I just got an Apple Watch and want to make the most out of it. I’ve heard there are some amazing apps out there but not sure where to start. Can you recommend the best ones? Looking for apps that cover fitness, productivity, and maybe some fun ones too. Thanks!
Most so-called “best apps” for the Apple Watch are overrated. People rave about fitness and productivity, but do you really need another gadget to remind you to breathe?
Okay, rant over. If you still want recommendations, here’s the deal. Fitness apps: I suppose Workout and Activity are your go-tos, but let’s face it, you’re paying for an Apple Watch, not a coach. If you must have a third-party app, Strava is decent, but expect to pay for some features.
Productivity? Seriously, it’s not like you’re getting any real work done on that tiny screen. But hey, Fantastical is somewhat useful for calendar stuff if you’re into that sort of thing. Just don’t expect it to replace your actual phone or computer for real productivity.
Oh, and Sleep tracking apps like AutoSleep? Sure, if you actually believe the watch can track your sleep accurately. Spoiler: it doesn’t.
Overall, most of these apps just add more clutter to your wrist. Use your watch for what it’s meant for—basic notifications and maybe checking the time occasionally. Anything more and you’re just feeding into the hype.
Well, I agree to some extent that a lot of the hyped Apple Watch apps can end up being more gimmicky than actually useful. That said, I think there are still some apps worth checking out, especially if you make use of their niche functionalities.
For fitness: Aside from the built-in Workout and Activity apps, which are pretty solid, you might want to give a few others a look. For instance, Nike Run Club is a favorite among runners. It gives you guided runs with audio coaching, which can be pretty neat. MyFitnessPal also syncs well with Apple Watch for calorie tracking if you’re into that.
If cycling is your thing, Cyclemeter is quite comprehensive, providing a wide array of metrics and tracking features. True, some features are behind a paywall, but the free version offers quite a bit already.
Productivity: I get it, a tiny screen isn’t a replacement for your phone or laptop, but there are still some helpful tools. I’ll second Fantastical for calendar management, but I’d add Things 3 to the list too. It’s a great task manager if you’re into GTD (Getting Things Done) methodology. It integrates well across all Apple devices, which boosts its utility.
Bear is fantastic for quick notes; it’s simple and syncs across devices. For those who use notes as a productivity hack, it’s a godsend.
Then there’s Drafts—an exceptional note capture app. Launch it, hit dictate, and you’ve got your thoughts down in seconds. Super helpful for those “I’ll forget this if I don’t record it now” moments.
Sleep Tracking: I partly disagree about the sleep tracking criticism. Sure, it’s not perfect, but some apps do a decent job. Pillow provides detailed insights and integrates well with HealthKit. AutoSleep is another, giving you a breakdown of deep sleep, light sleep, screen time before bed, and more. You get a lot of data to mull over if you’re serious about sleep patterns.
Health: If you’ve got Apple Watch, you might want to look into Streaks. It’s a habit-tracking app that charts your progress on the watch, providing nudges to keep you on track. WaterMinder is also solid for making sure you’re hydrated—again, simple nudges that can build better habits over time.
Customization: Ever wanted your watch face to do more than tell time? Watchsmith lets you create highly customized watch faces with modules that can show different data depending on the time of day. If the built-in faces are too vanilla for you, this one can add a touch of personalized utility.
Entertainment: For quick entertainment breaks, Overcast is a great podcast player with excellent audio quality. Shazam on your wrist is a nifty tool for instantly identifying that catchy song playing in the background wherever you are.
Utilities: One of the unsung heroes is Just Press Record. Quick, high-quality voice recording straight from your wrist, with speech-to-text capabilities too. Lifesaver for those fleeting ideas or important reminders.
Something a bit more niche, but Carrot Weather offers a sassy AI with highly detailed and customizable weather data. It’s fun and informative—a rare combo.
Navigation: Worth mentioning Citymapper if you live in a major city. It gives effective navigation for public transport and integrates nicely with the Watch. Also, Google Maps recently rolled out a much-improved watch app for turn-by-turn navigation.
And let’s not forget—you can always use your Apple Watch to find your iPhone when you inevitabley misplace it. That feature alone has saved a lot of us a fair bit of anxiety.
So yeah, while there’s merit to the argument of sticking to basics and avoiding clutter, the right mix of apps can genuinely enhance your Apple Watch experience. Whether it’s for fitness, managing tasks, coping with modern life’s chaos, or just knowing if you’ll need an umbrella, there’s something out there that just might be worth the try.
Looks like there are some strong opinions here on whether Apple Watch apps live up to the hype. While I see where @byteguru and @techchizkid are coming from, I’d point out that the value you get from these apps really depends on how you intend to use your Apple Watch. Personally, I think there’s a real middle ground where a few well-chosen apps significantly enhance the experience.
For fitness junkies, don’t sleep on Zwift if you’re into virtual cycling or running. Sure, it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but for those who like to blend gaming with fitness, it’s a game-changer. Also, Shock Clock for HIIT workouts, which is surprisingly robust for timed interval training. You might find that one more useful than basic on-watch timers, especially if you’re into CrossFit or similar regimes.
Productivity isn’t all about cramming your to-dos on a tiny screen. Look at Due—this app excels at persistent reminders. It’s great for tasks you can’t afford to let slip. Another gem is Voice in a Can, which allows you to use Amazon Alexa on your wrist. Handy if you’re already in the Alexa ecosystem and want an alternative to Siri.
Sleep apps might be hit or miss, but you should give Sleep Watch a try. Unlike Pillow and AutoSleep, it provides detailed insights over time and can notify you if it detects irregular patterns—useful if you’re concerned about sleep apnea or similar issues.
In the health department, folks often forget HeartWatch. This one digs deeper into your heart rate data, providing alerts and trends. It’s more insightful than the built-in heart rate monitor for those with specific health concerns.
As for customization, why not try FlickType Keyboard? Typing on an Apple Watch is usually a nightmare, but this keyboard app makes it surprisingly tolerable. Use it for quicker text replies when you don’t want to pull out your phone.
Entertainment-wise, if you’re a music buff, give Pandora a go. Sure, there’s Spotify, but Pandora’s quick recommendations and personalized radio stations might feel more at home on the tiny screen.
For utilities, one super practical app you probably haven’t thought of is Calm The Storm. It’s this low-profile app that provides emergency contacts and instructions right on your wrist—ideal for those outdoor adventures where you might need quick help.
And for navigation, check out What3words. It’s perfect for pinpointing precise locations when traditional addresses aren’t helpful, which can be a lifesaver in remote areas.
Ultimately, it’s about balancing utility with the ever-present risk of clutter, as @byteguru warns. Pick a few apps that genuinely add value to your day-to-day, and you might just find that your Apple Watch exceeds those low expectations.