I am thinking about getting the wifi model of the series 7. I have never owned an Apple Watch before, so I was wondering, is the wifi model able to use features such as calling from the watch if it is connected to the phone through Bluetooth, but not on a wifi network?
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Question about Wifi Model of Apple Watches
- Thread starter rosestorm
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
Wi-Fi Apple Watch can do everything a cellular apple watch can do, as long as the iPhone is near
... and by "nearby" folks mean either within bluetooth range of your phone, or on the same wifi network -- such as if you were home and your phone was a couple rooms away.
Since you are thinking buying a WiFi model…Just some more info for you if you do have a WiFi connection but without your iPhone.
You can make or receive calls (if Wi-Fi calling is enabled on your Apple Watch) without the iPhone nearby on any WiFi network. I do it all the time in the gym while my iPhone is at home.
Some other items you can do on Apple Watch without your iPhone nearby:
Use your Apple Watch without your iPhone nearby - Apple Support
Learn what you can do with your Apple Watch when your iPhone isn't with you.
Last edited:
This is correct. Many people don't seem to realize this can work even with both devices on different WiFi networks, but it can.You can make or receive calls (if Wi-Fi calling is enabled on your Apple Watch) without the iPhone nearby on any WiFi network. I do it all the time in the gym while my iPhone is at home.
Just some other items you can do on Apple Watch without your iPhone nearby:
Use your Apple Watch without your iPhone nearby - Apple Support
Learn what you can do with your Apple Watch when your iPhone isn't with you.support.apple.com
I have a cellular-capable model, but I've never needed to connect the cell service. My watch seems to do what I need it to do whenever my phone is nearby (or on the same WiFi network), and it often surprises me by working just fine even when my phone is nowhere close. This integration is some of the slickest Apple has done, IMO.
Is that because you've previously connected to the gym's WiFi network with your iPhone?Since you are thinking buying a WiFi model…Just some more info for you if you do have a WiFi connection but without your iPhone.
You can make or receive calls (if Wi-Fi calling is enabled on your Apple Watch) without the iPhone nearby on any WiFi network. I do it all the time in the gym while my iPhone is at home.
Some other items you can do on Apple Watch without your iPhone nearby:
Use your Apple Watch without your iPhone nearby - Apple Support
Learn what you can do with your Apple Watch when your iPhone isn't with you.
Agreed…very slick integration! I have a cellular-capable model as well but some places I have no signal (like my gym) and I then jump on a WiFi connection…Xfinity hotspot in that case. My one biggest wish would be for Apple to add email support while iPhone is not nearby…you can read email but cannot reply.
I jump on a Xfinity hotspot while at the gym. I found a workaround to get on the gym’s WiFi….but it’s a pain in the A$$ to do that workaround each time.
Still on my 1st AW, a gen 4 wifi & never regretted choosing wi-fi only. Will test drive a 7 wifi as I like the larger display & also why I bought the 44mm option w/ the gen4. A sample of one but my older/tired ears are often challenged w/ ph. comms using the watch due to ambient noises and thx @G35flyer for the link reminding me to use my gyms wifi when swimming, owe ya one amigo.Since you are thinking buying a WiFi model…Just some more info for you if you do have a WiFi connection but without your iPhone.
You can make or receive calls (if Wi-Fi calling is enabled on your Apple Watch) without the iPhone nearby on any WiFi network. I do it all the time in the gym while my iPhone is at home.
Some other items you can do on Apple Watch without your iPhone nearby:
Use your Apple Watch without your iPhone nearby - Apple Support
Learn what you can do with your Apple Watch when your iPhone isn't with you.
I've always had a WiFi watch. When I'm at work I'm not on a WiFi network and it's always surprised me how far I can be from my desk (where my iPhone is) and my watch will still alert me to an incoming call. At home it's great I can be anywhere and use the connectivity of the watch with no problem.
I still always toy with the idea of a cellular watch because even though I don't wouldn't get a cellular plan the idea of being able to call emergency services in a true emergency when my phone isn't available for some reason does have appeal.
I still always toy with the idea of a cellular watch because even though I don't wouldn't get a cellular plan the idea of being able to call emergency services in a true emergency when my phone isn't available for some reason does have appeal.