Apple Watch Only. Leaving the Phone At Home?

[groove-agent]

These days I'm pondering the idea of having just an Apple Watch (cellular) when I go out. In the future I wonder if the wearables will eventually replace the phone. I know for a lot of people they can't imaging being without their phone, but I feel somewhat liberated by not being anchored to it like a ball and chain. You can do most of the basic stuff with the watch, until you get home and can do everything else on your laptop (et al). The biggest obstacle I feel would be the necessity to take pictures in case of an emergency. For example, if you got into an accident, you might want to use your camera phone to document the damage etc. There is the the CMRA camera watch band which would be a great solution, but I think it is vapourware.

I'm wondering if anyone goes daily with only their Apple Watch and how successful they feel it is.

Also, came across this photo and thought I'd share it - even though it's unrelated.

 

[russell_314]

It sounds like you're trying to solve a problem that doesn't exist. While I agree that a watch may one day replace a phone as we know it why would you do this today? I mean if you're going to wear some type of dress without pockets or go swimming then maybe but other than that I don't see a reason to do this. Am I missing something?

 

[groove-agent]

More of a rhetorical question, and maybe doesn't make sense to those who might not remember the days without cell phones.

More specifically, the rhetorical question is:

Could you do without your phone if you had an Apple Watch Cellular.

I'm intrigued by this idea.

For example while jogging, it would be nice to not have to have a phone jiggling in my pocket when I can just use the watch.

 

[Apple_Robert]

When running, I leave my phone behind, unless I am going for a run that last 26+ miles. At work, I have my phone in my pocket but, I use my watch most of the time for texts email and some calls. Outside of work, I try to leave my phone home most of the time.

 

[russell_314]

More of a rhetorical question and maybe doesn't make sense to those who might not remember a day without cell phones.

For example while jogging, it would be nice to not have to have a phone jiggling in my pocket when I can just use the watch.

People do that today when they go running or something. It's the reason a cellular option sells at all on the watch. The problem is unless you're going running or a similar activity often it becomes a question of is it worth it to pay the extra initial cost then every month to have it. I think that's the main reason the cellular model doesn't sell as well. The example you used if you got into an accident and needed pictures would mean you would be driving so having a phone isn't really a bother. Unless you're talking about getting ran over by a car then I think pictures might not be your biggest concern. I have a S4 wifi only watch and I'll probably get the S6 cellular when it comes out. Why? Because it's only a few extra bucks and I waste more than that on coffee. Do I need it or is it practical? No way

 

[mk313]

I do so sometimes. When I exercise, I always leave the phone at home now. If I'm going somewhere where I don't want to be bothered or I need to focus, then I also leave the phone at home. If I'm running to the store, I"ll often leave the phone in the car & Just take in my watch.

The watch ins't ideal for everything, but it does enough of the basics that I can live with just that for the times when I don't want to be distracted, but on cellular, the battery doesn't last all day for me & I tire of trying to do all my texts, notes, etc through Siri, so I wouldn't want to use that as my only device, but it does have it's place in my daily routine.

 

[russell_314]

I do so sometimes. When I exercise, I always leave the phone at home now. If I'm going somewhere where I don't want to be bothered or I need to focus, then I also leave the phone at home. If I'm running to the store, I"ll often leave the phone in the car & Just take in my watch.

The watch ins't ideal for everything, but it does enough of the basics that I can live with just that for the times when I don't want to be distracted, but on cellular, the battery doesn't last all day for me & I tire of trying to do all my texts, notes, etc through Siri, so I wouldn't want to use that as my only device, but it does have it's place in my daily routine.

Do you have to manually turn the cellular on or does it know when it's away from your phone to use it?

 

[mk313]

Do you have to manually turn the cellular on or does it know when it's away from your phone to use it?

It is always on in the background. It will always connect via Bluetooth to the phone when close enough. When it moves beyond the phone, it will look for wifi. If there’s no wifi, it will connect to cellular. It all happens automatically.

 

[russell_314]

It is always on in the background. It will always connect via Bluetooth to the phone when close enough. When it moves beyond the phone, it will look for wifi. If there’s no wifi, it will connect to cellular. It all happens automatically.

Oh okay. The battery hit doesn't happen unless it connects to cellular though right? I'm a bit excited for the S6 AW 😂

 

[Apple_Robert]

One of the biggest problems I have, is that there are times when I need access to some of my passwords. 1Password doesn’t afford the watch user the opportunity view passwords from the vault on the watch. And Apple Notes is not available. LastPass allows you to view your vault on the watch. I need to update my vault. lol I also use an app called “CheatSheet”, which syncs with my iOS devices and works very well on the watch. I can create folders for specific notes I need to view on a regular basis.

 

[Apple_Robert]

Oh okay. The battery hit doesn't happen unless it connects to cellular though right? I'm a bit excited for the S6 AW 😂

You will really like having the cellular option. It makes the watch that more useful, not to mention freeing you from the ”tether” of the phone.”

 

[mk313]

Oh okay. The battery hit doesn't happen unless it connects to cellular though right? I'm a bit excited for the S6 AW 😂

Correct for the most part. You also see a battery hit if you are on wifi (compared to being in bluetooth connection with the phone) but it's much less severe than being on cellular. I could probably make it an entire day if I were on wifi the whole time, but the difference between connecting to phone and connecting to wifi is real. That ins't the case with cellular. If you're connected to your phone, there is no battery hit.

 

[russell_314]

You will really like having the cellular option. It makes the watch that more useful, not to mention freeing you from the ”tether” of the phone.”

I carry my phone with me everywhere. I can't do the same things on the watch as I can on the phone. Like simple tasks such as a basic web (Google) search without Siri and you don't even get a browser with that. It's good for replying "OTW" or something short to texts but the handwriting is so slow and voice dictation almost unusable for anything other than short messages. If you say too much it just stops then you can't send what's already dictated so you have to start over again. Don't get me wrong I love my AW because it does fitness tracking and notifications (The main reason I like it) but it's not in the same realm as the iPhone. It's more like a remote control for the iPhone.

 

[Apple_Robert]

I carry my phone with me everywhere. I can't do the same things on the watch as I can on the phone. Like simple tasks such as a basic web (Google) search without Siri and you don't even get a browser with that. It's good for replying "OTW" or something short to texts but the handwriting is so slow and voice dictation almost unusable for anything other than short messages. If you say too much it just stops then you can't send what's already dictated so you have to start over again. Don't get me wrong I love my AW because it does fitness tracking and notifications (The main reason I like it) but it's not in the same realm as the iPhone. It's more like a remote control for the iPhone.

You are right. For most things, the watch can handle. Web searches and lengthy text reply in a busy place is not really conducive. For the most part, I can get by with succinct text sending or receiving. I don’t miss web searching.

 

[russell_314]

You are right. For most things, the watch can handle. Web searches and lengthy text reply in a busy place is not really conducive. For the most part, I can get by with succinct text sending or receiving. I don’t miss web searching.

I think if they could fix Siri the watch would be much more capable. With advancements in AI I'm confident it will happen. For now I just use it within it's capabilities. I don't haul plywood with my small car and don't really consider it a problem because it can't do this.

 

[ufgatorvet]

I frequently venture out - work, play, errands - with just the watch and no phone. Works flawlessly for me. With AirPods in the pocket, easy to put them in to make calls, listen to music, etc. In fact, I leave the phone home 90% of the time I leave the house now.

 

[groove-agent]

When running, I leave my phone behind, unless I am going for a run that last 26+ miles. At work, I have my phone in my pocket but, I use my watch most of the time for texts email and some calls. Outside of work, I try to leave my phone home most of the time.

Why 26+ miles? Battery life?

 

[groove-agent]

I have to be digressive here, but I feel Siri's intelligence is growing at a snail's pace especially considering the resources thrown at her.

I think if they could fix Siri the watch would be much more capable. With advancements in AI I'm confident it will happen. For now I just use it within it's capabilities. I don't haul plywood with my small car and don't really consider it a problem because it can't do this.

 

[groove-agent]

The lack of Apple notes could be an issue for me, but I don't think I really use it while on the go. It's nothing that can't wait until I get back to my MBP.

Can you use Apple maps on the watch without the phone with you?

One of the biggest problems I have, is that there are times when I need access to some of my passwords. 1Password doesn’t afford the watch user the opportunity view passwords from the vault on the watch. And Apple Notes is not available. LastPass allows you to view your vault on the watch. I need to update my vault. lol I also use an app called “CheatSheet”, which syncs with my iOS devices and works very well on the watch. I can create folders for specific notes I need to view on a regular basis.

 

[groove-agent]

That's awesome. Does the battery last the entire day when you use it this way?

I frequently venture out - work, play, errands - with just the watch and no phone. Works flawlessly for me. With AirPods in the pocket, easy to put them in to make calls, listen to music, etc. In fact, I leave the phone home 90% of the time I leave the house now.

 

[G.McGilli]

I'm wondering if anyone goes daily with only their Apple Watch and how successful they feel it is.

IMO Apple Watch = iPhone Nano

Used to be I'd take my original iPhone SE if I wanted a small phone - but now I have the Apple Watch.

When using my iPhone I dictate everything with regards to messages, emails, social media etc... So, using AW is just the same. No need for a keyboard while I'm out.

I do take my phone though specifically if I'm going to take photos of course - but - then I use the AW to control my phone remotely for the photos and videos.

Seriously - you could remove the watchband, tuck an AW in your shirt pocket and literally have the best, smallest phone or how about a tracking device - just pop that into your child's backpack and make sure they go where they say they are going lol...

So many uses for it without a phone.

 

[groove-agent]

I’m curious what happens if your phone is off. Does the AW (cellular) still function the same way?

IMO Apple Watch = iPhone Nano

Used to be I'd take my original iPhone SE if I wanted a small phone - but now I have the Apple Watch.

When using my iPhone I dictate everything with regards to messages, emails, social media etc... So, using AW is just the same. No need for a keyboard while I'm out.

I do take my phone though specifically if I'm going to take photos of course - but - then I use the AW to control my phone remotely for the photos and videos.

Seriously - you could remove the watchband, tuck an AW in your shirt pocket and literally have the best, smallest phone or how about a tracking device - just pop that into your child's backpack and make sure they go where they say they are going lol...

So many uses for it without a phone.

 

[firedept]

Workout or jogging phone stays home. At work phone is put in drawer and rarely sees the light of day.

 

[Shirasaki]

I believe Apple Watch will one day eventually replace iPhone as the main device, once virtual keyboard or virtual screen etc becomes available, like those shown in various sci-fi movies because Apple Watch is far more portable than phone.

As of now, using Apple watch for a call or quick text message is more or a novelty thing than anything that is practical, mainly due to serious limitations of battery capacity and power efficiency. When I bought series 3, I immediately went for cellular knowing I would not need to bring my phone 24*7, and I don't like using a device that is tethered to wifi or something except maybe a laptop. I see a lot of people can get away with using only wifi version of the Apple Watch, but Apple stops releasing wifi only Watch for any model other than Apple Watch sports, meaning they also want people to embrace the cellular feature when possible. Yes, it sucks for people buying cellular Watch but won’t use it, but it’s better to have it but not need it than need it but not have it right?
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I’m curious what happens if your phone is off. Does the AW (cellular) still function the same way?

Yes. It will work as if your phone is out of range.

 

[Thoradin]

As with many who’ve already replied I take mine out for exercise, the beach and the running to the local shop without my phone.
This is the best way of using a cellular watch in my opinion, I really don’t think it can replace a phone for all day usage.