Can the watch CONNECT to the phone via Wifi?

[CreativeName]

Is the only option of connecting your phone to your watch via Bluetooth? I know you can do limited things on the watch alone via Wifi, but I'm talking full connection to the phone.... is that ONLY through Bluetooth?

When I turn my Bluetooth off, even though I'm connected to Wifi, I get the red icon that says I'm disconnected from my phone and I have limited functions.

 

[swandy]

When I turn off Bluetooth on my iPhone, I do not get the "watch disconnect" icon. And I can still access information and apps on the Watch - though updated information (like weather, NY Times, etc.) do seem to take longer than when they are connected via Bluetooth.
From what I have read, the Watch/iPhone connection cannot be totally dependent on Wifi. Connecting to a known Wifi network - like your home or office network that is known to your iPhone - is intended to extend the range beyond the normal 20-30 feet of Bluetooth.

 

[rigormortis]

well from what i read the watch uses bluetooth , and once out of bluetooth range , it uses wifi. the apple watch cannot connect to a wifi network on its own, it needs the iPhone to assist it in connecting to wifi.

i heard telephone requires bluetooth connectivity, and messages can work without bluetooth as long as you have wifi