Time to stand.
This is perhaps the most underrated health feature of the Apple Watch, and the most important.
The “Time to stand” function is so important, and something you hopefully you won’t realize too late in life.
As a healthcare professional and as someone who has to stand a lot for work, I can tell you with certainty that the days I have to work and move around a lot, I actually feel less lower back pain. When I am off and sit on a computer trying to think about what to write, I feel more back pain.
I would encourage everyone to take their “Time to stand” reminder seriously because it will help you in the long run.
Remember, sitting is the new smoking.
This is perhaps the most underrated health feature of the Apple Watch, and the most important.
The “Time to stand” function is so important, and something you hopefully you won’t realize too late in life.
As a healthcare professional and as someone who has to stand a lot for work, I can tell you with certainty that the days I have to work and move around a lot, I actually feel less lower back pain. When I am off and sit on a computer trying to think about what to write, I feel more back pain.
I would encourage everyone to take their “Time to stand” reminder seriously because it will help you in the long run.
Remember, sitting is the new smoking.
This feature needs to come back to Apple Watch.
You’re a busy person, and so am I.
You glance at your Apple Watch to pace yourself as you drive away, trying to conquer your checklist for the day.
After all, time is money.
But the reality is, you have already been defeated…
You’re a busy person, and so am I.
You glance at your Apple Watch to pace yourself as you drive away, trying to conquer your checklist for the day.
After all, time is money.
But the reality is, you have already been defeated.
You don’t have your iPhone, and you don’t even know it.
After a while, when you are well past the point of no return, you start feeling your pocket for your iPhone, only to find out it isn’t there. You have your watch on, so you know you can go to your Control Center and hope to see the green iPhone logo.
Maybe it’s in the center console, or it fell in the car somewhere, you tell yourself with an optimistic, anxious mind.
But when you raise your shaky finger and click the Side Button, that’s when you see it:
The red iPhone of death.
You feel helpless, and might even hyperventilate with this heart-piercing, visual confirmation of impending doom.
How could they not have told me sooner?
Why Apple??
Why couldn’t you let me know more aggressively that I forgot my beloved?
Why couldn’t you put the red iPhone logo front and center, staring right back at me the moment my iPhone was not in range?
Why?!
Everything looks fine at first glance…
until you realize your iPhone is missing.
You feel defeated in the moment, until you realize that all hope is not lost.
You remember back to a time, a simpler time, where Apple used to let you know right on your watch face, that your iPhone is missing. It didn’t matter what watch face you had, but that red iPhone with a slash right through it would show up immediately, letting you know before you get too far that you need to grab your iPhone.
My Series 3 on watchOS 8 lets me know every time without fail.
Whether you use the Simple watch face, or are admiring the peaceful serenity of Mack Lake with a Timelapse, Apple didn’t hesitate to interrupt you with their passive aggressive way of letting you know:
“Hey genius, you forgot your iPhone.”
That subtle, red, “iPhone logo of death” on your watch face was quick and easy. Bring it back.
We can only hope that in watchOS 12, Apple gives us back this feature.
Just literally put the disconnected iPhone logo where the red notification dot goes (like it used to!), and call it a day.
Don’t think different with this one, just do it.
Sleep Apnea detection on the Apple Watch could have been much better with Blood Oxygen data.
Lauren Jeffries from Tom’s Guide talking about how reliable Apple Watch’s sleep apnea detection works:
To avoid the possibility of false positives, Apple decided to prioritise specificity over sensitivity. These terms mean:
Specificity: The percentage of those without moderate to severe sleep apnea who wouldn’t receive a notification
Sensitivity: The percentage of participants with moderate to severe sleep apnea who are correctly identified by the algorithm.
Apple recorded the notification performance as 66.6% for sensitivity and 95.9% for specificity. This means that there is potential for many cases of sleep apnea to remain undetected even when using the Apple Watch.
This is what concerns Dr Runge, who says, "The lack of accuracy is a significant issue. I don’t mind the idea that the Apple Watch will “over diagnose” sleep apnea. At least in that setting people will get formal evaluations. It is the under diagnosis that concerns me — people with sleep apnea may say to their partner 'see, I told you I didn’t have sleep apnea.'"
If you look at Apple’s study, sensitivity for severe sleep apnea had a sensitivity of 89.1%, while sensitivity for moderate sleep apnea was 43.4%, giving an average score of 66.3%. What that actually means is the Apple Watch is best at detecting severe sleep apnea 89% of the time. It is not that great at determining moderate sleep apnea at only 43%.
Apple would rather underdiagnose people than give false positives, which is still better than no diagnosis at all. They were able to get this far with just the accelerometer sensor:
The Sleep Apnea Notification Feature is a software-based medical device that analyzes Breathing Disturbance data collected nightly by the Apple Watch accelerometer sensor.
I wonder how much better the Apple Watch could have been at detecting Sleep Apnea if they included Blood Oxygen data, which is another key component in diagnosing sleep apnea. To perform another study at this scale would take years, but it wouldn’t surprise me if Apple’s sleep apnea detection gets better sensitivity with more crucial data points like blood oxygen levels once the battle with Masimo ends.
Lauren Jeffries from Tom’s Guide talking about how reliable Apple Watch’s sleep apnea detection works:
To avoid the possibility of false positives, Apple decided to prioritise specificity over sensitivity. These terms mean:
Specificity: The percentage of those without moderate to severe sleep apnea who wouldn’t receive a notification
Sensitivity: The percentage of participants with moderate to severe sleep apnea who are correctly identified by the algorithm.
Apple recorded the notification performance as 66.6% for sensitivity and 95.9% for specificity. This means that there is potential for many cases of sleep apnea to remain undetected even when using the Apple Watch.
This is what concerns Dr Runge, who says, "The lack of accuracy is a significant issue. I don’t mind the idea that the Apple Watch will “over diagnose” sleep apnea. At least in that setting people will get formal evaluations. It is the under diagnosis that concerns me — people with sleep apnea may say to their partner 'see, I told you I didn’t have sleep apnea.'"
If you look at Apple’s study, sensitivity for severe sleep apnea had a sensitivity of 89.1%, while sensitivity for moderate sleep apnea was 43.4%, giving an average score of 66.3%. What that actually means is the Apple Watch is best at detecting severe sleep apnea 89% of the time. It is not that great at determining moderate sleep apnea at only 43%.
Apple would rather underdiagnose people than give false positives, which is still better than no diagnosis at all. They were able to get this far with just the accelerometer sensor:
The Sleep Apnea Notification Feature is a software-based medical device that analyzes Breathing Disturbance data collected nightly by the Apple Watch accelerometer sensor.
I wonder how much better the Apple Watch could have been at detecting Sleep Apnea if they included Blood Oxygen data, which is another key component in diagnosing sleep apnea. To perform another study at this scale would take years, but it wouldn’t surprise me if Apple’s sleep apnea detection gets better sensitivity with more crucial data points like blood oxygen levels once the battle with Masimo ends.
Which Apple Watches have Blood Oxygen availability?
The Blood Oxygen sensor on the Apple Watch is a nice tool to help those that require frequent monitoring of their oxygen levels. It can provide data that can help treat people who have lung issues, heart problems, and even blood issues. Unfortunately, support for the Blood Oxygen sensor is limited in the United States due to Apple’s ongoing legal battle:
The removal of the Blood Oxygen feature is the result of an intellectual property ruling from the United States International Trade Commission, which Apple is appealing.
The Blood Oxygen feature is no longer available on units sold by Apple in the United States on or after January 18, 2024. These are indicated with part numbers ending in LW/A. Learn how to identify your Apple Watch.
To make it easier I have made two lists here to show you which Apple Watches do and don’t support Blood Oxygen availability in the United States…
The Blood Oxygen sensor on the Apple Watch is a nice tool to help those that require frequent monitoring of their oxygen levels. It can provide data that can help treat people who have lung issues, heart problems, and even blood issues. Unfortunately, support for the Blood Oxygen sensor is limited in the United States due to Apple’s ongoing legal battle:
The removal of the Blood Oxygen feature is the result of an intellectual property ruling from the United States International Trade Commission, which Apple is appealing.
The Blood Oxygen feature is no longer available on units sold by Apple in the United States on or after January 18, 2024. These are indicated with part numbers ending in LW/A. Learn how to identify your Apple Watch.
To make it easier I have made two lists here to show you which Apple Watches do and don’t support Blood Oxygen availability in the United States.
With Blood Oxygen availability:
Series 6
Series 7
Series 8
Series 9 model numbers NOT ending in LW/A.
Apple Watch Ultra 1
Certain Apple Watch Ultra 2 Natural Titanium models NOT ending in LW/A.
Without Blood Oxygen availability:
Series 9 model numbers ending in LW/A
Apple Watch Ultra 2 model numbers ending in LW/A. This includes all Black Titanium models.
All Series 10 models.
If you own a Series 9 or an Ultra 2 in Natural Titanium, you need to go to your Apple Watch app under General > About > Model Number, to see if your watch has Blood Oxygen capabilities.
I have a Series 10 which doesn’t support Blood Oxygen at all, but it is confirmed with the LW/A at the end of my model number.
This patent dispute will eventually get resolved, and once that happens, Apple will resume Blood Oxygen availability for all watches that had it disabled.
If you are buying online through a 3rd party retailer or on eBay, make sure you check the model number so you can tell if the watch has Blood Oxygen capability.
You can also get the model number from the box:
This one has Blood Oxygen enabled…
This one doesn’t.
How about other countries?
If you live in one of the countries where Blood Oxygen is supported (almost every country except the USA), all Series 6 models and higher have Blood Oxygen availability, except the Apple Watch SE and SE2.
If you are traveling abroad, it might be worth buying your Apple Watch from abroad since it will have Blood Oxygen enabled, and you can bring it back to the States and not lose functionality.
Update 1/9/25 @ 7:37PM - changed the description of the Apple Watch Ultra 2 from “Slate” Titanium to “Black”Titanium.
Does Apple still repair the Series 3 Apple Watch?
With the Series 4 watch now considered a vintage product by Apple, I thought for sure the Series 3 would also be vintage, but it is not.
What is Apple’s definition of vintage?
Products are considered vintage when Apple stopped distributing them for sale more than 5 and less than 7 years ago.
When the Series 5 was launched in 2019, the Series 4 was discontinued, and the Series 3 stuck around as a low-cost option. The Series 3 was discontinued in September 2022, so it cannot “achieve” vintage status until at least September 2027.
Even though it stopped getting watchOS updates after watchOS 9, it is still more than functional and does the basics well. You can get repairs done by Apple, including screen and battery replacements for at least 5 to 7 years, depending on where you live.
With the Series 4 watch now considered a vintage product by Apple, I thought for sure the Series 3 would also be vintage, but it is not.
What is Apple’s definition of vintage?
Products are considered vintage when Apple stopped distributing them for sale more than 5 and less than 7 years ago.
When the Series 5 was launched in 2019, the Series 4 was discontinued, and the Series 3 stuck around as a low-cost option. The Series 3 was discontinued in September 2022, so it cannot “achieve” vintage status until at least September 2027.
Even though it stopped getting watchOS updates after watchOS 9, it is still more than functional and does the basics well. You can get repairs done by Apple, including screen and battery replacements for at least 5 to 7 years, depending on where you live.
Is my Apple Watch band going to give me cancer?
Stephen Warwick from TechRadar:
Scientists from the University of Notre Dame have called for more comprehensive studies and greater transparency from manufacturers after a study found elevated levels of so-called "forever chemicals" in some consumer smartwatch and fitness tracker bands.
The study, published this week in Environmental Science & Technology Letters, analyzed 22 watch bands from numerous brands and price points and found that some of these bands contained elevated levels of PFAS (polyfluoroalkyl substances), namely perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA). These chemicals are colloquially known as "forever chemicals" because they have an almost unbreakable chemical structure which means they don't degrade or break down over time.
The tested brands include many of the bestsmartwatch manufacturers and accessory makers including Apple (and Apple Watch Nike sport bands), CASETiFY, Fitbit, Google, and Samsung.
As reported by Notre Dame News, nine of the 22 bands tested contained elevated levels of PFHxA, with more expensive bands generally found to have higher levels.
The conclusion of this study? Inconclusive:
While the study does mention some big names in the smartwatch sector, notably Apple, Samsung, and Google, it's difficult to extrapolate too much because the study doesn't give the results for each brand. Companies like Apple clearly advertise Fluoroelastomer as present in its best Apple Watch bands, notably its Nike offerings, Sport Band, and the Apple Watch Ultra's Ocean band. However, the study doesn't tell us which of the bands offered by these major players were tested, or if they were the bands with notably high PFA levels.
Also why it’s inconclusive:
Speaking to Yahoo Life, Jamie Alan, associate professor of pharmacology and toxicology at Michigan State University called the findings "interesting", but said that the study doesn't give any insight into how much PFHxA is absorbed through the skin, if any is absorbed at all. Other specialists in toxicology and dermatology agreed, stating that it is unlikely a significant amount of PXHxA would be absorbed through the skin. Finally, Alan pointed out that the study involved chemically extracting these compounds from Apple Watch bands, something users aren't doing when they wear these items day-to-day. "So although they found very high levels, that does not mean any significant amount is getting into our system," she concluded.
Apple sells 4 bands that are made of fluoroelastomer:
Interestingly the solo loops are made of liquid silicone which is a safer material.
If you look at Apple’s (and any company’s) Substance Specifications Report, you will see a number of substances on that list that can freak you out. On Apple’s 2023 report on page 8, you will see PFAS and specifically PFHxA used in “All Materials,” and an example of their use is “Protective and oleophobic coatings.”
If you remember your Apple history correctly, the iPhone screen has an oleophobic coating.
It could very well be that your iPhone and many other phones out there are coated with PFHxA, and your touching them all day while you’re snacking on Chick-fil-A.
Your Apple Watch band is not the only thing with dangerous chemicals in it. Millions of products out there have them.
It is good to be aware of these studies and how likely it can harm the human body, but the unfortunate reality is that these chemicals are everywhere.
Your pizza boxes are coated with an oleophobic coating so the oil doesn’t seep through the box. It makes for a better presentation to the customer.
Your heat-printed receipt from Best Buy that fades before the 14-day return policy? It has phthalates. Another chemical that can harm the body and cause cancer.
The list goes on.
If someone gets cancer or any other illness, most of the time you can’t blame one specific factor and say that is the cause. It is the cumulative effect of many factors, including these chemicals that are growing in our highly industrialized world.
What does Apple plan to do about PFAS? They plan to phase it out based on a 2022 report.
What can you do about it? Make informed decisions and take realistic steps to decrease exposure.
Even though the Apple bands with fluoroelastomers might not actually be harmful, you can choose to play it safe and use another band.
Just like you can opt for emailed receipts instead of physical ones and dine-in for pizza.
This study just stirred the pot, but it hasn’t cooked any solid information.
Stephen Warwick from TechRadar:
Scientists from the University of Notre Dame have called for more comprehensive studies and greater transparency from manufacturers after a study found elevated levels of so-called "forever chemicals" in some consumer smartwatch and fitness tracker bands.
The study, published this week in Environmental Science & Technology Letters, analyzed 22 watch bands from numerous brands and price points and found that some of these bands contained elevated levels of PFAS (polyfluoroalkyl substances), namely perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA). These chemicals are colloquially known as "forever chemicals" because they have an almost unbreakable chemical structure which means they don't degrade or break down over time.
The tested brands include many of the best smartwatch manufacturers and accessory makers including Apple (and Apple Watch Nike sport bands), CASETiFY, Fitbit, Google, and Samsung.
As reported by Notre Dame News, nine of the 22 bands tested contained elevated levels of PFHxA, with more expensive bands generally found to have higher levels.
The conclusion of this study? Inconclusive:
While the study does mention some big names in the smartwatch sector, notably Apple, Samsung, and Google, it's difficult to extrapolate too much because the study doesn't give the results for each brand. Companies like Apple clearly advertise Fluoroelastomer as present in its best Apple Watch bands, notably its Nike offerings, Sport Band, and the Apple Watch Ultra's Ocean band. However, the study doesn't tell us which of the bands offered by these major players were tested, or if they were the bands with notably high PFA levels.
Also why it’s inconclusive:
Speaking to Yahoo Life, Jamie Alan, associate professor of pharmacology and toxicology at Michigan State University called the findings "interesting", but said that the study doesn't give any insight into how much PFHxA is absorbed through the skin, if any is absorbed at all. Other specialists in toxicology and dermatology agreed, stating that it is unlikely a significant amount of PXHxA would be absorbed through the skin. Finally, Alan pointed out that the study involved chemically extracting these compounds from Apple Watch bands, something users aren't doing when they wear these items day-to-day. "So although they found very high levels, that does not mean any significant amount is getting into our system," she concluded.
Apple sells 4 bands that are made of fluoroelastomer:
Interestingly the solo loops are made of liquid silicone which is a safer material.
If you look at Apple’s (and any company’s) Substance Specifications Report, you will see a number of substances on that list that can freak you out. On Apple’s 2023 report on page 8, you will see PFAS and specifically PFHxA used in “All Materials,” and an example of their use is “Protective and oleophobic coatings.”
If you remember your Apple history correctly, the iPhone screen has an oleophobic coating.
It could very well be that your iPhone and many other phones out there are coated with PFHxA, and your touching them all day while you’re snacking on Chick-fil-A.
Your Apple Watch band is not the only thing with dangerous chemicals in it. Millions of products out there have them.
It is good to be aware of these studies and how likely it can harm the human body, but the unfortunate reality is that these chemicals are everywhere.
Your pizza boxes are coated with an oleophobic coating so the oil doesn’t seep through the box. It makes for a better presentation to the customer.
Your heat-printed receipt from Best Buy that fades before the 14-day return policy? It has phthalates. Another chemical that can harm the body and cause cancer.
The list goes on.
If someone gets cancer or any other illness, most of the time you can’t blame one specific factor and say that is the cause. It is the cumulative effect of many factors, including these chemicals that are growing in our highly industrialized world.
What does Apple plan to do about PFAS? They plan to phase it out based on a 2022 report.
What can you do about it? Make informed decisions and take realistic steps to decrease exposure.
Even though the Apple bands with fluoroelastomers might not actually be harmful, you can choose to play it safe and use another band.
Just like you can opt for emailed receipts instead of physical ones and dine-in for pizza.
This study just stirred the pot, but it hasn’t cooked any solid information.
Are all 42mm Apple Watch bands the same size?
If you want to skip this writeup about watch band compatibility, I found an image from chargerstore on eBay that sums it up beautifully in just one image.
If you want the nitty gritty, keep reading.
If you want to skip this writeup about watch band compatibility, I found an image from chargerstore on eBay that sums it up beautifully in just one image:
Source: chargerstore
If you want the nitty gritty, keep reading.
Apple Watch Series 10 hits several new milestones. As usual, it’s the best Apple Watch since Apple Watch, with an even bigger screen that matches the size of the Apple Watch Ultra. Apple says it’s bigger than the Ultra, but to the naked eye, it is the same.
There is one more milestone for the Series 10 that is not discussed.
The smaller 42mm Series 10 is now the same size as the bigger version of the original Apple Watch. The Series 10 is thinner, but the length and width are the same.
The Series 3 (same design as the original Apple Watch), measures 42mm x 36.4mm, and the Series 10 measures 42mm x 36mm.
This now begs the question:
If they both have a 42mm case size, are all 42mm bands that Apple sells or has sold in the past, interchangeable with both these watches?
The short answer is no, but let’s really dive into the details.
If you look at the Series 3 (and older), it is much more square in shape while the Series 10 has more rounded off corners. That square body of the Series 3 adds extra real estate and needs a wider band to fit into the slots.
Not all 42mm case sizes are created equal.
When you’re about to buy a watch band on Apple’s website, there is a link showing compatibility details.
Here is part of what it says:
You can match most bands with any Apple Watch Series 3 or later case of the same size.
38mm, 40mm, 41mm, and 42mm bands are compatible with 38mm, 40mm, 41mm, 42mm case sizes. 44mm, 45mm, 46mm, and 49mm bands are compatible with 44mm, 45mm, 46mm, and 49mm case sizes.
The first sentence is a bit misleading because a 42mm Series 3 will be compatible with the new 42mm bands that Apple sells today, but there will be a gap on each side:
The gap isn’t a deal breaker and can be perfectly usable and presentable. You might even forget the gap exists. Might.
At the same time, if you are buying a 42mm Series 10 Apple Watch, and you want to scour the internet for some classic bands that Apple used to sell, you might get burned buying a rare band that is 42mm, only to realize it is bigger than your Series 10:
A rare Ceramic Edition Series 2 band (42mm). Not a good look.
Imagine buying a light colored band, only to have it stick out.
This is how Apple should word their compatibility description:
You can match most bands with any Apple Watch Series 3 or later case of the same size.
38mm, 40mm, 41mm, and 42mm bands are compatible with 38mm, 40mm, 41mm, and Series 10 42mm case sizes.
44mm, 45mm, 46mm, and 49mm bands are compatible with 44mm, 45mm, 46mm, and 49mm case sizes, and Series 3 or earlier models with a 42mm case size.
I know what most of you are thinking.
“Who actually uses a Series 3 or earlier Apple Watch??”
Last week, I saw someone using an iPhone 5S as their main device. It had the polished chamfered edges and not the matte-finished edges of the 1st gen iPhone SE.
If you know, you know.
If people can still rock an 11-yr-old iPhone 5S as their primary communication device, they sure as heck can rock a 7-yr-old Series 3 Apple Watch as a secondary, “no problems if I forget it at home,” device.
I have been wearing a Series 3 for over a week now, and it is still usable today, but we’ll take a deep dive into that another time.
Like I said earlier, the main issue isn’t really for Series 3 users since you can get by with a slimmer band. The problem is for 42mm Series 10 users who want to buy older bands or discontinued leather bands that are labelled 42mm.
Let’s not forget about 3rd party bands either, which only compounds the problem.
That being said, here are the rules for buying watch bands for your 42mm watch:
Series 3 or earlier - Look at the item description. If 42mm is paired with numbers above it (44mm, 45mm, 46mm, 49mm), it is compatible.
Series 10 - Look at the item description. If 42mm is paired with numbers below it (38mm, 40mm, 41mm), it is compatible.
If they advertise the band as 42mm by itself, God help you.
6 settings you must have for your Apple Watch
Whenever I get an Apple Watch (it’s a yearly thing for me), I always do these six things to give me peace of mind.
Note: You can setup most of these features on the Apple Watch under Settings, but it is easier to use the Watch app on your iPhone…
Whenever I get an Apple Watch (it’s a yearly thing for me), I always do these six things to give me peace of mind.
Note: You can setup most of these features on the Apple Watch under Settings, but it is easier to use the Watch app on your iPhone.
1. Add a passcode
This seems like a no-brainer, but our watches are now phones, whether we like it or not. There is too much sensitive data on our watches, and you don’t want anyone looking at your messages, emails, and photos, just to name a few apps. If you jump in the shower and take off your watch, all someone has to do is pick up your watch, and you just gave them access to your life.
You can choose between a simple 4-digit passcode, and go up to a 10-digit passcode. Pick what works for you, and get peace of mind.
Open the Watch app and go to Passcode, and follow the prompts to set up your passcode.
Adding a passcode is also the only way to get Apple Pay on your watch, which is #2 on my list.
2. Adding Apple Pay
I had an issue recently with my bank where I had a fraudulent transaction posted to my account. Someone somehow used my debit card and it was time to file a fraud claim. Of course I had to wait 5-7 business days to get my new card in the mail.
What I didn’t have to wait for was my digital card. I could login to my Bank’s app, and activate the digital card instantly. Having Apple Pay on my watch gave me the ability to purchase goods without having to resort to another credit card or bank account.
A more common occurrence is when you forget your iPhone or wallet, and now you can’t pay for anything. Having Apple Pay on your Apple Watch will bail you out in these all too common situations and once again, give you peace of mind.
Open the Watch app and go to Wallet & Apple Pay, and select which cards to add to your watch. If you scroll down, you can even Allow Payments on Mac and use your watch to confirm payments.
3. Unlock your Mac with Apple Watch
This is a handy feature that any Mac user can appreciate. It is compatible with macOS Sierra and onwards, so odds are it will work with your current Mac.
It works on my 2013 MacBook Pro.
On your Mac, go to Settings > Touch ID and Password and scroll all the way down to the Apple Watch section, where you can allow the Apple Watch to unlock your Mac. This is especially handy on older macbooks that don’t have Touch ID. Now you don’t have to be paranoid that someone might be watching you enter your password when your watch will unlock it for you, and give you peace of…you get the idea.
If you have an older mac with the older Settings menu, just search “Apple Watch” in Settings and you will see the option to unlock with Apple Watch.
4. Swipe to change watch faces
This used to be a staple feature of the Apple Watch, but now it is hidden. The draconian way of changing watch faces is to tap and hold your finger on the current watch face screen until it zooms out, swipe left or right to another watch face, and then tap your finger on the screen to select your new watch face. You can do this a lot faster and get access to more information by simply swiping from the edge of your screen to the next watch face, just like in the early days of the Apple Watch.
Open the Watch App and go to Clock, and toggle ON Swipe to Switch Watch Face.
5. Configure your Live Activities
This is a personal preference, but I would recommend setting up this feature from the get go so you’re not confused. Live Activities give you more upfront information about a particular activity, such as current media being played, workouts, parking timers, stopwatch, etc.
Think of it like Dynamic Island on your watch, except you get these cards at the beginning of your Smart Stack. This is nice when you’re playing a podcast and you want quick access to the pause and play buttons. However, it can also be annoying on other apps such as the ParkMobile app, where the information displayed is limited.
The ParkMobile Live Activity isn’t useful and clicking on the timer button on the right just tells you to “Open on iPhone.”
The great thing about Live Activities is you can customize which apps are shown.
Open the Watch App and go to Smart Stack. Here you can disable or enable Live Activities altogether, and if you do allow them, you can customize which apps get to have the Live Activity feature.
But do yourself a favor and disable Auto-Launch Live Activities. It’s just easier to access the Live Activities with a swipe up from your watch or by turning the Digital Crown when you want to, instead of fighting with it all the time when it pops up automatically.
There’s nothing more frustrating than trying to look at your watch and get some info from your complications (left), only to see that your Live Activities are automatically displayed with just the time and date (right).
6. Unlock your watch with your iPhone
Open the Watch App and go to Passcode, and toggle on Unlock with iPhone. Now once you unlock your iPhone, your watch will be unlocked as long as you are wearing it. This is great if you have a longer passcode for the watch.
Do you need a cellular plan on your Apple Watch?
My opinion on this matter mimics quite literally everything Jason Cross at Macworld said about this topic. For most people, you don’t need a cellular plan.
I’ve never even considered having a plan in the last 10 years.
Cross quotes a cellular plan at an extra $10/month, but with fees it’s closer to $15-$20 per month.
Everytime he finds a reason to need a cellular plan, he finds a valid excuse:
For example, if you’re a runner that wants to run outdoors without the awkwardness of an iPhone strapped to you somewhere, and don’t want to give up listening to music or a podcast, an Apple Watch streaming to your earbuds is a great solution. You can always download the music or podcast ahead of time—cellular would let you stream, but that’s a minor convenience…
I’ve seen reports of people who were glad they had their cellular Apple Watch to make a phone call when out on a hike without their iPhone, which I suppose could happen. But… you hike without your iPhone? You don’t want your camera with you, or the capability to connect to a satellite if you’re out of cellular range? (Emergency SOS via satellite isn’t a feature of the Apple Watch.)
The only real excuses?
The real benefit would be staying in touch via text or phone while out on your iPhone-free run…
Note that if you want to set up an Apple Watch for your child using a Kids account, it must have cellular. This is meant for a child that doesn’t have their own phone and ensures that you’ll always be able to locate them with Find My, send or receive texts or calls, and control their access to apps or notifications.
Most freak situations like swimming outdoors, paddle boarding, and surfing might warrant a cellular connection, but beyond that, your iPhone will likely be on your person or very close by.
Save yourself the $100 premium plus the monthly costs.
If you go stainless steel or titanium, the cellular capability will be built-in, but you don’t have to activate a plan.
For the record, I used a spare iPhone for my three young kids at $12/month with all fees included. The phone is given to the kid who will be away from home depending on their schedules.
My opinion on this matter mimics quite literally everything Jason Cross at Macworld said about this topic. For most people, you don’t need a cellular plan.
I’ve never even considered having a plan in the last 10 years.
Cross quotes a cellular plan at an extra $10/month, but with fees it’s closer to $15-$20 per month.
Everytime he finds a reason to need a cellular plan, he finds a valid excuse:
For example, if you’re a runner that wants to run outdoors without the awkwardness of an iPhone strapped to you somewhere, and don’t want to give up listening to music or a podcast, an Apple Watch streaming to your earbuds is a great solution. You can always download the music or podcast ahead of time—cellular would let you stream, but that’s a minor convenience…
I’ve seen reports of people who were glad they had their cellular Apple Watch to make a phone call when out on a hike without their iPhone, which I suppose could happen. But… you hike without your iPhone? You don’t want your camera with you, or the capability to connect to a satellite if you’re out of cellular range? (Emergency SOS via satellite isn’t a feature of the Apple Watch.)
The only real excuses?
The real benefit would be staying in touch via text or phone while out on your iPhone-free run…
Note that if you want to set up an Apple Watch for your child using a Kids account, it must have cellular. This is meant for a child that doesn’t have their own phone and ensures that you’ll always be able to locate them with Find My, send or receive texts or calls, and control their access to apps or notifications.
Most freak situations like swimming outdoors, paddle boarding, and surfing might warrant a cellular connection, but beyond that, your iPhone will likely be on your person or very close by.
Save yourself the $100 premium plus the monthly costs.
If you go stainless steel or titanium, the cellular capability will be built-in, but you don’t have to activate a plan.
For the record, I used a spare iPhone for my three young kids at $12/month with all fees included. The phone is given to the kid who will be away from home depending on their schedules.
Apple Watch compatibility with iPhones.
There’s a slew of iPhones and Apple Watches out there, but not every watch is compatible with every iPhone. How do you get around the confusion?
Apple has a convenient website that lets you know what is compatible, but the chart does not help you if you own an iPhone SE.
I am here to fill in the gap so you know what is compatible with your iPhone SE 1st, 2nd, or 3rd generation. This will be updated as new iPhones, watches, and software updates are announced.
Here’s the link: Apple Watch Compatibility Chart (updated 12-22-24)
To find out what iPhone SE or Apple Watch model you have check out these links:
Identifying your Apple Watch model
Updated 12/22/24 @ 8PM: Spreadsheet was updated with more accurate iPhone SE compatibility.
There’s a slew of iPhones and Apple Watches out there, but not every watch is compatible with every iPhone. How do you get around the confusion?
Apple has a convenient website that lets you know what is compatible, but the chart does not help you if you own an iPhone SE.
I am here to fill in the gap so you know what is compatible with your iPhone SE 1st, 2nd, or 3rd generation. This will be updated as new iPhones, watches, and software updates are announced.
Here’s the link: Apple Watch Compatibility Chart (updated 12-22-24)
To find out what iPhone SE or Apple Watch model you have check out these links:
Identifying your Apple Watch model
Updated 12/22/24 @ 8PM: Spreadsheet was updated with more accurate iPhone SE compatibility.
Jet Black Apple Watch is the most luxurious Apple Watch of the year.
The Jet Black Apple Watch took all of us by surprise, and it has been 8 years since the last Apple product with Jet Black. I owned the Jet Black iPhone 7 Plus which was released in September 2016, but I couldn’t get my hands on it until November because of the long back-order for the Jet Black variant. Even though it was priced the same as all the other colors, it was the hardest one to buy.
It had a luxurious flow to it, with its smooth, glossy, and reflective outer shell. You could never really capture it well in photos since the highly polished body would always catch the light. It was a striking design that everyone wanted.
Now you can have that same experience with the Apple Watch.
You get the polished inky black body that seamlessly blends in with the OLED display, resembling a finely polished volcanic rock with a mirror shine, hand crafted by Jony Ive himself. That highly polished look is a twin of the stainless steel Space Black model from the original Apple Watch, which warranted a $100 premium over the regular stainless steel version. The only way you can tell the difference is if you hold them. The original stainless steel Space Black weighs 10g more than the Jet Black Series 10.
Sadly, this inky black color slowly made its way from being a standard stainless steel option to becoming an exclusive for the luxurious Apple Watch Hermès. The Titanium Edition Series 5-7 did get “Space Black” but I don’t consider that to be a true Space Black since it was gray and had a brushed finish.
The Space Black color has always been a premium product for Apple, as you can see over the course of the Apple Watch’s life:
Series 1 thru 4 - Space Black was a premium stainless steel model.
Series 5 - Space Black was available for the stainless steel and Hermès models.
Series 6 thru 9 - Space Black was available for the Hermès models. The “plebeian” stainless steel model now gets an inferior graphite coating with a dark gray look instead of the inky black.
Series 10 - inky black returns as Jet Black for the aluminum watches. (Polished slate titanium models are very close to Jet Black but lighter in color)
The official Space Black was a Diamond-like coating (DLC) which is more durable and expensive than the ink-based anodization on the Jet Black, but the look is the same.
So we have the same luxurious look with the deep blacks, but what about the display?
The Jet Black does have an Ion-X display which is more prone to scratching than the Sapphire display on the polished titanium models. Sapphire however, is more prone to shattering than the Ion-X display. Where the Ion-X display wins is it has noticeably less glare than Sapphire, which makes it easier to read in all lighting conditions. The only time where they are equal is in complete darkness.
Here is what DisplayMate said when they tested the Ion-X glass vs Sapphire:
In the dark both Apple Watch displays appear and perform identically, but in ambient light they appear and perform differently due to the difference in the Reflectance of Sapphire and Glass.
For the Apple Watch Sport with Ion-X Glass we measured the Screen Reflectance to be 4.7 percent, while for the Apple Watch with Sapphire we measured 8.2 percent Screen Reflectance, which is 74 percent higher than Glass. Both values are about 0.6 percent higher than just pure sapphire and glass alone, indicating that Apple has done an excellent job in optically bonding both the glass and sapphire to the OLED display without an air gap.
Having both a Series 9 with a Sapphire display and a Series 10 with a Ion-X display, the glare is apparent when I go to my Series 9. Sometimes I think my glasses have some oils on them, but it is just the glare from the Sapphire crystal. One could argue that Sapphire is a more luxurious material versus glass, but having a clearer display is more satisfying to look at.
Clarity is luxury in many spaces.
When it comes to dents and scratches on the actual body of the watch, this is where the titanium is more durable, but not necessarily more luxurious.
Once again, durable and luxury are not inclusive of each other. There are plenty of luxury items that are not durable, especially watches that don’t even have splash resistance. The Apple Watch would still be way more durable than even these ultra-expensive watches.
If you treat your watch well and get one with no defects, you can get a luxury experience out of the Jet Black Series 10. Any watch band that looks good on the Slate Titanium version will look the same or better on the Jet Black Aluminum.
If you plan on using your watch like a tool and are going to get it banged and dinged up, then go for the Titanium.
If you do plan on using your watch in more fancy environments, the Jet Black would be the better option and up to $300 cheaper.
However you look at it, watch enthusiasts who like to go dark got a special treat this year with Jet Black.
The Jet Black Apple Watch took all of us by surprise, and it has been 8 years since the last Apple product with Jet Black. I owned the Jet Black iPhone 7 Plus which was released in September 2016, but I couldn’t get my hands on it until November because of the long back-order for the Jet Black variant. Even though it was priced the same as all the other colors, it was the hardest one to buy.
It had a luxurious flow to it, with its smooth, glossy, and reflective outer shell. You could never really capture it well in photos since the highly polished body would always catch the light. It was a striking design that everyone wanted.
Now you can have that same experience with the Apple Watch.
You get the polished inky black body that seamlessly blends in with the OLED display, resembling a finely polished volcanic rock with a mirror shine, hand crafted by Jony Ive himself. That highly polished look is a twin of the stainless steel Space Black model from the original Apple Watch, which warranted a $100 premium over the regular stainless steel version. The only way you can tell the difference is if you hold them. The original stainless steel Space Black weighs 10g more than the Jet Black Series 10.
Sadly, this inky black color slowly made its way from being a standard stainless steel option to becoming an exclusive for the luxurious Apple Watch Hermès. The Titanium Edition Series 5-7 did get “Space Black” but I don’t consider that to be a true Space Black since it was gray and had a brushed finish.
The Space Black color has always been a premium product for Apple, as you can see over the course of the Apple Watch’s life:
Series 1 thru 4 - Space Black was a premium stainless steel model.
Series 5 - Space Black was available for the stainless steel and Hermès models.
Series 6 thru 9 - Space Black was available for the Hermès models. The “plebeian” stainless steel model now gets an inferior graphite coating with a dark gray look instead of the inky black.
Series 10 - inky black returns as Jet Black for the aluminum watches. (Polished slate titanium models are very close to Jet Black but lighter in color)
The official Space Black was a Diamond-like coating (DLC) which is more durable and expensive than the ink-based anodization on the Jet Black, but the look is the same.
So we have the same luxurious look with the deep blacks, but what about the display?
The Jet Black does have an Ion-X display which is more prone to scratching than the Sapphire display on the polished titanium models. Sapphire however, is more prone to shattering than the Ion-X display. Where the Ion-X display wins is it has noticeably less glare than Sapphire, which makes it easier to read in all lighting conditions. The only time where they are equal is in complete darkness.
Here is what DisplayMate said when they tested the Ion-X glass vs Sapphire:
In the dark both Apple Watch displays appear and perform identically, but in ambient light they appear and perform differently due to the difference in the Reflectance of Sapphire and Glass.
For the Apple Watch Sport with Ion-X Glass we measured the Screen Reflectance to be 4.7 percent, while for the Apple Watch with Sapphire we measured 8.2 percent Screen Reflectance, which is 74 percent higher than Glass. Both values are about 0.6 percent higher than just pure sapphire and glass alone, indicating that Apple has done an excellent job in optically bonding both the glass and sapphire to the OLED display without an air gap.
Having both a Series 9 with a Sapphire display and a Series 10 with a Ion-X display, the glare is apparent when I go to my Series 9. Sometimes I think my glasses have some oils on them, but it is just the glare from the Sapphire crystal. One could argue that Sapphire is a more luxurious material versus glass, but having a clearer display is more satisfying to look at.
Clarity is luxury in many spaces.
When it comes to dents and scratches on the actual body of the watch, this is where the titanium is more durable, but not necessarily more luxurious.
Once again, durable and luxury are not inclusive of each other. There are plenty of luxury items that are not durable, especially watches that don’t even have splash resistance. The Apple Watch would still be way more durable than even these ultra-expensive watches.
If you treat your watch well and get one with no defects, you can get a luxury experience out of the Jet Black Series 10. Any watch band that looks good on the Slate Titanium version will look the same or better on the Jet Black Aluminum.
If you plan on using your watch like a tool and are going to get it banged and dinged up, then go for the Titanium.
If you do plan on using your watch in more fancy environments, the Jet Black would be the better option and up to $300 cheaper.
However you look at it, watch enthusiasts who like to go dark got a special treat this year with Jet Black.
Why you should use Water Lock on your Apple Watch
You can easily screw yourself over if you don’t use the Water Lock feature on the Apple Watch.
Whether you are swimming or taking a shower, you need to turn it on or else your screen will do crazy things.
Water conducts electrons like our fingers and can register touches and gestures on the touch screen. If you’re in the shower, the overwhelming amount of water can cause unpredictable behavior on your watch.
I have had the following two scenarios happen to me because I forgot to turn on Water Lock when jumping in the shower:
My mail app was open, and the watch had swiped left on an email to delete it. I noticed it just in time, but I could have unknowingly lost an important email I couldn't’ afford to lose.
In a separate incident, I was getting out of the shower and I heard voices coming to me. I glanced at my watch and realized that I was on an active call with my mom who was trying to talk to figure out what the heck was going on!
Do yourself a favor, and turn on Water Lock before jumping in the shower. That way you won’t have to worry about your watch accidentally opening apps, calling people, or deleting your emails.
You can easily screw yourself over if you don’t use the Water Lock feature on the Apple Watch.
Whether you are swimming or taking a shower, you need to turn it on or else your screen will do crazy things.
Water conducts electrons like our fingers and can register touches and gestures on the touch screen. If you’re in the shower, the overwhelming amount of water can cause unpredictable behavior on your watch.
I have had the following two scenarios happen to me because I forgot to turn on Water Lock when jumping in the shower:
My mail app was open, and the watch had swiped left on an email to delete it. I noticed it just in time, but I could have unknowingly lost an important email I couldn't’ afford to lose.
In a separate incident, I was getting out of the shower and I heard voices coming to me. I glanced at my watch and realized that I was on an active call with my mom who was trying to talk to figure out what the heck was going on!
Do yourself a favor, and turn on Water Lock before jumping in the shower. That way you won’t have to worry about your watch accidentally opening apps, calling people, or deleting your emails.
Taking a screenshot on your Apple Watch also pauses your workout.
I was trying to flex a bit and wanted to show my peeps when I hit Zone 5 in my workout, with a heartbeat of 169 bpm. I’m sure many people do the same thing since Apple lets you share your rings and workout status with others. It was a new milestone and made me happy, but it also made me realize that if you hit the side button and the Digital Crown at the same time, it also pauses your workout.
I only found that out when my watch notified me a few minutes later if I still wanted to continue my workout.
“What do you mean continue my workout? I’ve been working out for a while now!”
As surprised as I was, I hit yes and kept going.
I did the screenshot button combo again, and sure enough, it paused my workout. Not a glitch, but a “feature.”
So the next time you want to take a screenshot of your active workout, make sure you unpause the workout right away.
I was trying to flex a bit and wanted to show my peeps when I hit Zone 5 in my workout, with a heartbeat of 169 bpm. I’m sure many people do the same thing since Apple lets you share your rings and workout status with others. It was a new milestone and made me happy, but it also made me realize that if you hit the side button and the Digital Crown at the same time, it also pauses your workout.
I only found that out when my watch notified me a few minutes later if I still wanted to continue my workout.
“What do you mean continue my workout? I’ve been working out for a while now!”
As surprised as I was, I hit yes and kept going.
I did the screenshot button combo again, and sure enough, it paused my workout. Not a glitch, but a “feature.”
So the next time you want to take a screenshot of your active workout, make sure you unpause the workout right away.
The coolest app for tracking and purchasing hard to find Apple Watch bands.
Bandbreite is by far the best app (and website) for Apple Watch band collectors. Even if you don’t collect bands and are just a fan of the Apple Watch, it is a nice repository of every band Apple has released.
From the original bands to Apple Watch Edition to special International bands, you can find all the details you will ever need in the app. You can even add bands to your wish list and if you live in certain European countries, you can even buy discontinued bands at a reasonable price.
Here is what Bandbreite says about availability:
There's always that one band missing, right? We partnered with SB Supply, which has a growing and frequently changing collection of officially discontinued bands. A collection from a reliable partner, which is always worth to keep a look at. Complete our collection or get a new band that best suits your taste for a discounted price. Starting at 34,90 Euro all original bands are brand-new and sealed.
Available for users in the European Union only, with dedicated websites for Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands.
A friendly reminder that the UK is no longer part of the European Union.
You support the creators of your favourite app by using the links below. Make sure your region is selected before visiting the website, or choose EU if your country is not available as option.
If you’re one of the lucky European Union countries, check out SB Supply.
Bandbreite is by far the best app (and website) for Apple Watch band collectors. Even if you don’t collect bands and are just a fan of the Apple Watch, it is a nice repository of every band Apple has released.
From the original bands to Apple Watch Edition to special International bands, you can find all the details you will ever need in the app. You can even add bands to your wish list and if you live in certain European countries, you can even buy discontinued bands at a reasonable price.
Here is what Bandbreite says about availability:
There's always that one band missing, right? We partnered with SB Supply, which has a growing and frequently changing collection of officially discontinued bands. A collection from a reliable partner, which is always worth to keep a look at. Complete our collection or get a new band that best suits your taste for a discounted price. Starting at 34,90 Euro all original bands are brand-new and sealed.
Available for users in the European Union only, with dedicated websites for Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands.
A friendly reminder that the UK is no longer part of the European Union.
You support the creators of your favourite app by using the links below. Make sure your region is selected before visiting the website, or choose EU if your country is not available as option.
If you’re one of the lucky European Union countries, check out SB Supply.
Can you bundle a different colored Titanium Milanese Loop when buying an Apple Watch Ultra 2?
No, you cannot buy a different colored Titanium Milanese Loop bundled with an Apple Watch Ultra 2 online or in-store. You have to buy it separate for an additional $200.
I made a promise and went to an Apple Store yesterday to confirm if it can be done in person, but the result is the same. You are only allowed to buy the same colored Titanium Milanese Loop with your Ultra 2.
It’s a shame because you can save $100 bucks by buying the mismatched band instead of having to buy one of their non-metal bands plus the Milanese loop separately.
Sometimes you can do certain things in-store vs online, but not in this case.
No, you cannot buy a different colored Titanium Milanese Loop bundled with an Apple Watch Ultra 2 online or in-store. You have to buy it separate for an additional $200.
I made a promise and went to an Apple Store yesterday to confirm if it can be done in person, but the result is the same. You are only allowed to buy the same colored Titanium Milanese Loop with your Ultra 2.
It’s a shame because you can save $100 bucks by buying the mismatched band instead of having to buy one of their non-metal bands plus the Milanese loop separately.
Sometimes you can do certain things in-store vs online, but not in this case.
This Apple Watch Series 10 feature will please watch enthusiasts, and also piss them off.
Apple introduced multiple upgrades to the display with the Series 10 Apple Watch, but there is one feature that I really was excited about:
The Always-On Display with ticking seconds hand. Let’s call this the ticking seconds hand for short.
Apple introduced multiple upgrades to the display with the Series 10 Apple Watch, but there is one feature that I really was excited about:
The Always-On Display with ticking seconds hand. Let’s call this the ticking seconds hand for short.
When your wrist is down, your Always-On Display will now show you a ticking seconds hand. Just like a real watch.
This is why Apple is not a company that makes watches, they are a watchmaker. They even described their watchmaking prowess by saying,
“The design of Series 10 is truly a milestone of watchmaking.”
I am someone who obsesses over time due to my crazy schedule, and knowing even the seconds all the time has its benefits.
You get the upscale, fluid, sweeping seconds hand when you’re actively looking at the display, and you get a nice, reliable, Quartz movement when you’re glancing at your watch from a distance.
The best of both worlds…except it’s not.
You see, Apple’s new ticking seconds hand is a giant tease right now since it only works on 3 watch faces, when Apple has over 40 watch faces that could benefit from this feature.
That’s right over 40.
Which 3 watch faces benefit from the ticking seconds hand?
You have Flux, which is one of the new watch faces. This Gen Z looking watch face is nice, but watch enthusiasts want to see a ticking hand, not a line going up the screen like a G-SHOCK.
To satisfy that itch, Apple gave us the Reflections watch face. The problem is, they gave us the back scratcher, but it’s covered in poison ivy.
Reflections does have the ticking seconds hand, but there are no time markers or numbers, so you don’t really know what time it is.
Is it 4:26, or 5:26?
Who the hell knows, and who the hell cares about the ticking seconds hand if you can’t even tell what time it is!
All hope is not lost though, because Apple did give us a 3rd watch face, which tells you the time and the seconds with distinct clarity.
This has to be it, a classic watchface with an always-on ticking seconds hand that makes sense. Please?
Nope.
It is the Activity Digital watch face. Another “non-enthusiast” watch face.
I mean seriously…what in the actual crap is this?!
Watch enthusiasts don’t want to look at giant digital numbers, they want to see dials.
Behold, the only 3 watch faces that support an always-on ticking seconds hand.
OK fine, if there are some development issues with some of these watch faces, why not give us California instead?
Or Meridian?
Or Utility?
Why go out of your way to update Activity Digital of all watch faces, to get this new feature?
Only time will tell how long it will take Apple to fix this. They are already having significant development delays with iOS 18*.
In the meantime, Apple can keep trolling us with this limited new feature.
Be glad, and be sad.
*Update 12/13/24 @11:56AM: Significant delays with iOS19, not iOS 18
Does the thinness of the Apple Watch Series 10 make a difference?
Apple has done it again with the Series 10, making it 1mm thinner than the previous Series 4-9 generation of watches.
Does that 1 millimeter really make a difference?
Yes it does.
That 1mm might not seem like much, but after wearing the watch for a few months and going back and forth between the Series 9, I have noticed a few things.
The Series 10 nestles right into your wrist instead of sitting on top of it like the Series 9. That extra space is enough to notice your watch not getting snagged on a full-sleeve shirt as often, and smoothly concealing itself under the cuff.
Depending on the weather, humidity, and when I workout, I fasten my Sport Band at different holes. Here is what I do with the Series 9 compared to the Series 10:
Series 9 - Sport Band at 3rd hole in the Winter, 3 or 4 in the Summer, and 2 when working out (really tight fit).
Series 10 - Sport Band at 2nd or 3rd hole in the Winter, 3 in the “Summer,” and 2 when working out.
Summer hasn’t arrived yet here in the Northern Hemisphere, but I visited Saudi Arabia back in October and it was definitely Summer over there!
If you are coming from a Series 3, first of all, congrats for making it last that long! But seriously, you are in for a treat.
The Series 10 is a whopping 1.7mm thinner than the Series 3, and the thinner and sleeker fit will feel, dare I say, magical.
Apple has done it again with the Series 10, making it 1mm thinner than the previous Series 4-9 generation of watches.
Does that 1 millimeter really make a difference?
Yes it does.
That 1mm might not seem like much, but after wearing the watch for a few months and going back and forth between the Series 9, I have noticed a few things.
The Series 10 nestles right into your wrist instead of sitting on top of it like the Series 9. That extra space is enough to notice your watch not getting snagged on a full-sleeve shirt as often, and smoothly concealing itself under the cuff.
Depending on the weather, humidity, and when I workout, I fasten my Sport Band at different holes. Here is what I do with the Series 9 compared to the Series 10:
Series 9 - Sport Band at 3rd hole in the Winter, 3 or 4 in the Summer, and 2 when working out (really tight fit).
Series 10 - Sport Band at 2nd or 3rd hole in the Winter, 3 in the “Summer,” and 2 when working out.
Summer hasn’t arrived yet here in the Northern Hemisphere, but I visited Saudi Arabia back in October and it was definitely Summer over there!
If you are coming from a Series 3, first of all, congrats for making it last that long! But seriously, you are in for a treat.
The Series 10 is a whopping 1.7mm thinner than the Series 3, and the thinner and sleeker fit will feel, dare I say, magical.
Anker MagGo Apple Watch Power Bank Review - a lone champion.
Following the recent recall of Belkin’s BoostCharge Pro Fast Wireless Charger for Apple Watch + Power Bank 10K, (that’s one heck of a name), there are now only a handful of official fast charging power banks for the Apple Watch.
Two to be exact.
You have Otterbox’s 2-in-1 Power Bank with Apple Watch Charger, and the other one is the Anker MagGo Power Bank for Apple Watch.
The Otterbox one is cheaper at $35, but it has several limitations that make the Anker MagGo at $55 a much better deal. The only thing the Otterbox version has going for it is its smaller size and price. But for just $20, you can get so much more for your money. Not to mention your watch might not be as secure as you would like on the charging stand. Throw a steel Apple watch with a link bracelet, and I bet it falls off.
Here’s a quick chart comparison:
Following the recent recall of Belkin’s BoostCharge Pro Fast Wireless Charger for Apple Watch + Power Bank 10K, (that’s one heck of a name), there are now only a handful of official fast charging power banks for the Apple Watch.
Two to be exact.
You have Otterbox’s 2-in-1 Power Bank with Apple Watch Charger, and the other one is the Anker MagGo Power Bank for Apple Watch.
The Otterbox one is cheaper at $35, but it has several limitations that make the Anker MagGo at $55 a much better deal. The only thing the Otterbox version has going for it is its smaller size and price. But for just $20, you can get so much more for your money. Not to mention your watch might not be as secure as you would like on the charging stand. Throw a steel Apple watch with a link bracelet, and I bet it falls off.
Here’s a quick chart comparison:
In terms of design and aesthetics, the Anker MagGo Power Bank looks and feels like a high quality product. Say goodbye to battery packs with rubbery coatings that inevitably get sticky and attract more lint than wool pants. The top is a curved matte-plastic with a glossy sheen, while the bottom is a matte plastic with 4 little feet that probably are screw covers.
The sides are matte but ridged so you get a grippy surface. The MagSafe puck can be flush with the device or can be positioned at 90 degrees if you have a special band that won’t lie flat like the link bracelet . The puck is a bit stiff to bring up and down, but I would rather have it be a bit stiff vs being loose.
The built-in USB-C cable is supposedly very durable since it acts as a lanyard, and only time will tell how well it holds up. It’s not meant to be lassoed around, but if you just use it to pick it up and put away, that should be fine. The cord material is nice and might be made of the same material as an Apple Watch sport band. It feels like the Apple coined, “fluoroelastomer” material. The cord easily glides out of the slot to be used to charge any other USB-C device and nestles back into its space magnetically, which is satisfying.
You can charge the battery bank two ways: with the built-in cord, or with the built-in port. You also get infinite battery life if you plug in the cord to the port (you don’t actually get infinite battery life by doing that).
The button next to the cord allows you to turn on the display to check battery status, and pressing it again changes the orientation of the read-out. If you take the puck charger out at its 90 degree angle, the display automatically orients itself in the right direction. The display turns blue when charging other devices, and green when being charged up. You also get wattage readouts for each device being charged. Up to 3 devices at the same time.
So does it actually live up to its claim of fast charging the Apple Watch Series 10 from 0-80 in 30 minutes?
Yes it does.
I drained my 42mm Jet Black Series 10, and I got 82% after 30 minutes. With the larger sized watches I am sure they will meet the 80% claim. I even tested the 41mm Series 9, and I got 88% in 45 minutes which exceeds Apple’s 80% in 45 minutes claim.
The Anker MagGo Power Bank for the Apple Watch is the lone champion right now if you want an external power bank that can fast charge the latest Apple Watches. Even though it is the only option with faster charging, it does not skimp on features and functionality, making it a great buy. Normally priced at $80, it is currently on sale for $65, and if you keep track of the price, you can get it for even cheaper (I got mine for $55).
Apple Watch Ultra 3 - what to expect in 2025.
Apple has a predictable pattern for Apple Watch upgrades each year.
Every 3 years, they come out with a new and improved hardware design, adding small but meaningful new features in the 2 years leading up to the new design.
Here is the general pattern:
Apple Watch - Original design. Apple Watch debut.
Series 2 - same design, faster processor, better water resistance.
Series 3 - same design, faster processor, cellular-enabled, W2 wireless chip for faster Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
Series 4 - all new design with bigger screen and slimmer bezels, faster S4 chip, W3 wireless chip, ECG sensor, fall detection.
Series 5 - same design, always-on display, doubled the storage to 32GB.
Series 6 - same design, faster processor, blood oxygen sensor.
Series 7 - all new design with more rounded body, inset screen for more durability, and a bigger display with thinner bezels, fast charging.
Series 8 - same design, minimal upgrades.
Series 9 - same design, 1st significant processor boost since the Series 6, double-tap gesture support.
Series 10 - all new design with thinner chassis, bigger wide-angle OLED display, depth gauge to 6m, water temperature sensor.
As you can see, every 3 years.
It’s like clockwork.
The Ultra 2 had a two year cycle this time, with just the slate color being added on for 2024. The 3-year cycle will end in September 2025, where we should see a new design. The Ultra 3 will be an evolution of the current design, borrowing a lot of the technology from the Series 10 along with some other benefits:
Same basic shape, but a thinner design and bigger screen making it the biggest display on an Apple Watch.
Same 3rd gen LTPO3 OLED display like the Series 10 giving it better off-axis viewing angles and allowing for an always-on ticking seconds hand like the Series 10.
New processor to give it some Apple Intelligence features.
These 3 features are almost a guarantee, since they would need to at least meet the Series 10 in terms of features. It will not be as thin as a Series 10 (nor should it be), but I expect it to meet the 1mm decrease in thickness, maybe even 2mm.
What would be a real treat? A smaller version of the Ultra, similar to the size of the current 46mm Series 10.
They can advertise it as 24-hour battery life, and 48 hours in Low Power Mode, fitting right in between the regular watch and the standard Ultra.
I would jump on that in a heartbeat.
Apple has a predictable pattern for Apple Watch upgrades each year.
Every 3 years, they come out with a new and improved hardware design, adding small but meaningful new features in the 2 years leading up to the new design.
Here is the general pattern:
Apple Watch - Original design. Apple Watch debut.
Series 2 - same design, faster processor, better water resistance.
Series 3 - same design, faster processor, cellular-enabled, W2 wireless chip for faster Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
Series 4 - all new design with bigger screen and slimmer bezels, faster S4 chip, W3 wireless chip, ECG sensor, fall detection.
Series 5 - same design, always-on display, doubled the storage to 32GB.
Series 6 - same design, faster processor, blood oxygen sensor.
Series 7 - all new design with more rounded body, inset screen for more durability, and a bigger display with thinner bezels, fast charging.
Series 8 - same design, minimal upgrades.
Series 9 - same design, 1st significant processor boost since the Series 6, double-tap gesture support.
Series 10 - all new design with thinner chassis, bigger wide-angle OLED display, depth gauge to 6m, water temperature sensor.
As you can see, every 3 years.
It’s like clockwork.
The Ultra 2 had a two year cycle this time, with just the slate color being added on for 2024. The 3-year cycle will end in September 2025, where we should see a new design. The Ultra 3 will be an evolution of the current design, borrowing a lot of the technology from the Series 10 along with some other benefits:
Same basic shape, but a thinner design and bigger screen making it the biggest display on an Apple Watch.
Same 3rd gen LTPO3 OLED display like the Series 10 giving it better off-axis viewing angles and allowing for an always-on ticking seconds hand like the Series 10.
New processor to give it some Apple Intelligence features.
These 3 features are almost a guarantee, since they would need to at least meet the Series 10 in terms of features. It will not be as thin as a Series 10 (nor should it be), but I expect it to meet the 1mm decrease in thickness, maybe even 2mm.
What would be a real treat? A smaller version of the Ultra, similar to the size of the current 46mm Series 10.
They can advertise it as 24-hour battery life, and 48 hours in Low Power Mode, fitting right in between the regular watch and the standard Ultra.
I would jump on that in a heartbeat.
Why Apple will never let you have your own watch faces.
Apple considers itself a watchmaker.
This might be a cringe statement to watch enthusiasts, but you cannot deny the impact Apple has had over the last 10 years. The Apple Watch got regular people to start wearing something on their wrists again.
Including myself.
Just like any watch brand, they have fully immersed themselves into horology, consulting with the experts in the field during the development process.
Something Apple never does.
When Jony Ive spoke with Benjamin Clymer at Hodinkee, this is what Ive had to say regarding the Apple Watch project:
BC: How was this project different from others?
JI: We knew there was so much to appreciate in this space that in order to ground ourselves, we had a series of people that helped. Just to begin to understand the historical space, having tremendous respect and deference for watchmaking. This was highly unusual for us, speaking to anyone outside of our team early on in a product development stage. But, normally there are no parallel products from which to learn.
You know, we call this (pointing at my MacBook Pro), a MacBook, but you won’t learn more about this by understanding the nature of a physical book – so we didn’t talk to librarians. With the watch, we did. We spoke to an incredible list of experts in watchmaking throughout our development process.
Apple didn’t want to take any chances if they were going to go full-in with the Apple Watch project.
Even though they came out successful on the other end, it was the understanding of watch culture that really sets them apart from others like Google and Samsung.
When it comes to any watch, the watch face represents the brand. The watch company wants you to see their watch, and instantly know what it is.
Look at any watch company’s lineup of watches, and you will see consistency in design and branding.
Everything from the design of the hour, minute, and second hands, to the font, to the hour-markers are all part of what makes a brand instantly recognizable.
And that is why Apple will never let you have your own watch faces.
Even when Apple partners with Hermès, Apple uses its signature hour, minute, and second hands and blends the Hermès font with it, to make both brands recognizable.
If you throw on a cheap Rolex watch face on the Apple Watch, it will only cheapen Apple’s brand, which they do not want.
It is neither a Rolex, nor an Apple Watch.
It is confusion.
Other brands like Google and Samsung also make watches that have immense customizability which is fine, but you won’t find instant recognition with their watches. The brand recognition is not there.
They have a different approach, and that is their choice.
Google and Samsung chose to make watches, while Apple chose to be a watchmaker.
Apple considers itself a watchmaker.
This might be a cringe statement to watch enthusiasts, but you cannot deny the impact Apple has had over the last 10 years. The Apple Watch got regular people to start wearing something on their wrists again.
Including myself.
Just like any watch brand, they have fully immersed themselves into horology, consulting with the experts in the field during the development process.
Something Apple never does.
When Jony Ive spoke with Benjamin Clymer at Hodinkee, this is what Ive had to say regarding the Apple Watch project:
BC: How was this project different from others?
JI: We knew there was so much to appreciate in this space that in order to ground ourselves, we had a series of people that helped. Just to begin to understand the historical space, having tremendous respect and deference for watchmaking. This was highly unusual for us, speaking to anyone outside of our team early on in a product development stage. But, normally there are no parallel products from which to learn.
You know, we call this (pointing at my MacBook Pro), a MacBook, but you won’t learn more about this by understanding the nature of a physical book – so we didn’t talk to librarians. With the watch, we did. We spoke to an incredible list of experts in watchmaking throughout our development process.
Apple didn’t want to take any chances if they were going to go full-in with the Apple Watch project.
Even though they came out successful on the other end, it was the understanding of watch culture that really sets them apart from others like Google and Samsung.
When it comes to any watch, the watch face represents the brand. The watch company wants you to see their watch, and instantly know what it is.
Look at any watch company’s lineup of watches, and you will see consistency in design and branding.
Everything from the design of the hour, minute, and second hands, to the font, to the hour-markers are all part of what makes a brand instantly recognizable.
And that is why Apple will never let you have your own watch faces.
Even when Apple partners with Hermès, Apple uses its signature hour, minute, and second hands and blends the Hermès font with it, to make both brands recognizable.
If you throw on a cheap Rolex watch face on the Apple Watch, it will only cheapen Apple’s brand, which they do not want.
It is neither a Rolex, nor an Apple Watch.
It is confusion.
Other brands like Google and Samsung also make watches that have immense customizability which is fine, but you won’t find instant recognition with their watches. The brand recognition is not there.
They have a different approach, and that is their choice.
Google and Samsung chose to make watches, while Apple chose to be a watchmaker.