Apple Watch as Phone

What it can do alone

• Make + receive phone calls.
• Send + receive texts.
• Apple Maps for directions.
• Music streaming (Apple Music).
• Heart rate + ECG.
• Fall detection — auto-calls 911 if you fall + don't move.
• Emergency SOS via satellite (Series 9+ Ultra).
• Apple Pay.
• Water resistant — wear anywhere.

Cellular plan setup

1. Buy cellular Apple Watch — NOT GPS-only ($349-799).
2. Pair with iPhone first (need iPhone to set up).
3. Add cellular plan via carrier (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile) — $10/mo extra.
4. Watch shares iPhone's number.
5. Once activated, leave iPhone home — Watch works alone.
6. Calls + texts arrive on watch.

"Family Setup" — without iPhone needed

• Apple introduced "Family Setup" — Watch works without senior having own iPhone.
• Adult child manages Watch from THEIR iPhone.
• Senior gets their own number, calls, texts.
• Family monitors heart, falls, location.
• Brilliant for seniors who never want a smartphone.

Senior model picks

• Apple Watch SE Cellular ($299) — best value. All key features.
• Apple Watch Series 10 Cellular ($499) — bigger screen, ECG.
• Apple Watch Ultra 2 ($799) — toughest. Satellite SOS.
• SE is great for most seniors. Ultra unnecessary.