How I Use My Apple Watch Series 9: 10 REAL-LIFE Examples…
Smartwatches have been a significant part of my life for as long as I can remember. After trying out various brands and models, my favourite remains the Apple Watch.
Currently, I’m using the Apple Watch Series 9, which I recently upgraded to. Based on my experience so far, I think that it is a fantastic watch.
But the reason I decided to write this article was because I was recently asked by someone considering an Apple Watch what I use it for. I thought the best way to answer that question would be to dedicate an entire article to it.
So without any further ado, here are 10 real-life ways I use my Apple Watch…
1. Sleep Tracking
I wanted to list the ways I use my Apple Watch in order of how I usually use it on a daily basis, so I decided to start with sleep tracking.
Like many smartwatches, the Apple Watch provides detailed insights into my sleep patterns, helping me understand how well I sleep. With the data, the watch collects, I can make informed decisions to improve my sleep quality to ensure I wake up feeling rested and ready to tackle a busy day.
I like the simplicity of the Sleep app on the Apple Watch as it offers straight-to-the-point stats without them being too complicated or too light on detail.
Lately, I’ve been trying out an app called Sleep Cycle, which offers even more features, including snore detection.
2. Alarm
The second way I use my Apple Watch is as an alarm clock for waking up in the mornings. I rely on the Clock app along with my sleep schedule within the Health app.
Additionally, I’ve set up an automation that enables my Good Morning scene when I cancel the alarm. This turns on my bedside lamp and sets it at 30% allowing me to see where I’m going.
On some days, I use the haptic alarm, which wakes me up with vibrations, which is a great feature as it means I don’t disturb anyone.
3. Keeping Organised
I also use my watch to stay organised throughout the day. I mainly use the Modular watch face, where I have a BusyCal widget for my calendar and a Things 3 for my To-Do list.
This setup helps me keep on top of tasks and events without needing to check my phone constantly.
I like the idea of having my calendar events displayed on my watch face, as it adds a whole new level of convenience to managing my time, and it ensures I don’t miss any meetings.
4. Fitness and Tracking Activities
I track my activities almost daily, from going on longer walks, to workouts or cycling trips.
I find that going on long walks before work sets me up for a busy day at my desk, while weekend cycling trips provide a much-needed break from the computer screen. I believe that going on weekly cycling trips in the countryside helps me be more productive.
I track most of my activities with my Apple Watch and sync some of them to Strava. For example, I tend to share hiking and cycling trips so that I can compete in virtual challenges in Strava against friends and family.
5. Apple Pay
I can’t remember the last time I used cash or a physical card. I primarily use Apple Pay for most things.
I must admit, I don’t use my watch to make payments as often as I should. I’m still getting used to the idea and often reach for my phone instead. But I am trying to use my watch more.
On top of that, you do get some looks from people unfamiliar with the concept of paying with your watch.
6. Siri
I use Siri on my watch multiple times per day, it makes navigating the watch quick and easy. For example, I use it to set timers while I cook and to create reminders for when the washing is done.
I also use it to control my smart home if I’m not around another smart speaker.
Siri also proves to be helpful when I’m out and about, allowing me to set reminders, check the weather before leaving the office, and perform a handful of other tasks.
7. Responding to Messages
The Apple Watch is great for responding to messages. I can respond using my voice, Scribble, or use a keyboard. But, I prefer responding with my voice, as I find it quicker.
The Apple Watch has a Messages app, and while I can respond to messages on other platforms, I think it would be great to have native WhatsApp and Messenger apps.
8. Getting Directions
I don’t like walking with my phone in my hand, as it’s dangerous and increases the chance of my phone being stolen.
Being able to follow directions from my watch is extremely convenient it helps me to get to where I need to go.
I usually use my watch to find directions in unfamiliar places. For example, I used it in London last week, and it directed me exactly where I needed to go without having to reach out for my phone.
9. Controlling My Smart Home
Another great way I use my Apple Watch is to control my smart home.
I created a Home Focus profile for when I’m at home, When this profile is enabled, I have shortcuts for my smart home appear on my phone and a Home widget appears on my Apple Watch. This makes it easier to control my smart home when I’m at home.
Alternatively, I can ask Siri to control devices within my smart home, which works equally well.
10. Find My
Lastly, I use the Find My feature to help me find my phone and objects with an AirTag attached, such as my keys and wallet.
As someone who often misplaces things just before leaving the house, I find this feature extremely useful.
Final Thoughts
The Apple Watch is a great smartwatch, and as someone who’s used various smartwatches over the years, I think that it’s one of the best on the market for functionality and compatibility with other Apple Devices.
However, it’s important to remember that if you are an Android user, other great smartwatches can do similar things. For example, I’m a massive fan of the At A Glance widget on the Pixel Watch.
Do you use a smartwatch? If so, what is your current daily driver, and what are the top 3 things that you use your watch for? Let us know in the comments!