matter which model you choose, the Apple Watch is a great companion device for anyone who is deep into Apple’s iPhone, MacBook, and iPad ecosystem. If you’d like to go with a cellular line, Navi can help you start by finding the best deal on phone plans in seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use an Apple Watch without a dedicated line?

Yes, you can use an Apple Watch (such as the GPS-only model) without a dedicated line. You just keep it connected to your iPhone through Bluetooth or Wi-Fi to make calls, send texts, and get notifications. A GPS + Cellular Apple Watch can also be used without an active cellular line.

Can I get my kid an Apple Watch without a phone?

Yes, you can get your kid an Apple Watch even if they don't have a phone. With "Apple Watch For Your Kids," their watch lets them make calls, send messages, and share their location, all managed from your iPhone. It's a great way to stay in touch and connected without needing a separate phone.

Does it cost extra to add an Apple Watch to a cellular plan?

You'll only pay extra if you activate the Apple Watch's cellular features, which usually runs about $10 a month with U.S. carriers. If you stick with a GPS-only model or don't activate the cellular option, there's no added cost. You won't see any extra charges as long as the cellular feature stays off.