I recently read an article describing how to pair an Apple Watch with an iPhone. Looks great. You can leave your iPhone someplace and then use your Apple Watch as a phone. I don’t know anything about Apple watches, but they have them at Costco and of course at the Apple Store. What’s the latest, best one to get And Ann what do you know about this idea?

https://youtu.be/bCKxZ9PUofI?is=oJWZCf8EehitjhgM

ChatGPT: The idea is real, and for a lot of people it’s one of the best reasons to own an Apple Watch.

Here’s how it works:

• Your Apple Watch pairs with your iPhone during setup.
• If you buy a GPS + Cellular model and activate a cellular plan (typically about $10/month through your carrier), you can leave your iPhone at home and still:
• Make and receive phone calls
• Send and receive texts
• Use Siri
• Stream music and podcasts
• Use Apple Maps
• Pay with Apple Pay
• Call emergency services

Without the cellular model, the watch still works away from your iPhone if it’s connected to Wi-Fi, but its capabilities are more limited.

The best Apple Watch right now

There are three main choices:

1. Apple Watch Ultra 2 – Best overall

• Biggest battery (typically about 2 days)
• Brightest display
• Extremely durable
• Best GPS
• Excellent if you’re outdoors a lot
• Most expensive (around $800)

For most people, it’s more watch than they need.

2. Apple Watch Series 10 – Best choice for most people

• Thin and comfortable
• Large, bright screen
• Fast charging
• Great health features
• Available in GPS or GPS + Cellular

This is the model I’d recommend for the vast majority of buyers.

3. Apple Watch SE (2nd generation) – Best value

• Less expensive
• Does calls, texts, fitness tracking
• Available with cellular
• Doesn’t include some of the newest health sensors

About leaving your iPhone behind

People often use their watch when:

• Going for a walk
• Playing golf
• Running errands
• Going to the gym
• Walking the dog

You simply wear the watch and leave the phone at home. As long as you have the cellular version with an active plan, you’ll still receive calls and texts on your watch.

Health features

Even if you don’t consider yourself a “fitness person,” Apple Watches have some very useful features:

• Fall detection
• Emergency SOS
• Heart rate monitoring
• ECG (Series 10 and Ultra 2)
• Sleep tracking
• Activity reminders
• Medication reminders

These features are one reason many people buy one.

Buying at Costco vs. Apple

Costco

• Often has slightly lower prices or bundles.
• Excellent return policy and warranty support through Costco’s membership benefits.

Apple Store

• Staff can help you choose the right size and band.
• They’ll pair it with your iPhone and show you how to use it.
• Easy if you’re new to Apple Watch.

My recommendation

Since you mentioned you’re new to Apple Watches and are interested in using it as a phone, I’d suggest:

• Apple Watch Series 10
• GPS + Cellular model
• 45 or 46 mm size (depending on what fits your wrist comfortably)

The extra cost of the cellular version is worthwhile if your goal is to leave your iPhone behind.

One question that will help narrow it down: Which iPhone do you have? The Apple Watch requires a relatively recent iPhone running a current version of iOS, so I’d like to make sure your phone is compatible before recommending a specific model.