Anyways, I’ve been digging around, and it seems like this is actually a *thing*. You can find these “fake apple watch for kids” thingamajigs all over AliExpress, apparently. I guess they’re supposed to look like the real deal, but… well, let’s be real, they’re probably made of, like, the cheapest plastic imaginable. My guess is they’re more toy than tech. I shudder to think of the kind of software they’re running. Probably something that steals your kid’s data and sells it to the… uh… well, I don’t even wanna think about it.
So, how do you spot a fake? For the *real* Apple Watch, you can check the serial number in the settings or on your paired iPhone. But for these toddler versions? I highly doubt they even *have* a serial number. Just look for telltale signs of cheapness. I mean, if it costs less than a Happy Meal, it’s probably a fake. Doh.
I saw some mention of “clones” of Apple Watches. These clones, I assume, are also fake, but are they better fakes, maybe? Probably not. It’s like, trying to pass off a cardboard cutout of a pizza as the real thing. You *might* fool a toddler, but anyone with half a brain will see right through it.
Actually, thinking about it, maybe a cardboard cutout is *better*. Less risk of the toddler choking on some cheap plastic part. Just sayin’.
And then there’s the whole Xiaomi thing. Apparently, in China, *adults* think of Xiaomi smartwatches when you say “fake Apple Watch,” not these kid-sized knockoffs. Weird, right? Also, something called “imoo” but only if you have a kid in primary school? This is getting confusing.
Honestly, if you’re looking for a smartwatch for your kid, maybe just… don’t? There are plenty of other toys that won’t expose them to potentially harmful radiation (probably unfounded but still!) and questionable data practices. Or, y’know, just let them play outside. Remember outside? Good times.
