Apple Watch for family

[MckRT31]

I would like to purchase an Apple Watch for my dad. He is already a o2 customer but I want to do this as a surprise so I would be purchasing a pay monthly watch from my account. Will the Apple Watch connect to his iPhone? And how does this work for an airtime plan? Would I need to set this up on his account instead of using my airtime plan? Thanks

[Cleoriff]

@MckRT31 

It would have to be set up on his account, otherwise if you buy it, it will be on yours.

The only other alternative is to buy it direct from Apple.

Edited to add this info https://www.o2.co.uk/help/device-and-sim-support/apple-watch 

[MckRT31]

Thanks!
Is it not possible to buy the watch, pair it with his iphone and then select an airtime plan from his account?
So I would be paying a monthly tariff for the watch and in theory an unused airtime plan?

[Cleoriff]

This is where I'm unsure @MckRT31 

I will ask @MI5 to answer your last query...

[MI5]

@MckRT31 

In theory, yes.

You'll need to get O2 to transfer the watch to the different number which may prove challenging knowing the issues that others have had.

You'll also need to continue to pay for the unused watch plan until the watch is paid off.

Far cheaper and easier to buy from Apple on credit if you can't afford to buy it outright.

Apple do their own credit plans through Paypal or Barclays Bank.

[MckRT31]

Thanks @MI5

Why does o2 transfer the number? Doesn’t the watch just pair with the iPhone near it?

Only reason I ask if that I used my partners old watch and it just paired straight away and I had to purchase my own airtime plan?

Sorry! Just trying to wrap my head round it 🙈

Will look into Apple though 😊

[MI5 · Accepted solution]

@MckRT31 

Because O2 now register the watch to the account it's bought on.

They changed it from being simple to complicated so I guess it benefits them somehow, but not the customer.

[MckRT31]

Thanks @MI5

Really appreciate your help!

[MI5]

You're welcome