The Pinwheel smartwatch, unveiled at CES 2025, is a promising new wearable designed specifically for kids. Although it resembles adult smartwatches like the Apple Watch Ultra, its primary purpose is to provide a kid-friendly device that helps introduce children to the world of connected technology. Pinwheel, known for creating kid-centric smartphones since 2020, has now expanded into wearables with this device. Equipped with GPS, 4G LTE, and multiple safety features, the smartwatch allows parents to track their child’s location and manage communications while offering a large selection of kid-friendly apps.
The Pinwheel smartwatch is expected to start shipping in February 2025, with a price tag of $159. In addition, a monthly subscription fee of $15 will be required for 4G LTE service, provided by AT&T. While preorders are not yet available, interested buyers can join the waitlist on Pinwheel’s official website. The price and features make it an attractive option for parents who want a dedicated wearable for their children.
The design of the Pinwheel smartwatch closely resembles the high-end Apple Watch Ultra, featuring a durable metal case and a large touchscreen display. It includes two physical controls: a button and a digital crown, along with a SIM card slot and speaker. The watch is well-constructed and boasts an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance. While it is safe from spills and splashes, it is not designed for swimming. With a one-day battery life and magnetic charging, it ensures ease of use. The device also comes with customizable, colorful rubber straps to suit children’s preferences.
The Pinwheel smartwatch comes equipped with robust parental controls, ensuring safety and monitoring for parents. Parents can track their child’s location via GPS and set up geofencing to receive alerts if their child enters or exits a designated area. The watch also allows for contact restrictions, limiting communication to only approved phone numbers. Parents can monitor text messages and enable voice-to-text functionality. As children grow, the level of control can be adjusted, offering more freedom as appropriate.
Kid-Friendly Features
What truly sets the Pinwheel smartwatch apart is its extensive library of over 1,200 kid-friendly apps and games, all of which have been manually approved by the company. There are no social networking or adult apps, and parents can easily restrict app access.
A unique feature is PinwheelGPT, an AI-powered chatbot designed for children. It answers questions in simple, digestible language and avoids controversial topics, encouraging children to speak with trusted adults for more complex issues. Additionally, the watch includes a step counter and activity monitor to track kids’ physical activity, although it lacks sleep-tracking features.
Competitors and Pricing Comparison
In terms of competition, the Pinwheel smartwatch faces rivals like the Fitbit Ace LTE and the Cosmo Jr Track 4. The Fitbit Ace LTE is priced higher at $230 with a $10 monthly subscription fee, making it more expensive over time compared to Pinwheel. While the Fitbit offers a more limited app selection and less customizable parental controls, it remains a significant competitor. The Cosmo Jr Track 4, priced at $129, offers similar parental controls and kid-friendly apps but lacks the same design appeal and premium features as the Pinwheel smartwatch.
The Pinwheel smartwatch offers a well-rounded and affordable option for parents looking to introduce their kids to wearable technology without compromising safety and functionality. At $159 with a monthly subscription, it strikes a balance between price and features. With its strong parental controls, kid-friendly apps, and customizable design, the Pinwheel smartwatch is an excellent alternative to giving children a smartphone or adult smartwatch. For families with children aged 4 to 14, this device could be a great fit, offering both security and fun for young users.