{"id":3100,"date":"2021-06-08T19:44:46","date_gmt":"2021-06-08T19:44:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gizmogrind.com\/blog\/?p=3100"},"modified":"2021-06-21T11:01:23","modified_gmt":"2021-06-21T11:01:23","slug":"apple-watch-replace-iphone","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gizmogrind.com\/blog\/apple-watch-replace-iphone\/","title":{"rendered":"Will Apple Watch Replace iPhone? The Future of Smart Wearable Technology"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>In 2017, Apple announced the launch of the Series 3 Apple Watch with built-in cellular. This may just be the most underrated moment in Apple\u2019s history \u2013 with massive implications for the future of the smartphone.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As this technology continues to mature, will Apple Watch replace iPhone? Will the iPhone become obsolete? What\u2019s the future of the Apple Watch?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let&#8217;s explore how built-in cellular has leveled up the Apple Watch&#8217;s capabilities. We&#8217;ll also look at how does the Apple Watch replace iPhone right now, factors that limit the Watch\u2019s potential, and consider what we may gain or lose if the iPhone is indeed removed from our lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_76 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-transparent ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69e60a11e8df0\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69e60a11e8df0\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/gizmogrind.com\/blog\/apple-watch-replace-iphone\/#Cellular_Connectivity_and_Apple_Watch\" >Cellular Connectivity and Apple Watch<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/gizmogrind.com\/blog\/apple-watch-replace-iphone\/#How_Does_Apple_Watch_Replace_iPhone_Partially\" >How Does Apple Watch Replace iPhone (Partially)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/gizmogrind.com\/blog\/apple-watch-replace-iphone\/#Is_Apple_Watch_Better_Than_iPhone\" >Is Apple Watch Better Than iPhone?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-2' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/gizmogrind.com\/blog\/apple-watch-replace-iphone\/#Wireless_Earbuds_Combo\" >Wireless Earbuds Combo<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/gizmogrind.com\/blog\/apple-watch-replace-iphone\/#Health_Tracking_Features\" >Health Tracking Features<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/gizmogrind.com\/blog\/apple-watch-replace-iphone\/#Current_Limitations_of_Apple_Watch\" >Current Limitations of Apple Watch<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-2' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/gizmogrind.com\/blog\/apple-watch-replace-iphone\/#Screen_Size\" >Screen Size<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/gizmogrind.com\/blog\/apple-watch-replace-iphone\/#Battery_Life\" >Battery Life<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/gizmogrind.com\/blog\/apple-watch-replace-iphone\/#No_Camera\" >No Camera<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/gizmogrind.com\/blog\/apple-watch-replace-iphone\/#The_iPhone_Itself\" >The iPhone Itself<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/gizmogrind.com\/blog\/apple-watch-replace-iphone\/#Life_Without_iPhone_A_Gain_or_Loss\" >Life Without iPhone: A Gain or Loss?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/gizmogrind.com\/blog\/apple-watch-replace-iphone\/#Future_Prospects_Can_Apple_Watch_Replace_iPhone\" >Future Prospects: Can Apple Watch Replace iPhone?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Cellular_Connectivity_and_Apple_Watch\"><\/span>Cellular Connectivity and Apple Watch <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>Apple has two types of Watches: one is GPS-only, the other has both GPS and cellular.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td>GPS-only models<\/td><td>Apple Watch Series 2 and up<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>GPS + Cellular models<\/td><td>Apple Watch Series 3 and up<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The Apple Watch replace iPhone? <strong>Cellular connectivity <\/strong>is key in determining how dependent (or independent) the Apple Watch will be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-rounded\"><figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gizmogrind.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/y1yqqmoztbw-scaled-e1620912656826-1024x633.jpg\" alt=\"GPS-only Apple Watch\" class=\"wp-image-3105\" width=\"342\" height=\"211\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gizmogrind.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/y1yqqmoztbw-scaled-e1620912656826-1024x633.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gizmogrind.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/y1yqqmoztbw-scaled-e1620912656826-300x185.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gizmogrind.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/y1yqqmoztbw-scaled-e1620912656826-1536x950.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/gizmogrind.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/y1yqqmoztbw-scaled-e1620912656826-2048x1266.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 342px) 100vw, 342px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">GPS-only Apple Watch<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>To text, call or receive notifications, the GPS-only Apple Watch must be connected to WiFi or constantly paired with iPhone via Bluetooth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If the Watch goes beyond iPhone\u2019s Bluetooth connection range (10 meters), we will be unable to utilize the Watch\u2019s essential, phone-like functions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Stepping outside with the GPS-only Apple Watch and no phone is not really feasible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">GPS + Cellular Apple Watch<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>On the other hand, the cellular Apple Watch can be used without the iPhone nearby. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Using the iPhone\u2019s existing carrier, the guided process involves adding a mobile network plan on the Watch app. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.apple.com\/watch\/cellular\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Apple\u2019s full list<\/a> shows the phone carriers that offer mobile plans for the Apple Watch. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Apple Watch connects to the internet independently once this setup is done. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This technology represents an exciting moment of change. For the first time \u2013 since the chunky bricks that were mobile phones in the 80s \u2013 we no longer <em>need <\/em>phones. The communication device is the watch on our wrists!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Got your house keys and Apple Watch? Let&#8217;s head out phone-free. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Does_Apple_Watch_Replace_iPhone_Partially\"><\/span>How Does Apple Watch Replace iPhone (Partially)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>Can the Apple Watch replace iPhone? Let\u2019s take a closer look at how the Apple Watch compares to the iPhone in everyday life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Based on data from Statista Research Department, we compiled a list of smartphone activities people engage in on a regular basis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-regular\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Mobile phone activity<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>Apple Watch<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>iPhone<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Sending messages<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>\u2713<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>\u2713<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Make phone calls<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>\u2713<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>\u2713<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Listen to music, audiobooks &amp; podcasts<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>\u2713<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>\u2713<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Use GPS navigation<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>\u2713<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>\u2713<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Get weather info<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>\u2713<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>\u2713<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Make payment<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>\u2713<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>\u2713<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Use social media*<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Limited<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>\u2713<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Watch movies and other video content**<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Limited<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>\u2713<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Take photo or record video<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>&#8211;<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>\u2713<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:14px\">*Use social media: Workaround available. You\u2019ll need to use your iPhone to send a text message\/email containing the social network\u2019s link.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:14px\">**Watch video content: Only video embedded in text messages can be viewed. YouTube and online streaming services are not available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As a wrist device, the Apple Watch matches up to the iPhone surprisingly well. Some common tasks may feel slightly different though. Some examples: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Utilizing voice instead of typing<\/strong>: Using our fingers constantly on the small Watch interface is not exactly efficient. It\u2019s much easier if we instruct Siri to send a text, and dictate what we want to say.&nbsp;<\/li><li><strong>GPS navigation: <\/strong>The Apple Watch\u2019s map display is well, tiny. Instead of digital roads, the Watch shows one-sentence instructions for every turn. It also taps on our wrists and gives sound alerts when it wants us to go to the left or right. <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Phone function-wise, the essentials are all there for the Apple Watch. How does the Apple Watch <em>stand out<\/em> from the iPhone then? <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What are some unique experiences that only the Watch provides?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_Apple_Watch_Better_Than_iPhone\"><\/span><strong>Is Apple Watch Better Than iPhone? <\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>There are several advantages of using the Apple Watch over the iPhone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Wireless_Earbuds_Combo\"><\/span>Wireless Earbuds Combo<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-rounded\"><figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gizmogrind.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/ri2mxep6sss-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"apple airpods\" class=\"wp-image-3127\" width=\"317\" height=\"212\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gizmogrind.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/ri2mxep6sss-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gizmogrind.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/ri2mxep6sss-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gizmogrind.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/ri2mxep6sss-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/gizmogrind.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/ri2mxep6sss-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/gizmogrind.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/ri2mxep6sss-930x620.jpg 930w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 317px) 100vw, 317px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>In 2016, Apple&#8217;s AirPods led the way for the revolution. People laughed at first, thinking it was just a cash grab from the company. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But slowly but surely, everyone came to love its life-changing benefit: <strong>No. Tangling. Wires.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Using wireless earbuds with the Apple Watch brings a whole new light, hands-free feel. Especially when we\u2019re exercising. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From avid runners to gym enthusiasts, listening to music becomes a seamless experience. No disgusting wires sticking to our sweaty necks and faces. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If a phone call comes in, tap and answer on the Watch. There\u2019s no hassle to fumble around to get the phone out of our pockets.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Apple Watch and wireless earbuds combo is definitely something we needed in our lives. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Health_Tracking_Features\"><\/span>Health Tracking Features<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>For health-monitoring sensors to work, the device needs to be in constant, physical contact with our bodies yet not intrusive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is a major reason why the Apple Watch\u2019s technology is superior to smartphones. The Watch can check in and care for us in ways the iPhone can\u2019t. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are some iconic health features that make the Apple Watch a great personal trainer and health assistant. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-rounded\"><figure class=\"alignleft size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gizmogrind.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/0zahoj1gngg-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3128\" width=\"308\" height=\"206\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gizmogrind.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/0zahoj1gngg-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gizmogrind.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/0zahoj1gngg-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gizmogrind.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/0zahoj1gngg-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/gizmogrind.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/0zahoj1gngg-2048x1367.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/gizmogrind.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/0zahoj1gngg-930x620.jpg 930w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 308px) 100vw, 308px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Activity App <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The Activity app tracks when we stand, move and exercise, dropping us friendly instructions throughout the day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It helps to avoid yet another episode of \u201cnot stopping until my stiff neck forces me to\u201d at our desks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Like a simple fitness game, it\u2019s also satisfying to see the colored rings come full circle at the end of the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fall Detection<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Besides getting us into better shape, features like Fall Detection can even save our lives. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Knock on wood, what if we had a hard fall at a remote location and end up unconscious? The Watch is there to call emergency if the \u201cI\u2019m OK\u201d button isn\u2019t tapped within a minute. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Such levels of automatic responsiveness makes the Watch a more personal (and more crucial) device than the iPhone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Apple Watch replace iPhone? Overall, it&#8217;s certainly an exciting alternative. What\u2019s holding it back? <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Current_Limitations_of_Apple_Watch\"><\/span>Current Limitations of Apple Watch<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Screen_Size\"><\/span>Screen Size<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The size of the Apple Watch naturally affects user experience. It fits nicely on our wrists but makes watching videos, playing games or even attempting to scroll through social media less realistic.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Battery_Life\"><\/span><strong>Battery <\/strong>Life<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Apple Watch&#8217;s battery life is mediocre compared to its competitors. For instance, the Huawei Watch GT 2 Pro lasts for 5 to 6 days, whereas the Apple Watch Series 6 only lasts a day and a half. The SE might even need a quick top-up before bedtime if you want to use Sleep Tracking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For a device that&#8217;s supposed to be utilized 24\/7, it can be annoying when we need to remember to charge it multiple times a week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-rounded\"><figure class=\"alignleft size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gizmogrind.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/vpxztstzmzq-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"person holding black iphone 5 taking photo of body of water during daytime\" class=\"wp-image-3132\" width=\"168\" height=\"251\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gizmogrind.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/vpxztstzmzq-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/gizmogrind.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/vpxztstzmzq-167x250.jpg 167w, https:\/\/gizmogrind.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/vpxztstzmzq-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gizmogrind.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/vpxztstzmzq-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https:\/\/gizmogrind.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/vpxztstzmzq-scaled.jpg 1707w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 168px) 100vw, 168px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"No_Camera\"><\/span><strong>No Camera<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Apple knows we\u2019ve grown to love taking pictures anytime, anywhere. In fact, the iPhones led the way for this trend. But this function doesn\u2019t seem to be coming on the Watch yet. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At the moment, crowdfunded projects like Wristcam sell special <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gizmogrind.com\/blog\/how-to-change-an-apple-watch-band\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\">Apple Watch bands<\/a> fitted with a camera.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, many people find them bulky to wear on their wrists. There are no dynamic camera features like Portrait or night mode either. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_iPhone_Itself\"><\/span>The iPhone Itself <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Cellular or not, the Apple Watch still needs the iPhone when it\u2019s first set up. There\u2019s no workaround because the Watch was designed to be a companion device to the iPhone.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But sales figures may suggest another reason why the Watch\u2019s independence takes a backseat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Almost every year, 50% or more of Apple\u2019s revenue comes from the iPhones. On the other hand, the wearables, home and accessories category to which the Apple Watch belongs, only gives 8% of sales.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As Apple\u2019s bestselling product, it wouldn\u2019t make financial sense for them to kill off the iPhone anytime soon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gizmogrind.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/image-6-1024x530.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3123\" width=\"702\" height=\"362\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gizmogrind.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/image-6-1024x530.png 1024w, https:\/\/gizmogrind.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/image-6-300x155.png 300w, https:\/\/gizmogrind.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/image-6.png 1194w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 702px) 100vw, 702px\" \/><figcaption>Graph depicting Apple&#8217;s latest revenue in Q1 2021. Total iPhone sales were USD 65.6 billion. Apple Watch is grouped under the Wearables category. Source: Statista.com<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Current features which the Apple Watch is lacking \u2013 like a camera, might then be an intentional decision rather than any tech constraint. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Even recent smartwatches from smaller competitors \u2013 like the Kospet Prime 2 released in 2020 \u2013 already have a camera. How long can a market leader like Apple withhold their expertise then?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let&#8217;s not forget \u2013 Android smartwatches are also becoming more flexible in terms of phone compatibility. The pressure is on Apple to launch new features for people to buy the Apple Watch as a device on its own. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The company can\u2019t glue the Watch to the iPhone forever if it intends to lead the smart wearables market.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Life_Without_iPhone_A_Gain_or_Loss\"><\/span>Life Without iPhone: A Gain or Loss?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>For one moment, let\u2019s assume that the Apple Watch has an unparalleled battery life and a top-notch camera despite its size. What happens if Apple discontinues its iPhones? How would that actually change our daily life with tech?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Does the Apple Watch replace iPhone for the better? What will we gain? <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Greater face-to-face engagement: <\/strong>People won\u2019t bury themselves in the Watch because the screen wasn\u2019t designed for this convenience. No chance of scrolling a mile down our newsfeed throughout the day.<\/li><li><strong>Leaving work, at work: <\/strong>With the iPhone, we replied to long emails left, right and center even while waiting for our coffee to arrive. Using the Watch? Short responses only. Everything else waits until we\u2019re back at our work desk.<\/li><li><strong>Practicality:<\/strong> The Apple Watch is secured around our wrist. We\u2019re much less likely to misplace the device or accidentally drop and damage it.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Since the Apple Watch was created to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wired.com\/2015\/04\/the-apple-watch\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">free people from their phones<\/a>, perhaps it can truly empower us to live in the moment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But what are some potentially negative impacts when the Apple Watch replace iPhone for real?  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Reduced flexibility of video content:<\/strong> Unless we bring along an <a href=\"https:\/\/gizmogrind.com\/blog\/why-is-my-ipad-charging-so-slow\/\">iPad<\/a> or MacBook, we&#8217;ll be saying goodbye to watching the next Netflix episode on lunch breaks.<\/li><li><strong>Health effects:<\/strong> Prolonged usage causes most devices to heat up. We can put away our iPhones, but it doesn\u2019t make sense to take off our Watch often. The effect of actively using a smartwatch 24\/7 remains to be seen.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-rounded\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gizmogrind.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/pknn-nxcnhs-1024x540.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3146\" width=\"620\" height=\"326\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gizmogrind.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/pknn-nxcnhs-1024x540.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gizmogrind.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/pknn-nxcnhs-300x158.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gizmogrind.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/pknn-nxcnhs-1536x810.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/gizmogrind.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/pknn-nxcnhs-2048x1080.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 620px) 100vw, 620px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Future_Prospects_Can_Apple_Watch_Replace_iPhone\"><\/span>Future Prospects: Can Apple Watch Replace iPhone?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>Apple Watch Series 7 is rumored to get a redesign as well as new health tracking features such as blood glucose monitoring. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Will the Apple Watch replace iPhone soon? Probably not. To completely function as a standalone, the device itself likely needs several more years of work and bigger pressure from competition to give Apple a reason to drop the iPhone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gizmogrind.com\/blog\/the-future-of-smartphones\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\">new technology<\/a> emerges along the way, might the Apple Watch also disappear one day?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Companies like Elon Musk\u2019s Neuralink are looking to implant technology right into the human brain. Moving into this direction, will we eventually have data tracked from within our bodies? Will we communicate with AI like Siri directly in our heads?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Of course, such ventures will raise a tide of new concerns and ethical issues. For now, let\u2019s put on the Apple Watch and plug in those earbuds \u2013 it\u2019s probably time to stand up and move a little.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We can leave our iPhones behind for a while. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sources<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p><a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.statista.com\/statistics\/187128\/leading-us-smartphone-activities\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">&#8216;Frequency of leading mobile phone activities among internet users in the United States as of June 2018&#8217;<\/a>, Morning Consult, Statista, 2018.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.statista.com\/statistics\/202535\/activities-conducted-while-using-internet-on-smartphone\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">&#8216;Leading smartphone activities done at least once per week among users in the United States as of July 2020&#8217;<\/a>, Vorhaus Advisors, Statista, 2020.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.statista.com\/statistics\/382136\/quarterly-segments-revenue-of-apple\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">&#8216;Revenue of Apple by operating segment from the first quarter of 2012 to 1st quarter 2021&#8217;<\/a>, Apple, Statista, 2021.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In 2017, Apple announced the launch of the Series 3 Apple Watch with built-in cellular. This may just be the most underrated moment in Apple\u2019s history \u2013 with massive implications for the future of the smartphone.&nbsp; As this technology continues to mature, will Apple Watch replace iPhone? Will the iPhone become obsolete? What\u2019s the future&hellip;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/gizmogrind.com\/blog\/apple-watch-replace-iphone\/\" rel=\"bookmark\">Read More &raquo;<span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Will Apple Watch Replace iPhone? The Future of Smart Wearable Technology<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1958220,"featured_media":3103,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0,"neve_meta_sidebar":"","neve_meta_container":"","neve_meta_enable_content_width":"off","neve_meta_content_width":0,"neve_meta_title_alignment":"","neve_meta_author_avatar":"","neve_post_elements_order":"","neve_meta_disable_header":"","neve_meta_disable_footer":"","neve_meta_disable_title":"","neve_meta_reading_time":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[375],"tags":[386,387],"class_list":["post-3100","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-e-waste-sustainability","tag-apple-watch-replace-iphone","tag-apple-watch-so-popular"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gizmogrind.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3100","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gizmogrind.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gizmogrind.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gizmogrind.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1958220"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gizmogrind.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3100"}],"version-history":[{"count":56,"href":"https:\/\/gizmogrind.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3100\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3281,"href":"https:\/\/gizmogrind.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3100\/revisions\/3281"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gizmogrind.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3103"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gizmogrind.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3100"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gizmogrind.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3100"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gizmogrind.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3100"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}