RePod by Techpod is a handheld case that turns an Apple Watch into a Mini Phone for music and everyday essentials. Your Watch still runs its apps in the case. An album you’ve downloaded can play on the walk to a café. A call from the café needs a connection, and the one you can use depends on your Watch and setup.
What works on Apple Watch inside RePod?
| Task | What you need |
|---|---|
| Open a Watch app | Look for the app in the App Store on Apple Watch. The app has to support your watchOS version. Open it on the Watch and check whether the feature you want needs a sign-in, a connection or the paired iPhone. |
| Play downloaded music | Download the album to the Watch ahead of time. Once it’s on the Watch, you can play it offline with paired Bluetooth headphones. For other listening options, see the RePod audio guide. |
| Call or send a message | With the paired iPhone away, use Wi-Fi or a cellular Watch with active service and coverage. To call a phone number over Wi-Fi, enable Wi-Fi Calling. Sign in to iMessage on the paired iPhone to use Messages on the Watch. For SMS and MMS on a cellular Watch, the iPhone must still be powered on and online. See Apple’s connection requirements. |
| Pay in a store | In a supported region, add an eligible card to Wallet on the Watch and set a Watch passcode. At a merchant that supports the payment, you can use Apple Pay without the iPhone nearby. With Wrist Detection off, the Watch asks for your passcode when you authorize the payment. |
| Take a group photo | Prop up the paired iPhone within normal Bluetooth range. Use Camera Remote on the Watch to frame the shot and trigger the iPhone camera. |
Test the task where you plan to use it
Pick one task you’d want to do with the Watch in your pocket. If you need to call home from a café, try a call while the iPhone is elsewhere, using the same kind of connection you’ll have there. If you want a playlist for the train, play one downloaded track with the Watch offline and the headphones connected.
How do you control the Watch in RePod?
Turn the scroll wheel with your thumb and it turns the Apple Watch Digital Crown. What happens next depends on the screen: a list can scroll, for example, and a supported playback screen can change volume. Tap the Watch display for on-screen controls. See how the RePod scroll wheel works.
If the task already works on your Watch, RePod gives you a way to carry and use it in your hand. To decide whether to leave your phone at home, try the Apple Watch essentials checklist. If calling away from the phone is the deciding factor, read how GPS and cellular Apple Watch models differ.