Apple Watch

Apple Watches are a line of internet enabled, Wearable tech with a range of Health and Fitness tracking plus lifestyle features. Whilst an Apple Watch has many similar features already in an iPhone or other smart devices, its form factor makes it more convenient to use in many instances to work well as an iPhone companion.

Apple Watches come in a variety of models and styles, but in general all feature a small watch-like device with a touch screen interface that can be strapped to your wrist in the same way as a watch. You can customize the watch face to display different information like alarms, weather, world clocks, local time, activity levels, reminders, news and more. You can make it as information rich or as minimalist as you like.

With built-in GPS and heart rate monitors, the Apple Watch is a great tool for health and wellness tracking. The included Workout app helps you monitor walks, runs, cycling, workouts, swimming and more.

An eSIM is a small SIM Card chip that is permanently soldered to the device. This chip takes up less space inside a device than what is needed for even the smallest removeable SIM. The eSIM like other SIM Cards allows a device to communicate wirelessly using a mobile network. Unlike normal SIM cards the information stored on an eSIM is rewritable, allowing you to switch plans or network providers without needing to swap out to a new physical SIM.

Newer smart products including Apple Watches make use of an eSIM. These Cellular compatible models are more expensive than those without an eSIM, but will allow your Apple Watch to make use of internet connected services without needing to connect to your iPhone.

Before you decide on an eSIM model you should also check that your provider has eSim supported plans. You may need to pay extra on your bills but it’s a handy feature if want to stream music or podcasts but don’t want to carry your phone while being out.

Although an iPhone is recommended to get the most out of an Apple Watch, it's not strictly necessary. The features available without an iPhone will depend on the Apple Watch model and whether there is a Wi-Fi or Cellular connection available.

Normally your Apple Watch would be paired with an iPhone to access mobile network data. Some Apple Watch models include an eSIM that will allow it to connect to a mobile network independently of an iPhone. This will let you make and answer calls, use Siri, stream music and more.

Without a direct network connection, your Apple Watch will need a Wi-Fi connection for many features. You won’t be able to receive SMS text messages, but you will be able to use Siri, iMessage, stream audio and use some apps provided you're within range of Wi-Fi.

Without internet access many of the Fitness Tracking features will still work, and you will be able to listen to any audio downloaded to the watch.

It is highly recommended that you have an iPhone to get the most out of an Apple Watch. When deciding on an Apple Watch, keep in mind that later Apple Watch models from the Watch 5 to the Watch 7 will only work with an iPhone 6S or later. An Apple Watch 3 will require an iPhone 5S running iOS 11 at a minimum.

The Apple Watch 8 features fast charging which will fully charges it in around an hour. Whilst the battery capacity of Apple Watches has been improving over recent years, the devices themselves have also be getting larger and brighter screens. Also included are GPS GLONASS chips for position tracking, sleep tracking, ECG and blood oxygen monitoring along with much more.

If you are dedicated to fitness and health tracking, the Apple Watch 8 has the widest array of features across Apple's best iteration of the Fitness app to date. Check out the Series SE for a budget friendly option, the Series 8 for a mid range option and the Series Ultra for the feature complete premium experience.