I’ve been questioning whether I should get an Apple Watch for years. I already owned a Fitbit that worked just fine, and from a logical standpoint, buying another smartwatch didn’t make much sense. However, the itch to add another device to my Apple ecosystem has always been there, so I made the plunge. To my surprise, it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Here’s why I switched to an Apple Watch and why I never looked back since then.
The Switch
I have owned a Fitbit for many years before finally deciding to switch to an Apple Watch. Believe me, Fitbit was exceptionally amazing, but at least for me, it wasn’t the best. Since I already own an iPhone, getting an Apple Watch made sense considering all the possible integrations.
The transition was pretty smooth, and having an iPhone made pairing a lot easier. I had read and watched a lot of videos about Apple Watches in the past, so I was a bit familiar with the interface. It did take a while to set everything up and get used to it, but now it feels perfectly comfortable on my wrist. I can wear it all day long without feeling awkward.
If I were to recall my initial reaction to the Apple Watch, it felt more like an iPhone extension rather than a fitness watch.
Let’s Start With the Basics
I agree the watch did seem a bit intimidating at first, but once you get the hang of it, there is no turning back. I have been using it for 18 months now, and I primarily use it for Fitness, Apple Pay, Music, and notifications tracking
1. Fitness Companion
I am not a fitness buff, but I try to stay active as much as possible, and the Apple Watch has played a huge role in keeping consistent. Many users opt for this smartwatch because of its extensive fitness tracking capabilities. Apart from counting your steps, it can also monitor your heart rate, track your elevation gain, measure your running pace, log your daily physical activities, and even call for help during emergencies.
It keeps reminding me to complete my fitness ring, and I have lost a lot of weight because of it. The watch is more like a motivational buddy who keeps pushing me to walk more.
For example, just yesterday, I had been glued to my desk working on an important project, and my Apple Watch reminded me to take a short walk to complete my Activity ring.
2. Notifications
Apple Watch has been a game changer when it comes to tracking notifications. I can simply turn it over to check alerts even while cooking, driving, or virtually any other activity, which would have been difficult using an iPhone.
My iPhone is mostly in Silent mode and the watch is incredibly useful in such situations. I can check all my alerts seamlessly. After all, it gets pretty annoying to whip out the phone every time to check for messages and calls.
3. Wallet
Apart from checking the notifications and using the Fitness tracker, I heavily rely on the Wallet app for cashless transactions. Instead of reaching for my iPhone or card, I can simply scan my Apple Watch.
For example, I can pay for terminal tickets, movie tickets, event tickets, my morning coffee, and public transportation through the Wallet app. In addition, you can open your boarding pass at any airport to scan your ID card.
Beyond the Basics: Apple Watch is a Powerhouse
The above are the basic features that everyone enjoys with their Apple Watch. But what sets it apart? Here are some of the other features that play a crucial role in my daily routine:
1. Health Tracker
Now, I’ve talked about using the Apple Watch to track my fitness and count the calories I have burned all day. However, this device is an actual Lifesaver.
I often suffer from tachycardia and to be able to track my heart rate is a godsend. One of the doctors recommended my friend get an Apple Watch for his heart condition.
Furthermore, the Health app also helps me keep track of my water and protein intake all day. I have also been sleeping better by using the sleep tracker, although it does get a bit uncomfortable wearing the watch to bed.
2. Find My
I am a very clumsy person, and I often lose my iPhone. As I mentioned above, it’s mostly in Silent mode, so I can’t even call it. Thanks to Find My on my Apple Watch, I can Play a Sound to locate any Apple device instantly.
3. Personal Assistant
I have hardly used Siri on my iPhone and it’s been years since I have had the device with me. But using Siri with Apple Watch is something else.
I simply flip the Apple Watch and ask Siri to set timers, and reminders, read out messages, pick up a call, and do a lot. It’s much easier to talk to my wrist than picking up the phone and then doing all of the above.
Integration With iPhone
Setting aside all the features you will specifically get on your Apple Watch, the coolest part is how smoothly it integrates with the iPhone.
Starting with navigation, it’s not easy to type or dictate the location directly on the Apple Watch. You can start the navigation on your iPhone and it will automatically carry over to your Apple Watch.
The beauty of the Apple Watch is that every time there is a turn, it will nudge you with a small vibration to alert you, and then you can follow along.
Similarly, after playing the music on my iPhone, it automatically displays on my Apple Watch. I can simply scroll the digital crown on the right side to increase or decrease the volume without having to touch my iPhone. The same functions can be used to skip to a different song directly from my wrist.
This might seem very basic, but I love the convenience of not having to take out my iPhone every time someone calls me.
There are many times when I don’t want to pick up the call, and the Apple Watch comes in handy in such situations. I can just raise my wrist to check who’s calling.
Best Accessories: Icing On the Cake
I have spent a significant amount of money on my Apple Watch and I wasn’t much too accessorizing it. However, I couldn’t resist getting those cool watch bands.
The first accessory that I had to purchase was a cool yet comfortable strap with a much darker shade.
If I were to recommend a band, I’d say consider a comfortable and stylish silicone or nylon band for everyday wear. Leather bands add a touch of elegance, perfect for work or dressier occasions. For intense workouts, you can get a breathable sport loop for sweat management and a much more secure fit.
Another accessory that I added to my collection for Apple Watch is the wireless charging stand. Was it a necessity? No. But cmon, it looks stunning. You can simply place the watch on the stand and it will charge all night.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth the Switch?
The real question is whether you should switch or not. Well, it depends on your personal preference. If I had to say, I’d recommend switching, especially if you already own an iPhone.
You get tons of features and integrations that you may not find in any other smartwatch. However, the overall price of the watch plays a huge factor. It took some time for me to save up for one.
Other than the steep price tag, there aren’t too many disadvantages. If it is your first smartwatch, then you can go with Watch SE—it has all the basic functions and features. However, if you have the budget, then Series 9 could be the best option for you as your first Apple Watch.