TechSmartwatches5 things you didn’t know your Apple Watch could doHere are some bonus features for your Apple wearableWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
TechSmartwatches5 things you didn’t know your Apple Watch could doHere are some bonus features for your Apple wearableWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Here are some bonus features for your Apple wearable
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Apple)
(Image credit: Apple)
Can you believe it’s been almost 9 years since we first strapped on anApplewearable? Since then, thebest Apple Watcheshave grown from luxury items (remember the gold one?) to fantastic fitness trackers. However, it’s the tight integration with the rest of the Apple ecosystem what makes Apple Watches thebest smartwatches.
As a matter of fact, there are a few somewhat hiddenApple Watchfeatures most people don’t know about, which we’ll discuss below. Whether you’re new to watchOS, eyeing up the rumored Apple Watch Series X, or just want to try something new with the device you wear on your wrist every day, here are some of our favorite Apple Watch features you may not know.
Honorable mention: Double Tap
Missing out on our main list because it’s only available onApple Watch Series 9and the latestApple Watch Ultra 2(at least without diving into your accessibility features),Double Tapis a tantalizing glimpse at the sort of Spatial Computing Vision Pro will offer.
Using your index finger and thumb, users can double-tap to trigger an on-screen button. Whether that’s starting a timer, answering a call, or anything else with a sizeable UI element in the middle of the screen, it’s very helpful indeed and is the closest many of us will get to feeling close to owning a $3500 headset.
5. Unlock your Apple devices
(Image credit: Apple)
(Image credit: Apple)
If you’re new to using an Apple Watch, you may be surprised to know you can unlock your other Apple devices while on your wrist.
Many users will know that you can unlock your Mac with it, but you can also use it for youriPhone.
Something I’ve found even more useful is authorizing macOS security features with a double-press of the Apple Watch side button, such as when installing an app not from the App Store. It’s certainly quicker than typing out your password every time.
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4. Log your mental state
(Image credit: Apple)
(Image credit: Apple)
Apple Watch is fantastic for tracking your physical health and body rhythms, but it’s also a great tool for tracking your mental health, too.
However you’re feeling, you can open the Mindfulness app on your Apple Watch and select how you’re feeling, either in the moment or overall, on any given day.
You can add a series of optional words, and it all gets logged in your Health app. You can also set up reminders on your iPhone so you can get a nudge when it’s time to log your emotional state.
3. Calculate Tips
(Image credit: Apple)
(Image credit: Apple)
What’s more rude at the end of a nice meal; pulling your phone out of your pocket or using your watch? Personal preference aside, it’s handy to be able to quickly calculate a tip for your server on your wrist.
Open the Calculator app on your Apple Watch, then enter the full bill amount and hit the Tip button for a quick and easy way of calculating how much to pay.
You can roll the Digital Crown to adjust the tip amount, too, and see how much each person owes towards it. Bon appetit!
2. Use Shortcuts
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
(Image credit: Matt Kollat/T3)
Apple’s Shortcuts app has gone from strength to strength on all of the company’s platforms, from the Mac to the iPhone and to the Apple Watch, too.
Shortcuts allow for not only a great deal of customizable automation but surprisingly accessible ones, too, and they can be triggered on your wrist. Whether that’s setting your smart home lights to a certain scene, connecting to your favorite headphones, or just about anything else, it’s all a tap of the wrist away.
Better yet,Apple Watch Ultraand Ultra 2 users can trigger them with their Action Button, even setting up more complex processes like a multiple-choice menu for picking between apps and functions.
1. Download media for offline playback
If you already knew about this one, then well done to you, but you’d be surprised how many people aren’t aware that you can do more with an Apple Watch’s internal storage than simply install apps.
Whether it’s Apple Music, Spotify, Podcasts, Pocket Casts and more, you can download your favorite playlists, albums or shows and play them straight from your watch.
That’s ideal for anyone who likes to leave their phone at home when going for a run, and it’s so freeing to be able to connect yourAirPodsof Bluetooth earbuds directly to your watch.
Today’s best Apple Watch dealsApple Watch Series 8 45mm GPS + Cellular$193.65ViewSee all pricesApple Watch Series 9$415.49ViewSee all pricesApple Watch SE (2022)$249$199ViewSee all pricesApple Watch Ultra$19.45ViewSee all pricesApple Watch Ultra 2$799$759ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best Apple Watch dealsApple Watch Series 8 45mm GPS + Cellular$193.65ViewSee all pricesApple Watch Series 9$415.49ViewSee all pricesApple Watch SE (2022)$249$199ViewSee all pricesApple Watch Ultra$19.45ViewSee all pricesApple Watch Ultra 2$799$759ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best Apple Watch dealsApple Watch Series 8 45mm GPS + Cellular$193.65ViewSee all pricesApple Watch Series 9$415.49ViewSee all pricesApple Watch SE (2022)$249$199ViewSee all pricesApple Watch Ultra$19.45ViewSee all pricesApple Watch Ultra 2$799$759ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best Apple Watch deals
Apple Watch Series 8 45mm GPS + Cellular$193.65ViewSee all pricesApple Watch Series 9$415.49ViewSee all pricesApple Watch SE (2022)$249$199ViewSee all pricesApple Watch Ultra$19.45ViewSee all pricesApple Watch Ultra 2$799$759ViewSee all prices
Apple Watch Series 8 45mm GPS + Cellular$193.65ViewSee all prices
Apple Watch Series 8 45mm GPS + Cellular$193.65ViewSee all prices
Apple Watch Series 8 45mm GPS + Cellular
Apple Watch Series 8 45mm GPS + Cellular
$193.65View
$193.65
$193.65
See all prices
Apple Watch Series 9$415.49ViewSee all prices
Apple Watch Series 9$415.49ViewSee all prices
$415.49View
$415.49
$415.49
See all prices
Apple Watch SE (2022)$249$199ViewSee all prices
Apple Watch SE (2022)$249$199ViewSee all prices
Apple Watch SE (2022)
Apple Watch SE (2022)
$249$199View
$249$199
$199
See all prices
Apple Watch Ultra$19.45ViewSee all prices
Apple Watch Ultra$19.45ViewSee all prices
Apple Watch Ultra
Apple Watch Ultra
$19.45View
$19.45
$19.45
See all prices
Apple Watch Ultra 2$799$759ViewSee all prices
Apple Watch Ultra 2$799$759ViewSee all prices
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