Last fall I purchased an Apple Ultra 2 watch. It does all kinds of things. I am considering bringing this watch as a compass backup.

I have some very simple questions about the watch and its capabilities. I'm not posting under the Gear Forum because it's not really canoeing gear. And my electronics knowledge is significantly limited...

The watch has email and text capability, though I'm not sure if text or email will work if the watch is not connected (via Bluetooth) to my phone. I know the compass will work independently of the proximity of the watch to my phone. But I'm not sure about the text and email (assuming there is coverage.) Does anyone know?

Are there any map apps that would work via GPS independently of the proximity of my watch to the my phone?

Has anyone brought this type of Apple Watch? If so, was it helpful? Any other apps you used that were helpful?

Mike

I don’t know, but if you don’t get an answer I think you can make an appointment at an Apple Store with an Apple Genius and they will walk ya through it.

T

This is for sure possible.

Obviously if you have cell service, you can use the native map on your watch, but you have to assume you will not have cell service for at least part of your route.

If that is the case, you can download 'offline maps' to your phone or watch, and they you don't even need cell service. I use map guru on my phone (free app, works great), im not familiar with how great it is on the apple watch, but it seems like there are plenty of offline map options for watch.

https://support.apple.com/guide/watch/use-offline-maps-apd0111bf788/watchos

this is helpful
https://jooonas.medium.com/offline-map-test-on-apple-watch-ultra-3b73541cec52#:~:text=Update:%20Guru%20Maps%20has%20an%20excellent%20offline,on%20the%20free%20version%20of%20the%20app.

VERY helpful! Thank you

Mike

MIke,

The Apple Ultra 2 is capable of receiving text, emails and even phone calls independent from any cell phone. You'll see a separate line on you cell phone bill including it's own phone number (though it should ring when your cell phone is called even if not with you). These features still require you be in an area of cell service availability.

I have not yet upgraded my Apple Watch but the attraction to one of the cellular enabled watches is to reduce my reliance on the cell phone as a distraction but maintain the communication tools for which I originally bought the phone.