A smart watch is a device that combines smart phone functions with the appearance of a traditional wristwatch. 

Also known as a wearable, a smart watch enhances your mobile ecosystem by helping you manage notifications, set alarms, and even make calls or texts while on the go. Some smart watches also include health tracking and music streaming functions. 

There are two main types of smart watches – cellular and Bluetooth. A cellular smart watch allows you to use your watch independently from your phone, provided you are on a watch plan. In contrast, a Bluetooth/GPS watch requires close physical proximity to a connected smart device to work.

Popular smart watch models include Apple Watch and Samsung Galaxy Watch.

The latest smart watches launched in 2025-26 include:

• Apple Watch Series 12
• Apple Watch Ultra 4
• Google Pixel Watch 5
• Samsung Galaxy Watch9
• Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra2
• Apple Watch Series 11
• Apple Watch Ultra 3
• Samsung Galaxy Watch 8
• Samsung Galaxy Watch8 Classic
• Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025)

The right smart watch to buy may vary depending on your tech needs, brand preference, and budget. Optus has a wide selection of smart watches for you to choose from, featuring different sizes and functions for all budget ranges.

Consider the following few features before choosing a smart watch to ensure you buy the right one.

• Ecosystem compatibility: if you already own a device from one brand (such as Apple or Samsung), it may be worthwhile investing in a smart watch of the same brand for compatibility’s sake. This will ensure your smart watch works well with your existing devices.
• Functionality: Find out what you need a smart watch for and whether you need it to perform basic functions like checking notifications, or more advanced ones such as health and fitness tracking, sleep monitoring, calling, or more.
• Design: A smart watch can be treated as an extra accessory to add to your daily wear, so it’s important that you like its design. Luckily, most smart watches allow you to change out the swap the bands so you can find something you like.
• Display: Like smart phones, smart watches can have different types of displays, including LCD and AMOLED. Consider the type of display you need before purchasing a smart watch.

You can connect your smart watch to your phone via Bluetooth. Optus Number Share allows you to connect and share one mobile number between multiple compatible devices, including a smart watch. This means you can enjoy staying connected with your smart watch, even without your phone.

Optus has a wide range of smart watches for you to choose from, fit for all budget levels and tech needs. You can buy a watch on a plan (for cellular smart watches) or outright and use OptusPay to pay off your watch over time when you add on an eligible plan. Cellular watches may also be eligible for number share, which allows you to connect your mobile number to your watch.

A watch plan is broadband service that includes a monthly data allowance within Australia for smart watches. The Optus Choice Connected Watch Plan is available to new and recontracting services.

Many of the latest smart watches are waterproof with water expelling functions, designed withstand down to 50 metres in fresh water.

Some water resistant smart watches include:

• Apple Watch Series 9 with IP6X rating
• Samsung Galaxy Watch7 with IP68 rating

Yes, you can order a watch of your choice and pay it off over time interest free on an eligible plan with Optus. For more information, check out OptusPay.

OptusPay gives you options when it comes to paying for your device. OptusPay allows you to pay off your device over time when you add an eligible SIM plan. You can choose to pay over 12, 24 or 36 months if you stay on an eligible SIM plan. All OptusPay payment options are interest free. If you pay over-time with OptusPay, you won’t pay more for your device.

Optus also offers Outright purchases on selected devices. So, whatever your situation may be, you can pay off your device in a way that works for you.

Yes, you can give your child an Apple Watch without a mobile phone. You can keep it connected to your own mobile phone while using parental controls to limit the functions on your child’s smart watch. GPS tracking is a great feature to use in your child’s smart watch – learn more about whether you should buy your child a smart watch here.

There are many great Android smart watches in the market. Samsung is a popular smart watch brand with a wide range of watches compatible with Android devices. Currently, the Galaxy Watch Ultra2 and Galaxy Watch9 are the newest Samsung watches.

Currently, the Apple Watch Series 12, Apple Watch Ultra 4 and Apple Watch SE 3 are the newest Apple watches.