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Future Apple Watch Update to Enable Pairing With Multiple Apple Devices Rather Than Just One iPhone, Claims Leaker

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Apple is working on software updates that will make it possible for users to pair their Apple Watch with multiple Apple devices, including iPhone, iPad, and Mac, according to a new rumor.

apple-devices-mac-iphone-ipad-watch-collage.jpg

Currently, an Apple Watch can be paired to one iPhone only, and though it is possible to pair multiple Apple Watch models to the same iPhone, Apple offers no facility for pairing or syncing Apple Watches to other devices in its ecosystem.

Once an Apple Watch is paired to an iPhone, it can be used in conjunction with an iPad logged into the same Apple ID to follow Apple Fitness+ workout routines on the iPad's screen. Also, Mac users can use their Apple Watch to unlock their computer, authenticate apps and view passwords, and authorize online Apple Pay transactions, but that is where the exceptions end.

These limitations could be set to change, however. According to the Twitter account holder @analyst941, Apple is planning changes to the pairing/syncing process that mean an Apple Watch will no longer be tied to a single iPhone, but will instead be able to sync across multiple iPhones, iPads, and Macs.

The leaker confesses that they do not know how this will be implemented, but iCloud syncing could be one possibility, similar to how AirPods work across devices. Whether this means that an iPhone will still be required for setting up an Apple Watch before it can sync with other Apple devices logged into the same iCloud account is unclear.

The leaker added that they do not know whether the change will come this year with watchOS 10, iOS 17, iPadOS 17, and macOS 14, or if it will be held over until 2024.

The anonymous source behind today's rumor leaked accurate information about the iPhone 14 Pro's Dynamic Island before the device was announced last year. However, they do not have a long-term track record with rumors yet, so there is no guarantee the latest information they shared will prove to be accurate.

Article Link: Future Apple Watch Update to Enable Pairing With Multiple Apple Devices Rather Than Just One iPhone, Claims Leaker
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2023/04/27/apple-watch-pairing-multiple-apple-devices/
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Just about time. I only got an Apple Watch last year, but I was amazed how little handoff functionality it has. Especially with non iPhones…
I can somewhat control media playing on my iPhone, which is nice (when it works), but really, my iPhone is far more portable than my Mac. It would be tremendously more useful to control media playing on a Mac, which I mostly don’t carry in my pocket.
 
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At some point it will be possible to setup an Apple Watch without an iPhone, though probably a little cumbersome due to typing on the small screen. I remember back when you were required to setup a new iPhone with a PC or Mac. And later the cheers from the crowd when Jobs announced that you'd be able to setup an iPhone on it's own.
 
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The way it works now is best. I hear it all the time people who want to try android but can't give up their apple watch. This iPhone tethered requirement keeps people loyal and locked.
 
Don't get attached to the idea, Apple has no intention of losing the incentive to sell iPhones to do customers a favor.

I'll believe it when I see it.

And that will be the moment we will kill iPhone, FINALLY.
 
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kiseong said:
Standalone Apple Watch might be happening?
Click to expand...
Oh, no.

Apple Watch is and will remain one of Apple's finest incentives to lure consumers into the Apple ecosystem and have them stay there.

What is likely is that Apple will still require an iPhone for setup, and all Watch functionality ceasing once you un-pair it from your iPhone, just like it has always been.

I think this leak just means that more of the AW+iPhone exclusive features like the Activity app and all the Health metrics, the Watch app too, but now being accessible on iPad and Macs.

A standalone Watch would disrupt Apple's entire product lineup and is about as likely to happen as seeing MacOS on iPads.

No need to change drastically when you're the only one offering these products and sales are as strong as ever.
 
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This would be perfect for my partner. He has a Mac but doesn't want an iPhone. He really wants a good smart watch for tracking health though. The prospect that he could pair it to his Mac, and get all the goodness including iMessages on it would be perfect.

This should have been possible 5 years ago but I'm happy it's something they are finally tackling. It made no sense to lock the Apple Watch experience to iPhones. I get it they want the iPhone to be the entry point of the ecosystem, just don't force it. Make great products and let people come to it naturally with their own path.
 
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cmChimera said:
I'm not really sure I trust this source, but the feature would be nice. On a general basis, if the app exists for iPhone, I want the same app on my Mac, so it would be nice to be able to use fitness/health/watch apps on my Mac.
Click to expand...
It's really annoying when apps which don't actually rely on phone/pad hardware are not available to run on macOS.

Even if you can install, and they seem to work, you are always wondering if you are going to run up against a reason its use is not supported.

Would be good for Apple to strongly encourage apps to be validated for all sensible platforms. Towards "must work and be validated" unless it is obviously non-viable.
 
I'd prefer no device pairings as an option. Use AW as a lone device by default, then add pairings if you need to for specific apps or want to for better battery life.

For the most part this already works, just turn off your phone and the AW ultra can go about its business...but the problem is that it needs that connection in the first place just to get setup.
 
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ApplesAreSweet&Sour said:
Oh, no.

Apple Watch is and will remain one of Apple's finest incentives to lure consumers into the Apple ecosystem and have them stay there.

What is likely is that Apple will still require an iPhone for setup, and all Watch functionality ceasing once you un-pair it from your iPhone, just like it has always been.

I think this leak just means that more of the AW+iPhone exclusive features like the Activity app and all the Health metrics, the Watch app too, but now being accessible on iPad and Macs.

A standalone Watch would disrupt Apple's entire product lineup and is about as likely to happen as seeing MacOS on iPads.

No need to change drastically when you're the only one offering these products and sales are as strong as ever.
Click to expand...
I agree, mostly
However without newer and revolutionary battery tech, the Apple Watch can't be a stand alone.
Also it lacks a camera for face time and for taking photos.
The Cellular option is brilliant, as long as you only use it from time to time and in a not too noisy environment, it also allows you to use your wallet without the iPhone.
I personally never take my iPhone to the gym, shops or bars.....which is brilliant
 
Marie.D said:
This would be perfect for my partner. He has a Mac but doesn't want an iPhone. He really wants a good smart watch for tracking health though. The prospect that he could pair it to his Mac, and get all the goodness including iMessages on it would be perfect.

This should have been possible 5 years ago but I'm happy it's something they are finally tackling. It made no sense to lock the Apple Watch experience to iPhones. I get it they want the iPhone to be the entry point of the ecosystem, just don't force it. Make great products and let people come to it naturally with their own path.
Click to expand...
Your version will never be possible 🤣
 
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