Nomad launched updated versions of its Stand One and Stand One Max wireless chargers Tuesday, bringing support for the new Qi2.2 standard. It enables 25W fast charging for compatible iPhones. The upgrade matches the charging speeds of Apple’s latest MagSafe chargers and represents a significant improvement over the 15W charging supported by previous Qi2 models.

Nomad Stand One Qi2.2 chargers launched

Along with iPhone cases, Apple Watch bands and other accessories, Nomad makes the sleek and popular device chargers Stand One (2-in-1) and Stand One Max (3-in-1), both now brought up to the speedy Qi2.2 charging standard. Both chargers feature Nomad’s premium construction with solid metal blocks and glass tops, finished with a full rubberized base pad for a sturdy grip. And their approximately 20-degree charging angle works well across various settings, from bedside tables to office desks, Nomad said. 

2-in-1 Stand One charges iPhone and AirPods

So the fourth-generation Stand One, priced at $119, features Nomad’s signature design combining CNC-machined aluminum with glass. At 575 grams (1.2 pounds), the charger provides a stable base that stays firmly in place. The new model adds a second wireless charging pad tucked behind the angled phone support. That lets users charge AirPods or other Qi-compatible wireless earbuds at 5W while simultaneously fast-charging an iPhone at 25W.

Both iPhone charging orientations are supported — portrait and landscape — with landscape mode enabling StandBy functionality. The charger includes a 2-meter braided USB-C cable. But users need to supply their own 40W or higher USB-C power adapter.

3-in-1 Stand One Max powers up iPhone, Airpods and Apple Watch

The Stand One Max, priced at $159, builds on the Stand One’s features by adding an Apple Watch fast charger. This creates a complete three-in-one charging solution for iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods.

Weighing 875 grams, the Stand One Max continues the design improvements introduced in the third generation. It relocated the Apple Watch charger to the base. The change resolved previous limitations that prevented simultaneous horizontal iPhone charging and Apple Watch charging.

The wireless earbud charging pad sits in an indent behind the vertically-mounted Apple Watch charger, supporting 5W charging for most Qi-compatible cases.

Design and availability

Fast iPhone charging

Nomad Stand One

The fourth generation of Nomad's popular stand one remains sleek -- but adds 25W Qi2.2 charging for compatible iPhones, plus Airpods charging.

Pros:

• Sleek design and premium build quality
• Fast Qi2.2 iPhone charging (25W)
• Firm-gripping base
• Also charges AirPods

Cons:

• No Apple Watch charging

Buy from Nomad

According to Nomad’s FAQ, the company excludes power adapters to reduce waste, noting that many customers already own compatible chargers. Both stands require a 40W+ adapter. 

Both models are available now through Nomad’s website in silver or carbide color options. The chargers work with iPhone 16 and 17 series devices that support the Qi2.2 standard’s faster charging rates.

3-in-1 with fast iPhone charging

Nomad Stand One Max

Nomad's sleek fourth-generation 3-in-1 charging stand not only juices up compatible iPhones at 25W, it also powers up AirPods and Apple Watch.

Pros:

• Sleek design and premium build quality
• Fast Qi2.2 iPhone charging (25W)
• Firm-gripping base
• Also charges AirPods and Apple Watch

Cons:

• Somewhat pricey

Buy from Nomad

 

 

A decade after Apple Watch launched, WhatsApp finally launched a dedicated app for the smartwatch Tuesday — ending years of frustration for users who could only respond to notifications from their wrist. The messaging service brings full chat functionality to your wrist with support for messages, voice notes and calls, Meta said. 

At long last, here’s the Whatsapp Apple Watch messaging app

The new WhatsApp for Apple Watch app transforms how users interact with the world’s most popular messaging platform, known for its end-to-end encryption, Meta said in a blog post Tuesday. With over a billion daily active users globally and more than 100 million monthly users in the United States alone, the absence of a proper Apple Watch app had been a notable gap in WhatsApp’s ecosystem. Now, after news broke Friday of testing in progress, it’s finally here. 

What you can do with WhatsApp on Apple Watch

The new app brings comprehensive functionality that goes far beyond the limited notification responses previously available. Users can now read entire conversations directly on their watch, including long messages that previously required pulling out an iPhone.

Key features include the ability to write and send new messages using voice dictation or the watch’s input methods. You can also record and send voice messages and send emoji reactions. In addition, the app can displays call notifications. That lets users see who’s calling without checking their phone.

Media viewing has been enhanced as well. That will make clearer images and stickers visible on the watch’s display. Users can also access more of their chat history directly on screen when browsing conversations.

Privacy and compatibility

WhatsApp emphasized that all messages and calls remain protected with end-to-end encryption, maintaining the same privacy standards users expect from the platform.

The app works with any Apple Watch Series 4 or later running watchOS 10 or above. The watch must be paired with an iPhone.

Whatsapp for Apple Watch: Better late than never

The launch marks a significant catch-up moment for WhatsApp. It already offers a dedicated app for WearOS devices, of course. And the company acknowledged this is just the beginning, promising continued improvements based on user feedback.

For the millions of WhatsApp users limited to basic notification responses on their Apple Watches, the new app represents a major upgrade in functionality and convenience. It brings the full messaging experience to their wrists.

The iPhone App Store is now accessible on a Mac. And iPad users can research what macOS applications are available. Anyone can see what Apple Watch apps are available. All of these are possible now that Apple finally put the App Store on the web Monday.

It’s long overdue, and still missing a feature many users would like.

Finding iPhone apps gets easier with App Store jumping onto the web

The iPhone App Store launched way back in 2008, and immediately changed the way consumers shopped for software. And for all the years since then, it’s been accessible only via an app running on the iPhone. The same held true for the iPad version (and later the Mac App Store).

At long last, that changed Monday when Apple opened a slick new web version of the App Store. It’s accessible via apps.apple.com.

Take note: On a Mac or iPad, clicking on that link in the Safari browser automatically opens the App Store application installed on the computer. Cut and paste “apps.apple.com” into the browser to open the website version. Or use Chrome.

In the upper-left corner of the new App Store website is a drop-down box letting users choose whether to look at iPhone software, iPad Software, Apple Watch software, etc.

Logically enough, the website is organized the same way Apple’s App Store app is, including a Today screen. The left column includes a list of application categories, like Productivity and Health & Fitness.

It’s about damn time!

“[FILL IN THE BLANK] is now accessible on the web!” was a common headline decades ago. Whether it was pizza delivery or banking or whatever, moving services onto the web was a huge deal. But that sort of news dried up long ago because everything was already on the web.  Well, not everything.  There were some holdouts — we’re looking at you, Apple.

It’s ridiculous that Apple held off putting the App Store on the web until 2025. Absolutely ridiculous. Apple has been shooting itself in the foot for decades.

Suppose you’re an Android user considering switching to iPhone. Naturally, you’d like to do some research on whether your favorite applications are also available for iOS. Too bad, because you couldn’t see what’s in the App Store without an iPhone.

Easily the biggest advantage iPad has over rivals is the enormous selection of software for Apple’s tablet compared to the relative pittance of Android apps that can take full advantage of a large screen. But you couldn’t see that unless you already owned an iPad.

Windows users also couldn’t research what‘s available in the Mac App Store, though many popular Mac apps aren’t listed there anyway.

Basic functionality still missing

A feature still absent from the new web version of the App Store is the ability to use a Mac to install software on an iPhone. Users should be able to sign into the website with their Apple account, then use the large screen of a Mac to find interesting/fun new iPhone applications, then press a button to have the app sent to their handset.

Maybe in the next version. Hopefully, Apple will get around to it before 2035.

Record numbers of customers upgrading their gear helped push up Apple’s revenue into record territory last quarter, and that’s boosting AAPL’s stock price.

Here are the products that the company says are the most popular with upgraders in Q4 2025. Some you might be able to guess, but there’s a very conspicuous absence from the list.

iPhone gets record number of upgraders in Q4 2025

Just like every other company, Apple loves new customers. Someone buying their first Mac is probably starting a lifetime as an Apple customer, with a stream of money flowing into the company’s coffers over the decades.

But returning customers — “upgraders” as Apple calls them — are any company’s bread and butter. Without loyal customers, Apple wouldn’t exist. Still, Kevan Parekh, Apple’s CFO, highlighted some products especially strong with upgraders during a call with analysts on Thursday.

“The iPhone active install base grew to an all-time high, and we set a September quarter record for upgraders,” Parekh said.

For much of Q4 2025, they were buying the iPhone 16 series. Then the iPhone 17 series launched near the end of the quarter — and Apple fans couldn’t get enough.

“On the iPhone 17 family, the demand is very strong,” Apple CEO Tim Cook said during Thursday‘s call.

Those two things combined produced a very lucrative result: iPhone just set a new September quarter revenue record.

iPad draws in upgraders, too

While iPhone is Apple’s largest category, other products also brought in billions and were quite successful with upgraders.

“On the iPad, the install base reached an all-time high with a September quarter record for upgraders,” said Apple CFO Parekh.

But it’s not just returning customers driving tablet sales.

“Over half of the customers who purchased an iPad during the quarter were new to the product,” Parekh said.

iPad had a surprisingly strong quarter, considering the last new models were the budget iPad 11 and M3 iPad Air from spring. New products generally spur sales.

Apple Watch sets new record for upgraders … and AirPods Pro 3 are a hit

Plenty of repeat customers came in for a new smartwatch in Q4 2025, as well.

“We also set a September record for upgraders on Apple Watch,” said Parekh.

The new Apple Watch Ultra, Series 11 and Apple Watch SE 3 all launched near the end of last quarter.

Another product refresh that came during Apple’s last financial quarter was AirPods Pro 3. Unlike iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch, these apparently didn’t set a record for upgraders.

However, the upgraded earbuds are selling well enough for Apple’s CEO to say, “AirPods Pro 3 have been a huge hit.”

What’s missing?

What didn’t get a call-out from Apple executives on Thursday during the earnings call, which triggered a spike in the APPL stock price? The Mac. There was no mention of MacBooks or Mac desktops setting records with upgraders. That’s surprising, considering Mac revenue last quarter grew a whopping 13% versus the same quarter a year ago.

Parekh did say much of the Mac revenue growth was “driven by MacBook Air.” So it seems like plenty of new customers were getting their first macOS laptop … perhaps to take to university, as last quarter was the back-to-school buying season.

The base model M5 MacBook Pro that launched in October might attract more upgraders next quarter. And the variants with the M5 Pro and M5 Max processors expected in early 2026 certainly will. 

When will you be able to add your driver’s license or state ID to Apple Wallet on your iPhone? In the United States, it varies by where you live. It’s not up to Apple: Each state and territory maintains a completely independent registry of drivers and identification cards, so each one must independently pass legislation and implement digital IDs.

If you live in Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Maryland, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Puerto Rico or West Virginia, you can do it today. (Our guide will show you how to add your driver’s license to Apple Wallet.) Otherwise, check our map and lists below to see how likely your state is to let you add your ID to Apple Wallet, and when it might happen.

When will you be able to add your driver’s license/ID to Apple Wallet?

Just like stashing a credit card in Apple Wallet, carrying around a digital version of your driver’s license or state ID can prove convenient. Yes, there are limitations: A digital driver’s license probably won’t get you through an encounter with a police officer who pulls you over.

But there are also clear benefits. For instance, Transportation Security Agency does accept digital IDs. And adding your ID to Apple Wallet is clearly the way of the future.

So, which states are next in line to allow digital driver’s licenses and state IDs?

When will you be able to add your driver’s license/ID to Apple Wallet?

States/territories with support for digital IDs in Apple Wallet:

• Arizona
• California
• Colorado
• Georgia
• Hawaii
• Iowa
• Maryland
• Montana
• New Mexico
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• Puerto Rico
• West Virginia

Digital ID, but not inside Apple Wallet

The following states have a digital ID system available, but they are not compatible with Apple Wallet. You need to download the state’s app.

• Arkansas
• Delaware
• Florida
• Louisiana
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• New York
• Oklahoma
• Utah

Oklahoma and Utah were among the states announced by Apple as coming to Apple Wallet. Unfortunately, many of the digital ID apps are developed by Idemia, which has its own system that doesn’t link to Apple Wallet.

Don’t get depressed that this is the best you’ll ever get if you live in one of these states, though. These things are not mutually exclusive, and support can be added in the future. Idemia also makes an app for Arizona, one of the states fully supported in Apple Wallet.

Pledged support, radio silence ever since

These states were also announced as coming to Apple Wallet, but no news has come since.

• Connecticut (September 2021)
• Illinois (January 2025)
• Kentucky (September 2021)

What can you do?

Your options for pushing the needle on adding digital ID support in your home state are limited. As these bills must be passed through your state legislature, the best you can do is contact your representatives and express strong interest.

This article on states with digital driver’s licenses was originally published on May 29, 2023. We updated it with the latest information on August 19, 2025, September 30, 2025 and October 23, 2025.

In several states, Apple’s digital ID initiative enables iPhones and Apple Watch to hold a digital copy of the user’s driver’s license, in the same way these devices store credit cards and airline tickets.

The day when an iPhone can completely take the place of an old-fashioned wallet is still years away, but it’s a goal Apple is working toward. Apple Pay is making progress on replacing credit cards, you can put airline tickets in the Wallet app, and the same goes for loyalty cards.

But no wallet is complete unless it can hold a driver’s license. And that’s where Apple’s digital ID initiative comes in.

Here’s what you need to know to add your driver’s license and ID to your Apple Wallet.

How to add your ID to Apple Wallet on iPhone and Apple Watch

The first step in adding your driver’s license to your iPhone is to check what state you live in, because they don’t all support the feature. It’s a decision up to individual states, and so far, only a fraction of them offer the service.

At the time of this writing, those who live in Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Maryland, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Puerto Rico or West Virginia can put their official ID in the Wallet app. Still, the list is likely to grow: Connecticut, Illinois and Kentucky also pledged their support for Apple’s digital ID program, though they do not yet offer it.

Also, don’t toss your current license in a drawer. If you get pulled over by the police while driving, you need a physical copy of your license to hand over.

But that doesn’t mean the digital version is useless. The Transportation Security Administration does accept them, so a digital ID can speed up the process of moving through security checkpoints at airports. And it never hurts to have a backup at any time.

Table of contents: How to add your ID to Apple Wallet

1. Add an ID card to the Wallet app
2. Scan your driver’s license
3. Scan your face
4. Watch a how-to video
5. Relax, your driver’s license is secure in Apple Wallet

Add an ID card to the Wallet app

The process for putting your driver’s license or state ID in Apple Wallet isn’t complex. Just follow these steps.

Start by opening the Wallet app on your iPhone, then tapping the + button at the upper right-hand corner of the screen. Select Driver’s License or State ID. On the resulting page, tap on your state name.

Scan your ID or driver’s license

Now get out your physical ID, because you’ll need to take pictures of both sides of it.

The Wallet app walks you through the process of using the iPhone camera to snap images of the front and back of your license. It’s similar to electronically depositing a check, if you’ve done that.

Put your license on a dark background somewhere with lots of light. And be patient — it takes the Wallet app a second or so to get the image lined up.

Scan your face

Next, the app will use the camera to scan your face from different angles to confirm that the person requesting a digital license is who they are supposed to be. You’ll also need to take a still image. It’ll guide you through the process. You also may need to record short video clips for additional verification.

However, registering a digital ID doesn’t all happen on the iPhone. The pictures and videos you take will be submitted to your state’s Department of Transportation or a similar agency for verification.

But once the approval comes through, your license will be added to the Wallet app on your iPhone.

Watch a how-to video

The Colorado Depart. of Revenue released a video walking through the process. It’s the same process for other states, too.

Relax, your ID is secure in Apple Wallet

Because this is an Apple feature, your digital ID is protected by all the same security measures built into iPhone and Apple Watch for any of your other data. That means someone has to have your passcode or get through Face ID or Touch ID to even see it.

Even better, nobody can see any card added to the Wallet app — not even Apple — unless you show it to them.

This article on how to add your ID to Apple Wallet was originally published on May 22, 2023. We updated it with the latest information on September 19, 2024, August 19, 2025, September 30, 2025 and October 23, 2025.

In the evolving landscape of wireless charging, Ugreen has positioned itself at the forefront with the MagFlow 3-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charger — one of the first products to receive official Qi2.2 certification from the Wireless Power Consortium. With that boost from 15 watts (Qi2) to 25W (Qi2.2) for late-model iPhones, it’s great — but not without some minor problems.

Ugreen MagFlow 3-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charger review

Pocket-size

Ugreen MagFlow 25W 3-in-1 Wireless Charger

$99.99

This foldable, magnetic Qi2 travel charger suits iPhone 16/15/14/13/12, AirPods and Apple Watch. Charges iPhone at 25 watts.

Pros:

• Charges iPhone fast at 25W
• Powers up three devices
• Folds down for charging

Cons:

• Might be too bulky for your pants pocket

Buy from Amazon

05/27/2026 06:14 pm GMT

Getting a jump on many competitors as the market starts to move from Qi2 chargers to Qi2.2 chargers, Ugreen rolled out the MagFlow 3-in-1 along a great power bank and some other products in early September. After extensive testing, this comprehensive review of the MagFlow 3-in-1 charger explores whether this compact premium charging station justifies its price point and delivers on its ambitious promises.

Note that the price shown in the boxes may not update to the current sale price, but you’ll see it when you click through ($139.99 $99.99).

Table of contents: Ugreen MagFlow 3-in-1 Magnetic Wireless Charger review

• Design and build quality
• Charging performance and Qi2.2 technology
• Multi-device charging capabilities
• Thermal management and safety
• What’s in the box and value proposition
• Compatibility considerations
• The verdict: Premium performance with notable caveats

Design and build quality

The MagFlow 3-in-1 immediately impresses with its premium aesthetic. Though small, the charger features a hefty, substantial feel that conveys quality, with the weight helping ensure devices won’t easily tip or slide off during use. The design combines an adjustable tilt and rotation system that can function as a desk mount, with the stand supporting 70-degree tilt adjustment and 360-degree rotation.

The charging station comes in a single space gray color and maintains a compact profile in its default state, with the phone charging spot capable of lying flat or tilting up to 70 degrees. The aluminum construction and thoughtful engineering create a product that feels distinctly premium. But the hinge quality could be a little higher, perhaps.

The foldable design represents both a strength and weakness. The charger folds up nicely for travel, making it portable enough for those who need a multi-device charging solution on the go. However, the hinge on the phone charger, while staying in position once set, doesn’t move as fluidly as some competing options. It feels a little stiff. 

Charging performance and Qi2.2 technology

At the heart of the MagFlow 3-in-1 is its Qi2.2 certification, representing cutting-edge wireless charging technology. The charger delivers a total wireless output power of 25W maximum, with the iPhone receiving 15W and both the Apple Watch and AirPods receiving 5W each. This represents a significant advance over standard Qi charging.

During testing, the charger achieved 10 percent charge in just 10 minutes, showing respectable charging speeds. The Qi2.2 standard builds upon Apple’s MagSafe architecture with improved magnetic alignment and enhanced heat control for safer, more efficient charging.

The magnetic hold is generally strong and reliable. The charger features powerful magnets that provide a secure attachment, giving users peace of mind during use. I found the charging platform gripped my iPhone 16 Pro tightly in its Mujjo leather case. It’s a MagSafe-compatible case. 

Multi-device charging capabilities

The three-device simultaneous charging is where the MagFlow truly shines for Apple ecosystem users. The charging station seamlessly charges iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods simultaneously, making it an ideal all-in-one solution for bedside tables or desks.

The dedicated Apple Watch charging puck is retractable, contributing to the clean, organized aesthetic when not in use.

Thermal management and safety

Ugreen has implemented comprehensive safety features in the MagFlow 3-in-1. The ThermalGuard system monitors temperatures in real time and cuts power if the stand becomes too warm, with eight layers of protection including overcurrent, short-circuit and foreign object detection. The fire-rated PC and ABS shell construction adds another layer of safety assurance.

During extended charging sessions, the station heated up slightly but not enough to cause concern about device overheating. Some reviewers mentioned detecting a faint humming sound during operation. That could come from internal cooling mechanisms that help maintain safe operating temperatures.

What’s in the box and value proposition

One significant advantage over some competitors comes in what Ugreen includes. In the package I found a 30W USB-C charger and compatible cable, which many competing chargers omit. So this comes as a complete solution out of the box.

However, the included 45W power adapter is slightly bulky. It might not always fit comfortably into power strips shared with other plugs.

The pricing presents a complex value equation. The charger carries a list price of $99, though various retailers offer discounts. At around one hundred forty dollars at some retailers, it represents a premium investment, positioning it against established competitors like Belkin’s UltraCharge Pro and Nimble’s Fold 3-in-1.

Real-world usage and practicality

The adjustable viewing angles make the MagFlow 3-in-1 practical for various scenarios. The stand supports hands-free use for FaceTime calls, video watching or desk work while maintaining charging functionality. The ability to position the phone both vertically and horizontally adds versatility for different content types. iPhone in Standby mode with a clock and other widgets works nicely. 

One notable inconvenience mentioned in the safety instructions requires users to unplug the wireless charger from the power supply after each charging session, which could become tedious for those who prefer leaving chargers perpetually connected. Hard to say if it’s really necessary to unplug it every time. 

Compatibility considerations

The charger fully complies with Qi2 wireless charging standards. But the messy state of Qi2-compatible phones could present challenges. Few devices beyond MagSafe iPhones have built-in magnets for vertical positioning without cases or accessories.

So for users of older iPhone and many Android phones, the value proposition diminishes.

The verdict: Premium performance with notable caveats

Ugreen MagFlow 3-in-1 Qi2.2 Magnetic Wireless Charger represents impressive engineering and future-forward technology, but it’s not without compromises. For those seeking hassle-free multi-device charging with elegant design, it simplifies daily life and makes travel easier. But at about $100, it’s not cheap. 

While the charger performs as advertised and achieves its quoted charging rates, some users might take issue with the somewhat-large power adapter, occasionally stiff hinge and potential low-grade humming sound.

But for dedicated Apple ecosystem users who value the convenience of charging multiple devices simultaneously with cutting-edge Qi2.2 technology, this represents one of the best MagSafe-compatible 3-in-1 chargers currently available. 

The MagFlow 3-in-1 succeeds as a sophisticated, future-proofed charging solution that elegantly solves the multi-device charging problem. Whether it’s worth the investment depends on how deeply embedded you are in the Apple ecosystem and how much you value having the latest wireless charging technology on your desk or nightstand.

Pocket-size

Ugreen MagFlow 25W 3-in-1 Wireless Charger

$99.99

This foldable, magnetic Qi2 travel charger suits iPhone 16/15/14/13/12, AirPods and Apple Watch. Charges iPhone at 25 watts.

Pros:

• Charges iPhone fast at 25W
• Powers up three devices
• Folds down for charging

Cons:

• Might be too bulky for your pants pocket

Buy from Amazon

05/27/2026 06:14 pm GMT

Buy from: Amazon

★★★★☆

Ugreen provided Cult of Mac with a review unit for this article. See our reviews policy, and check out other in-depth reviews of Apple-related items.

An Apple each day becomes your doctor someday. That’s the rumor anyway: Apple is reportedly prepping a Health+ service for launch in 2026 that will use AI to dispense advice on nutrition, exercise and more.

Whether the service will someday give out medical diagnoses remains a much murkier question.

Apple Health+ service would build on current wellness features

Beginning with the iPhone’s simple step tracker, Apple has steadily expanded its presence in health and wellness. With the 2014 launch of the Health app, Apple created a central hub for users to manage fitness, nutrition and medical data. The Apple Watch built on this foundation, adding heart rate monitoring, ECG capabilities, fall detection, blood oxygen measurement and more.

A Health+ service seems a logical next step. And one is allegedly on the way.

“Apple’s upcoming Health+ subscription will feature an artificial intelligence-powered assistant, allowing users to manage their well-being through personalized recommendations on nutrition, exercise and sleep,” Bloomberg reported Thursday. “That service is planned for launch in 2026.”

Apple is also shaking up leadership in its fitness, health and Apple Watch ranks, as Chief Executive Officer Jeff Williams prepares to retire this year.

Fitness and nutrition advice, but no actual AI doctor

Apple Watch wearers should already be familiar with getting exercise advice from their wrist. And Apple’s Fitness+ service already provides coaching. Health+ could join in, helping users make better lifestyle choices and improve their overall wellness.

As for food, getting nutrition advice from artificial intelligence is a very 2025 thing to do. Third-party apps like Cal AI already let users snap pictures of their meals and see a nutritional breakdown. It seems Apple might get into the same game with Health+.

The effort to revamp the Health app is reportedly called “Project Mulberry” within Apple. The idea is to use artificial intelligence to offer Apple users unique insights about their health and well-being.

“The enhanced Health app will continue gathering data from Apple devices like iPhone, Apple Watch, earbuds and compatible third-party products,” Cult of Mac reported in March. “But you can expect a crucial difference. The AI coach will analyze the information to provide personalized health-improvement recommendations.”

However, real questions remain about whether Apple would take the next step and have the service act like a doctor and provide medical diagnoses. AI excels at pattern recognition, so it can take a list of symptoms and recommend a treatment. But it’s not capable of noting what the patient isn’t saying about their medical problem, and that could completely throw off a diagnosis.

At most, the service might help patients decide whether they should see a doctor, as with the Apple Watch’s new hypertension alerts or sleep apnea detection.

Or maybe not. There’s the question of accountability. If Apple Health+ incorrectly tells someone they have a minor ailment, but they die the next day because they didn’t get urgently needed medical attention, Apple could be on the hook for a potentially massive lawsuit.

 

Apple is preparing for a major internal reorganization ahead of COO Jeff Williams’ retirement later this year. As part of the rejig, Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of services, will oversee the health and fitness team.

Meanwhile, leadership of the watchOS division will move to Craig Federighi, Apple’s head of software engineering.

Apple’s post–Jeff Williams era begins with major leadership changes

In July 2025, Apple announced that longtime executive Jeff Williams would step down from his role as COO by the end of 2025. With his retirement looming, the company is now making internal organization changes. Sabih Khan, who joined Apple in 1995, will take over Williams’ duties.

Bloomberg reported Thursday that Eddy Cue will head up Apple’s health and fitness team. The move comes as the company prepares to launch a paid Health+ subscription service. It reportedly will feature an AI-powered assistant and provide users with personalized nutrition, exercise and sleep recommendations.

The reorg will streamline the management of two closely related working units within Apple.

“The health and fitness groups, managed by Sumbul Desai and Jay Blahnik, respectively, had long reported to Williams. Under the new structure, the teams will be consolidated under Desai, with Cue serving as her boss. Blahnik will report to Desai,” says the report.

watchOS goes to Federighi

As mentioned, Craig Federighi will oversee watchOS development going forward. He’s already in charge of the troubled Siri overhaul and visionOS development.

John Ternus, Apple’s senior vice president of hardware engineering, will lead Apple Watch hardware development. COO Jeff Williams previously oversaw development of new Apple Watch models.

Shockingly, many of the amazing discounts on Apple gear that we saw during Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days remain available for anyone who blinked and missed them. Some disappeared, but some actually got better!

We double-checked the deals early Thursday. Below, you can see all the best Prime Big Deal Days sales still going on Apple gear, from AirPods to iPads to MacBooks to the Studio Display. And that includes Apple audio subsidiary Beats, too.

Be aware that Amazon’s pricing often changes, and we have no idea how long any of these amazing Apple deals will last.

This post contains affiliate links. Cult of Mac may earn a commission when you use our links to buy items.

Best Apple deals in Prime Big Deal Days 2025

Not to be mistaken with Amazon Prime Day itself, which happens in July, Prime Big Deals Days ran October 7 and 8 this year. The deals, including bargains on Apple gear, started early. And some of them are still going strong on Thursday.

Note: If you prefer Best Buy, the retailer often matches Amazon’s Apple deals.

Table of contents: Best Apple deals in Prime Big Deal Days 2025

1. Accessories
   1. AirPods
   2. Beats
   3. AirTag
   4. Apple Pencil
2. Apple Watch
3. iPad
   1. iPad
   2. iPad mini
   3. iPad Air
   4. iPad Pro
   5. Keyboard cases
4. iPhone cases
5. Mac
   1. MacBook Air
   2. MacBook Pro
   3. Mac mini
   4. iMac
   5. MagSafe Charger
   6. Studio Display

Prime Big Deal Days bargains on Apple accessories

Deals on AirPods

Most affordable AirPods

AirPods 4

$99.00

Apple redesigned AirPods 4 for exceptional all-day comfort and greater stability. It features the Apple-designed H2 chip with Voice Isolation that improves the quality of phone calls in loud conditions.

This version does not include active noise cancellation, but Apple does offer AirPods 4 with ANC for a slightly higher price.

Pros:

• Most affordable AirPods
• Excellent sound quality
• USB-C wireless charging case

Cons:

• No active noise cancellation

Buy from Amazon

05/24/2026 11:17 am GMT

• AirPods 4: $129 ($89, or 31% off)
• AirPods Max headphones (USB-C) in Midnight, Starlight, Purple, Orange and Blue — $549 $429 ($120 off, or 22%)
• AirPods Pro (2nd generation) earbuds — $249 $169.99 ($80 off, or 32%)
• AirPods (3rd generation) earbuds — $169 $132.95 ($29 off, or 17%)

Beats headphones, earbuds and speakers

Excellent entry-level ear buds

Beats Solo Buds

$69.95

The Beats Solo Buds delivers 18 hours of battery life and works with Android and iPhone. Its carrying case is also the smallest ever designed by Beats.

Pros:

• Affordable
• Long battery life
• Super small charging case

Cons:

• Limited features
• Charging cable is not bundled

Buy from Amazon

05/25/2026 07:17 pm GMT

Compact cans with big sound

Beats Solo 4 On-Ear Headphones

$199.95

Pros:

• 50 hours battery life
• Personalized Spatial Audio
• Apple and Android compatible
• Lossless audio over cable

Cons:

• No active noise cancellation

Buy from Amazon

05/29/2026 08:15 pm GMT

• Beats Solo 4 wireless Bluetooth on-ear headphones, some colors — $199.95 $129.99 ($69.96 off, or 35%)
• Beats Studio Pro wireless noise-canceling headphones — $349.99 $169.95 ($180 off, or 51%)
• Beats Studio Pro headphones in Kim Kardashian colors (dune, earth, brown and moon) — $349.99 $169.99 ($180 off, or 51%)
• Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 wireless earbuds (with AppleCare+): orange, purple, white or black — $278.99 $249 ($30 off)
• Beats Studio Buds wireless earbuds: black and white colors — $79.95 ($70 off, or 47%);
• Beats Studio Buds+ wireless earbuds, all colors — $169.95 $149.95 ($20 off, or 12%)
• Beats Flex Wireless Earbuds: black, blue, gray and yellow colors — $69.95 $49.99 ($19.96 off, or 29%)
• Beats Pill Bluetooth Speaker: gold, black, red, gray — $149.95 $99.95 ($50 off, or 33%)
• Beats Pill x Kim Kardashian Bluetooth speaker, light gray — $149.95 $49.99 ($100 off, or 67%); some other colors $99.95

AirTag

Volume discount!

Apple AirTag 4-pack

4.5

$64.99

What’s better than one AirTag? Four of them! At a discount.

Attach an AirTag to anything that gets misplaced frequently, like a keyring, or something important you’d be very sad if it goes missing, like your luggage. Then locate it with the Find My app on iPhone.

Pros:

• Best tracker tag for Apple users
• Good for long-range and short-range tracking
• Save by buying four

Cons:

• Need accessory to attach to keyrings, etc.

Read our hands-on review: Apple AirTag: What a difference a year makes

Buy from Amazon

Buy from Best Buy

05/27/2026 12:03 am GMT

• Apple AirTag — $29 $19.99 ($9 off, or 31%)
• Apple AirTag 4-pack — $99 $64.99

Apple Pencil

Stylus maximus

Apple Pencil Pro

5.0

$119.00

The best stylus for new Apple tablets: the M4 iPad Pro, the M3 iPad Air and M2 iPad Air, plus the iPad mini 7. We gave it the maximum rating in our hands-on review, and found that its pro features are worthy of the price.

Pros:

• Advanced features like the new squeeze gesture, haptic feedback and support for hover.
• Excellent for note-taking, image editing and artistic endeavors.
• Finally works with Apple's Find My network.

Cons:

• Only works with latest iPads.
• High-end stylus comes with high-end price tag.

Read our hands-on review: Though cool, Apple Pencil Pro could be overkill for many iPad users

Buy from Amazon

Buy from Best Buy

05/29/2026 08:14 am GMT

• Apple Pencil USB-C — $79 $69.99 ($9 off, or 11%)
• Apple Pencil (second-generation) — $129 $71.89 ($57.11 off)

Make sure that whichever Pencil you buy is compatible with your iPad.

Apple Watch

Thinner and lighter than before

Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS, 42 mm case, rose gold aluminum)

$399.00

The Apple Watch Series 10 sports a sleek new design with a slimmer chassis, a bigger display and a faster chip. The build quality is also better than before.

Pros:

• Sleek, stunning design
• Bright display
• Fast charging

Cons:

• Battery life does not last 24 hours.

Buy from Amazon

05/29/2026 08:17 pm GMT

• Apple Watch Series 10 [GPS 46mm] with Rose Gold Aluminum Case with Light Blush Sport Band – M/L. Fitness Tracker, ECG App, Always-On Retina Display, Water Resistant with AppleCare+ (2-Years) — $508 $368 ($140 off, or 28%)
• Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) [GPS 40mm] Smartwatch with Aluminum Case, Midnight case with Ink Sport Loop and Starlight case with Lake Green Sport Loop — $298 $203.99 ($94 off, or 32%)
• Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) [GPS 40mm] Smartwatch with Aluminum Case, various color combinations — $249 $169.99 ($80 off)
• Apple Watch Ultra 2 [GPS + Cellular 49mm] with black titanium Case with Dark Green Alpine Loop — $799 $649 ($150 off)

Prime Big Deal Days deals on iPad

Best budget tablet

Apple iPad 11 with A16 chip (2025 model)

$299.00

Apple's entry-level tablet gets a solid upgrade, with a welcome boost to the base model's storage. It's a great option for watching videos, checking emails, surfing the web and more.

Pros:

• A16 processor
• Ultra Wide 12MP front camera supports Center Stage
• Storage starts at 128GB

Cons:

• Does not support Apple Intelligence.

Buy from Amazon

Buy from Best Buy

05/29/2026 08:17 pm GMT

• iPad with A16 chip, 11-inch Model, Liquid Retina Display, 128GB, Wi-Fi 6, 12MP Front/12MP Back Camera, Touch ID, All-Day Battery Life — $349 $279 ($70 off, or 20%)
• iPad with A16 chip, 11-inch Model, Liquid Retina Display, 256GB, Wi-Fi 6 + 5G Cellular, 12MP Front/12MP Back Camera, Touch ID, All-Day Battery Life — $599 $429 ($70 off, or 12%)
• iPad (9th Generation): with A13 Bionic chip, 10.2-inch Retina Display, 64GB, Wi-Fi, 12MP front/8MP Back Camera, Touch ID, All-Day Battery Life – Silver — $329 $307 ($22 off)

 iPad mini

Tiny tablet with big talents

iPad mini 7 (2024)

$439.00

iPad mini 7 is tiny but boasts an 8.3-inch screen. iPadOS makes it a powerful computer, and it beats even the largest iPhone for watching video or playing games.

Pros:

• So very portable
• Great ebook reader

Cons:

• Kind of pricey

Buy from Amazon

Buy from Best Buy

05/29/2026 09:17 pm GMT

• iPad mini with A17 Pro chip, 8.3-inch Liquid Retina Display, 128GB, Wi-Fi 6E, 12MP Front/12MP Back Camera, Touch ID, All-Day Battery Life, all colors — $499 $399 ($100 off)
• iPad mini with A17 Pro chip, 8.3-inch Liquid Retina Display, 128GB, Wi-Fi 6E, 12MP Front/12MP Back Camera, Touch ID, All-Day Battery Life with AppleCare+ (2 Years), Blue — $568 $468 ($100 off)

iPad Air

Power and efficiency

M3 iPad Air (11-inch, 2025)

$472.15

The midrange iPad is the perfect all-around tablet for students, work and casual living room use.

Pair with the Magic Keyboard for a laptop-style keyboard and trackpad. Works with Apple Pencil (USB-C) and Apple Pencil Pro.

Pros:

• Powerful, desktop-class M3 chip
• Lightweight, all-screen design
• Optional keyboard and Apple Pencil accessories

Cons:

• Does not have Face ID

Buy from Amazon

Buy from Best Buy

05/29/2026 06:14 am GMT

• M3 iPad Air (13-inch, 2025), Liquid Retina Display, 128GB, 12MP Front/Back Camera, Wi-Fi 6E, Touch ID, All-Day Battery Life: Starlight, Blue, Purple, Space Gray — $799 $649 ($150 off, or 19%)

iPad Pro

Apple’s best selling tablet

M4 iPad Pro (11-Inch, 2024)

5.0

$799.91

iPad Pro is Apple’s most powerful, with the best-looking display. It’s a no-compromises tablet for those ready to get things done.

Pros:

• Gorgeous screen
• As powerful as a MacBook

Cons:

• Pricey

Read our hands-on review: Take a deep dive into the best parts of M4 iPad Pro [Review]

Buy from Amazon

Buy from Best Buy

05/28/2026 05:17 am GMT

• M4 iPad Pro: Ultra Retina XDR Display, 1TB, 12MP Front/Back Camera, LiDAR Scanner, Wi-Fi 6E, Face ID, All-Day Battery Life — Space Black — $1,599 $1,499 ($100 off, or 6%)

Top tablet

M4 iPad Pro (13-Inch, 2024)

$1,148.15

Built for Apple Intelligence, Apple's top tablet features an Ultra Retina XDR Display, 1TB SSD, 12MP front/back camera, LiDAR Scanner, Wi-Fi 6E + 5G Cellular, Face ID, all-day battery life and more.

Pros:

• Thin and light
• Beautiful display
• All-day battery life

Cons:

• Expensive

Read our hands-on review: Take a deep dive into the best parts of M4 iPad Pro

Buy from Amazon

05/29/2026 09:17 pm GMT

• M4 iPad Pro: Ultra Retina XDR Display, 1TB, 12MP Front/Back Camera, LiDAR Scanner, Wi-Fi 6E, Face ID, All-Day Battery Life — Silver — $1,899 $1,699 ($200 off, or 11%)

iPad keyboard cases

• iPad Magic Keyboard Case for iPad Pro 13-inch (M4) — $349 $339.99 ($9 off, or 3%)

iPhone cases and wallets (Apple)

Apple's rugged option

Apple iPhone 17 Pro TechWoven Case with MagSafe (green)

$49.99

Made from 100% recycled polyester, the pebbled back of Apple's new TechWoven cases feels grippy and durable. "Multiple colored yarns are woven together on a Jacquard loom creating a dimensional texture with a rich depth of color," Apple says. The sides are made of lightly textured TPU, with anodized aluminum buttons.

Pros:

• TechWoven material feels like it will last a lifetime and provide solid protection.
• Aluminum buttons "provide precise and responsive feedback."
• Comes in five colors (blue, purple, sienna, green and black).

Cons:

• A bit less streamlined than Apple's other cases.

Buy from Amazon

Buy from Apple

05/30/2026 02:17 am GMT

Apple’s official case

Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Clear Case

$25.00

Pros:

• MagSafe
• Works with Camera Control
• Shows off your color

Buy from

05/25/2026 02:16 pm GMT

Most of Apple’s iPhone cases are sold out, but many are available as “used, like new.” Since stock is restricted, these deals could change or disappear entirely at any minute.

• Apple iPhone Series 17 TechWoven Cases with MagSafe, all models, all colors ​​​​​​​– $59 $44 ($15 off, or 25%)
• Apple iPhone Air Bumper Case, Black — $39 $29 ($10 off, or 26%)
• Apple iPhone Air Clear Case with MagSafe, Frost — $49 $37 ($12 off, or 24%)
• Apple iPhone Series 17 Silicone Cases, most colors — $49 $37 ($12 off, or 24%)
• Apple iPhone FineWoven Wallet with MagSafe, Midnight Purple — $59 $49 ($10 off, or 17%)
• Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max Silicone Case with MagSafe and Camera Control, all colors (discounts vary slightly) — $49 $37 ($12 off)

Prime Big Deal Days deals on Mac

MacBook Air

So portable, so powerful

M4 MacBook Air (13-inch, 2025)

$999.00

Powered by Apple's M4 chip, this 13-inch laptop delivers excellent performance and extreme efficiency in the same gorgeous design as last year's model. It packs two Thunderbolt 4 ports and a MagSafe connector for fast charging, with Wi-Fi 6E connectivity. It comes in four colors, including an interesting new sky blue.

Pros:

• Outstanding Apple design
• 18-hour battery life
• Supports Apple Intelligence

Cons:

• Limited ports

Buy from Amazon

05/27/2026 04:16 pm GMT

Sleek and speedy

M4 MacBook Air (15-inch 2025)

5.0

$1,072.97

MacBook Air with the M4 chip lets you blaze through work and play. With Apple Intelligence, up to 18 hours of battery life, and an incredibly portable design, you can take on anything, anywhere.

Pros:

• Slim and light
• Gorgeous 15-inch high-res screen
• Powerful M4 processor

Cons:

• Minimal ports

Buy from Amazon

05/27/2026 04:16 pm GMT

• 13-inch MacBook Air Laptop with M4 chip: 16GB Unified Memory, 256GB SSD Storage, all four colors $999  $799 ($200 off, or 20%)
• 13-inch MacBook Air Laptop with M4 chip: 16GB Unified Memory, 512GB SSD Storage, all four colors $1,199  $999 ($200 off, or 17%)
• 13-inch MacBook Air Laptop with M4 chip: 24GB Unified Memory, 512GB SSD Storage, all four colors $1,399  $1,199 ($200 off, or 14%)
• 15-inch MacBook Air Laptop with M4 chip: 16GB Unified Memory, 256GB SSD Storage, all four colors $1,199 $999 ($200 off, or 17% off)
• 15-inch MacBook Air Laptop with M4 chip: 16GB Unified Memory, 512GB SSD Storage, all four colors $1,399 $1,199 ($200 off, or 14% off)
• 15-inch MacBook Air Laptop with M4 chip: 24GB Unified Memory, 512GB SSD Storage, all four colors $1,599 $1,399 ($200 off, or 15% off)

Prime Big Deal Day deals on MacBook Pro

14-inch MacBook Pro Laptop with M4

Apple's midrange laptop fits a colorful 120Hz display, acres of space with 1 TB storage and 24GB memory, and all-day battery life in a compact size.

Pros:

• Compact 14-inch size
• Liquid Retina XDR display
• Plenty of ports

Cons:

• Same M4 chip as MacBook Air

Buy from Amazon

Apple's largest laptop

16-inch MacBook Pro with M4 Pro

4.5

$2,109.42

Apple's flagship laptop packs a roomy 16-inch 120Hz display, powerful internals with 24GB memory, and all-day battery life.

Pros:

• M4 Pro chip is powerful and efficient
• Gorgeous screen

Cons:

• Same (great) design as previous models

Read our hands-on review: My MacBook Pro quantum leap from M1 Pro to M4 Pro

Buy from Amazon

05/30/2026 02:17 am GMT

M4 chip

• 14-inch MacBook Pro Laptop with M4 chip: 16GB Unified Memory, 512GB SSD storage; silver or space black $1,599 $1,399 ($200 off, or 13%)
• 14-inch MacBook Pro Laptop with M4 chip: 16GB Unified Memory, 1TB SSD storage; silver or space black $1,799 $1,599 ($200 off, or 13%)
• 14-inch MacBook Pro Laptop with M4 chip: 24GB Unified Memory, 1TB SSD storage; silver or space black $1,999 $1,799 ($200 off)

M4 Pro chip

• 14-inch MacBook Pro laptop Laptop with M4 Pro chip: 24GB Unified Memory, 512GB SSD storage; silver or space black — $1,999 $1,799 ($200 off, or 10%)

M4 Max chip

• 14-inch MacBook Pro with M4 Max: 36GB Unified Memory, 1TB SSD storage; silver or space black $3,199 $2,870 ($329 off, or 10%)
• 16-inch MacBook Pro with M4 Max: 36GB Unified Memory, 1TB SSD storage; silver or space black $3,499 $3,099 ($400 off, or 11%)

Mac mini

Mini but mighty!

2024 M4 Mac mini

$1,498.00

Apple's tiny new desktop features an M4 chip with 10‑core CPU and 10‑core GPU "built for Apple Intelligence," plus 16GB unified memory, 256GB SSD storage and Gigabit Ethernet.

Pros:

• Apple M4 chip is powerful
• Compact desktop design

Cons:

• Headphone jack on front
• BYODKM (bring your own display, keyboard and mouse)

Read our hands-on review: Mac mini with M4 Pro is mightier and mini-er than ever

Buy from Amazon

Buy from Best Buy

05/25/2026 06:14 pm GMT

• 2024 Mac mini with M4 Pro chip: 24GB Unified Memory, 512GB SSD Storage, Gigabit Ethernet — $1,399 $1,301 ($98 off, or 7%)

iMac

All-in-one dream machine

Apple iMac (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB storage, 2024)

4.0

$1,189.00

Colorful and capable, Apple's refreshed all-in-one desktop computer is fun and functional.

Pros:

• M4 chip for great performance
• Seven color options, with color-matched accessories
• 24-inch 4.5K display looks great

Cons:

• Limited number of ports

Read our hands-on review: With the M4 iMac, you don’t have to pick between fast or fun

Buy from Amazon

Buy from Best Buy

05/28/2026 11:17 pm GMT

• 2024 iMac with M4 chip with 24GB Unified Memory, 512GB SSD storage; silver, blue, green, pink — $1,899 $1,690 ($200 off, or 11%)

MagSafe Charger

• MagSafe Charger (1 meter) — $39 $32.99 ($6 off, or 15%)
• MagSafe Charger (2 meter) — $49 $29 ($20 off, or 41%)

Studio Display

Apple Studio Display

$1,598.00

The 27-inch Apple Studio Display packs an impressive panel coupled with a six-speaker system and studio-quality microphones.

It’s not as beautiful as Apple's Pro Display XDR, but the Studio Display costs thousands less.

Pros:

• Crystal clear 5K resolution
• Excellent color accuracy
• 12MP Center Stage camera

Cons:

• Expensive
• Lacks HDR
• Height-adjustable stand costs extra

Buy Now

05/27/2026 07:17 pm GMT

• Studio Display with nano-texture glass, tilt- and height-adjustable stand ​​​​​​​– $2,219
• Studio Display with nano-texture glass, tilt-adjustable stand — $1,899 $1,679 ($220 off, or 12%)

We originally published this post on October 7, 2025. We republished with updates on October 8 and October 9, 2025. 

A hot-off-the-presses deal on Apple Watch Series 11 drops at least one version of the new smartwatch to $389. That’s a $10 discount off Apple’s MSRP.

Currently, we’re seeing this discount only on the jet black 42 mm version with a black Sport Band. However, these things can change rapidly. Other models could be discounted as well — or the sale could end abruptly. (The first discount on AirPods Pro 3 disappeared pretty quickly.)

So, if you want to get the latest Apple Watch at the lowest possible price, you should jump on this Series 11 deal.

This post contains affiliate links. Cult of Mac may earn a commission when you use our links to buy items.

Apple Watch deal: Series 11 brings better battery life, more durable screen

Launched in 2015, the Apple Watch quickly evolved from a nerdy fashion statement to a fitness-oriented essential. Apple keeps adding new sensors and capabilities, resulting in a smartwatch that can do much more than measure your heart rate during workouts.

Recent models can take an electrocardiogram, notify you if a loud environment might cause hearing damage, flag potential sleep apnea, provide ovulation estimates and more. The Apple Watch also integrates with Apple Fitness+, so subscribers can get the most out of the service’s guided workouts.

Introduced at Apple’s Awe Dropping event earlier this month, Apple Watch Series 11 brings some key upgrades, including battery life that extends up to 24 hours (up from 18) and a two times more scratch-resistant Ion-X screen.

Hop on this Apple Watch Series 11 deal to strap all these capabilities onto your wrist.

Buy Apple Watch Series 11 from: Amazon

Healthy upgrade

Apple Watch Series 11 (42 mm, GPS, jet black aluminum case with black Sport Band)

$329.00

It might look like Apple Watch Series 10, but the latest model boosts battery life to up to 24 hours. Plus, its Ion-X glass screen is 2x more scratch-resistant than the previous version, according to Apple.

Pros:

• Supports hypertension notifications, sleep score and Workout Buddy
• Aluminum case comes in space gray, jet black, rose gold and silver

Cons:

• Same design as last year (but it's a good one)

Buy from Amazon

Buy from Apple

05/27/2026 11:18 am GMT

You can still save on Apple Watch Series 11

The overall design of Apple Watch Series 11 looks a lot like Apple Watch Series 1o (which brought a slimmer profile and a larger screen). So if the upgrades mentioned above don’t matter that much to you, you might consider going with the 2024 model while supplies last. 

You can get an Apple Watch Series 10 (42 mm, GPS) for as low as $329. 

Other deals drop prices on GPS only (46 mm) and GPS + cellular models (42 mm), but the selection of these older models is drying up fast.

Buy Apple Watch Series 10 (42 mm) from: Amazon

Thinner and lighter than before

Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS, 42 mm case, rose gold aluminum)

$399.00

The Apple Watch Series 10 sports a sleek new design with a slimmer chassis, a bigger display and a faster chip. The build quality is also better than before.

Pros:

• Sleek, stunning design
• Bright display
• Fast charging

Cons:

• Battery life does not last 24 hours.

Buy from Amazon

05/29/2026 08:17 pm GMT

Buy Apple Watch Series 10 (46 mm) from: Amazon

A worthy upgrade

Apple Watch Series 10 [GPS 46mm]

$403.87

The Apple Watch Series 10 sports a sleek new design with a slimmer chassis, a bigger display and a faster chip. The build quality is also better than before.

Pros:

• Sleek, stunning design
• Bright display
• Fast charging

Cons:

• "All-day" battery life only lasts 18 hours

Read our hands-on review: Apple Watch 10: The best gets gloriously better

Buy from Amazon

Buy from Best Buy

05/29/2026 07:17 pm GMT

Cult of Mac‘s Apple Watch Series 10 review praised the wearable for its “blazingly fast” performance and “butter-smooth” animations, all thanks to the S10 chip. (See Apple Watch Series 10 tech specs.)

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: Now that we’re all running the latest software versions on our iPhones and Apple Watches, it’s time to go over the coolest new features.

Yes, Apple’s new Liquid Glass user interface takes some getting used to, but it’s pretty sweet in the end. And there are a bunch of other great additions we love. Join us for the conversation!

Also on The CultCast:

• A MacBook Pro with a touchscreen?!? It might be in the pipeline.
• The updates in iPadOS 26 finally fix the tablet’s multitasking problem.
• The Mac App Store is currently broken — but there’s a workaround.
• Cult of Mac’s buyback program buys everything from AirPods and iPhones to MacBooks and Magic Keyboards, damaged or not. Get your quote now.

Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video live stream, embedded below.

The CultCast live stream archive

Our sponsors: OpenCase and Squarespace

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This week’s top Apple news

On the show this week: Your host, Cult of Mac Publisher and Editor in Chief Leander Kahney (@lkahney), Cult of Mac managing editor Lewis Wallace (@lewiswallace) and Cult of Mac writer D. Griffin Jones (@dgriffinjones).

Here are the things we’re talking about on this week’s show:

• First OLED MacBook Pro could add touchscreen support
• Everything new in iOS 26: Liquid Glass and 70+ new features
• Best new features in iPadOS 26: Major UI revamp, Liquid Glass and more
• Everything new in watchOS 26: Workout Buddy and 15 other features
• Mac software update checker by Max Langer
• Cult of Mac’s buyback program

Compare the Apple Watch Ultra 3 vs. the Ultra 2, and you will see that the new model looks quite similar to its predecessor. You’ll need to squint to notice the Ultra 3’s slightly larger display. And most other changes are internal, like faster charging, longer battery life and satellite connectivity.

Otherwise, this is basically the same rugged smartwatch that Apple launched two years ago. So, if you already own an Apple Watch Ultra 2, should you consider upgrading to the Ultra 3? Or should you save your money instead?

This post contains affiliate links. Cult of Mac may earn a commission when you use our links to buy items.

Apple Watch Ultra 3 vs. Apple Watch Ultra 2 comparison

When the original Apple Watch Ultra arrived in 2022, its big, rugged chassis stood in stark contrast to the regular Apple Watch‘s increasingly sleek design. It packed features aimed at endurance athletes and outdoor adventurers, from its 100-meter water-resistance rating to an 86-decibel emergency siren just in case you tumbled into a ravine.

Even people who never engaged in such potentially life-threatening pursuits enjoyed the Apple Watch Ultra’s 36-hour battery life and its bold profile. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 arrived a year later, bringing a brighter screen and a faster processor.

The Apple Watch Ultra 3, which Apple unveiled at its Awe Dropping event last week, landed two years after the Ultra 2 — a long gap in the fast-moving world of tech.

Naturally, you’d expect big leaps forward. Instead, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 only brings modest refinements. The real question is: are the improvements enough to justify an upgrade?

Table of contents: Apple Watch Ultra 3 vs. Apple Watch Ultra 2

• Design: Rugged, familiar, unchanged
• Display: A more efficient panel
• Chipset: No major leap
• Connectivity: Now with 5G and satellite
• Sensors: No upgrades
• Health: Hypertension comes to Ultra 2
• Battery life: Slightly longer
• Price: Still the same
• Conclusion: Not a worthy upgrade

Design: Rugged, familiar, unchanged

• Apple Watch Ultra 3: One titanium case size (49 mm x 44 mm x 14.4 mm, 61.4 to 61.8 grams); IP6X dust resistant; 100ATM water-resistant; EN13319 certification for diving; sapphire crystal display, dual speakers; three-microphone array; MIL-STD 810H tested; customizable Action button
• Apple Watch Ultra 2: One titanium case size (49 mm x 44 mm x 14.4 mm, 61.6 to 61.8 grams); IP6X dust resistant; 100ATM water-resistant; EN13319 certification for diving; dual speakers; three-microphone array; MIL-STD 810H tested; customizable Action button

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 brings no radical changes in its design or build quality. You get the same 49mm titanium chassis, with the weight, dimensions and IP6X ratings remaining unchanged. It even comes in the same colors as its predecessor: natural and black titanium.

Apple Watch Ultra 3 vs. Ultra 2 displays: A more efficient panel

• Apple Watch Ultra 3: 1,245 sq mm, 422 x 514 pixels; LTPO3 Wide-angle OLED, always-on Retina display, up to 3,000 nits peak brightness, 1 nit minimum brightness
• Apple Watch Ultra 2: 1,185 sq mm, 410 x 502 pixels; LTPO2 OLED, always-on Retina display, up to 3,000 nits peak brightness, 1 nit minimum brightness

Taking a cue from last year’s Apple Watch Series 10, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 uses a newer wide-angle LTPO3 OLED panel. While the peak brightness remains unchanged at 3,000 nits, the new display is more power-efficient. Plus, it can refresh every second in always-on mode. That means you can have watch faces showing the ticking seconds. (Apple updated many of its watch faces to take advantage of the more efficient display.)

More importantly, LTPO3 allows Apple to reduce the watch’s bezels by 24%. Thanks to this, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 packs a bigger screen in the same size chassis. Plus, the wide-angle OLED panel ensures the screen brightness does not take a hit at off angles.

Still, from a display standpoint, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 only brings minor tweaks over the Ultra 2. The changes aren’t significant enough to upgrade.

Chipset: No major leap

• Apple Watch Ultra 3: 64-bit S10 SiP; W3 Apple wireless chip; second-generation Ultra Wideband chip; four-core Neural Engine; 64GB storage;
• Apple Watch Ultra 2: 64-bit S9 SiP; W3 Apple wireless chip; second-generation Ultra Wideband chip; four-core Neural Engine; 64GB storage

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 gets a newer 64-bit S10 SiP. But it does not seem to bring any notable performance or efficiency improvements. Apple did not even talk about the chip while unveiling the Apple Watch Ultra 3 at its Awe Dropping event.

The rest of the hardware remains identical, with a W3 wireless chip, four-core Neural Engine, and 64GB of storage on both models.

Connectivity: Now with 5G and satellite

• Apple Watch Ultra 2: Wi-Fi 4, Bluetooth 5.3, Satellite connectivity, 5G support, dual-frequency L1 and L5 GPS, international emergency calling, Emergency SOS, Emergency SOS via satellite
• Apple Watch Ultra 2: Wi-Fi 4, Bluetooth 5.3, LTE and UMTS; dual-frequency L1 and L5 GPS, international emergency calling, Emergency SOS

From a connectivity viewpoint, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 features two major improvements over the Ultra 2. First, it now features a 5G modem. This means faster cellular data speeds, which should speed up your downloads on the watch. Apple also tweaked its antenna algorithm to optimize for the new networking capability.

Second, and more importantly, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 added support for satellite connectivity, as seen on iPhones in recent years. This enables the Apple Watch Ultra 3 to contact emergency services or your loved ones even when it’s not connected to an iPhone and out of mobile network coverage. This is a potentially life-saving upgrade, especially for hikers, climbers and outdoor enthusiasts who rely on the Apple Watch Ultra during off-the-grid adventures.

Otherwise, the Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GPS connectivity standards on the two models remain the same. 

Sensors: No upgrades

• Apple Watch Ultra 3: High-g accelerometer, high dynamic dynamic gyroscope, water temperature sensor, always-on altimeter with higher operating range, depth gauge and Depth app, Tides app, siren, compass waypoints, double-tap gesture
• Apple Watch Ultra 2: High-g accelerometer, high dynamic dynamic gyroscope, water temperature sensor, always-on altimeter with higher operating range, depth gauge and Depth app, Tides app, siren, compass waypoints, double-tap gesture

Apple’s latest Ultra smartwatch packs the same sensors as its predecessor from two years ago. So, you get a high dynamic range gyroscope, water temperature sensor, an always-on altimeter and support for double-tap gestures.

Health: Hypertension monitoring comes to Ultra 2

• Apple Watch Ultra 2: ECG, third-gen optical heart rate sensor, cycle tracking with ovulation estimates, wrist temperature tracking while sleeping, sleep apnea detection, Vitals app, Training Load, hypertension detection
• Apple Watch Ultra 2: ECG, third-gen Optical heart rate sensor, cycle tracking with ovulation estimates, wrist temperature tracking while sleeping, sleep apnea detection, Vitals app, Training Load, hypertension detection

When comparing the Apple Watch Ultra 3 vs. Ultra 2, you will find that the updated model does not add any new health sensors. You still get ECG support, the third-gen heart rate sensor, temperature tracking and sleep apnea detection.

When unveiling the Apple Watch Ultra 3, Apple highlighted new hypertension alerts that can detect high blood pressure. However, watchOS 26 brings the feature to Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Apple Watch Series 10 as well.

Apple Watch Ultra 3 vs. Ultra 2 battery life: Slightly longer

• Apple Watch Ultra 3: Up to 42 hours, up to 72 hours in Low Power mode, fast charge from zero to 80% in about 45 minutes, 15 minutes for up to 12 hours of normal use
• Apple Watch Ultra 2: Up to 36 hours, up to 72 hours in Low Power mode, fast charge from zero to 80% in about 60 minutes

Apple boasts that the Apple Watch Ultra 3 lasts six hours longer than its predecessor. However, this improvement does not stem from a more power-efficient display or a larger battery. Instead, Apple appears to have changed its testing methodology, leading to the longer runtime. Still, with regular use, you should get at least two days of battery life with the Apple Watch Ultra 3. 

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 does receive one key upgrade: faster charging speeds. Unlike the Apple Watch Series 10 and Series 11, Apple’s Ultra smartwatch takes a while to fill its beefy battery to 100%. The Ultra 2 only goes from zero to 80% in 60 minutes, with a full charge taking almost 90 minutes.

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 improves on this, reducing the zero to 80% top-up time by 15 minutes to 45 minutes. It’s still not as quick as the Series 11, which hits 80% in 30 minutes, but it’s a solid step forward.

Price: Same as before

• Apple Watch Ultra 3: Starts at $799
• Apple Watch Ultra 2: Started at $799

With no major upgrades, it’s not surprising that Apple is charging the same $799 for the Apple Watch Ultra 3. That’s not cheap, but then if you want the best rugged smartwatch for your iPhone, you don’t have many options.

Apple Watch Ultra 3 vs. Ultra 2 conclusion: Not a worthy upgrade

If you already own the Apple Watch Ultra 2, there’s almost no reason to upgrade to the Ultra 3. Sure, faster charging speeds might be useful in daily use and the satellite connectivity could save your bacon in an emergency. But these upgrades alone are not compelling enough to spend $800 on the watch.

Even if you’re in the market for a new ultra-rugged smartwatch for your iPhone, I’d recommend grabbing the Apple Watch Ultra 2 instead. Retailers like Amazon are offering it at heavy discounts, making it a far better value than spending $799 on the Ultra 3. Of course, that’s only while stocks last.

Pro tip: No matter which Apple Watch Ultra you decide to buy, trade in your old Apple Watch or other gear through Cult of Mac’s buyback program. Lock in a quote in just minutes and receive quick cash for your hassle-free trade-in. Get your free quote now.

Buy Apple Watch Ultra 3 from: Apple or Amazon

More connected than ever

Apple Watch Ultra 3

$779.00

The latest version of Apple's rugged smartwatch adds faster 5G cellular connectivity as well as Emergency SOS via satellite.

Pros:

• Longest battery life of any Apple Watch (up to 42 hours, up to 72 hours in Low Power mode).
• Slightly bigger screen than Apple Watch Ultra 2.

Cons:

• Same (admittedly rugged) design as previous models.

Buy from Amazon

Buy from Apple

05/26/2026 09:14 pm GMT

Buy Apple Watch Ultra 2 from: Amazon

Rugged and ready

Apple Watch Ultra 2

$560.26

Meet the ultimate sports and adventure watch. Apple Watch Ultra 2 offers advanced features for runners, cyclists, swimmers, hikers and divers. Plus, it just looks cool.

Pros:

• Rugged titanium case
• Superbright Always-On Retina display
• Precision dual-frequency GPS
• Powerful health, safety, and connectivity features.
• Up to 36 hours of battery life for normal use and 72 hours in Low Power Mode.

Cons:

• Expensive

Buy from Amazon

05/29/2026 03:17 pm GMT

A major new health feature for recent Apple Watch models can alert users to possible hypertension (aka high blood pressure) by analyzing patterns in their heart data over time. Apple offered a document earlier this week explaining how the Hypertension Notifications feature works using existing sensors.

Available with watchOS 26, the feature works on Apple Watch Series 9 and later models, as well as the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and later.

Hypertension Notifications: How the technology works

Unlike rumored blood pressure monitoring capabilities that would require new hardware, Apple’s hypertension detection comes in watchOS 26 and uses existing optical heart sensor already built into recent Apple Watches. The company developed a new algorithm that analyzes heart data collected over extended periods to identify patterns associated with chronic high blood pressure. And the feature has received FDA approval, lending credibility to Apple’s approach.

The feature requires 30 days of data collection before it can provide notifications. The evaluation period begins from the moment users set up hypertension notifications through the Health app on their iPhone. If the system identifies patterns related to hypertension within the last 30 days of collected heart data, users will receive a notification on their watch.

Apple noted the technology looks for physical changes in veins and arteries over time, rather than providing real-time blood pressure measurements. The company has been clear that it’s not the same as blood pressure monitoring, which remains technically challenging to implement on wearable devices.

Who can use the feature

Hypertension alerts are designed for a specific user group. Apple requires users to be 22 years or older, not pregnant and have no previous diagnosis of hypertension. The feature must be manually enabled (not available by default), likely due to these specific eligibility requirements.

To activate the feature, users need an iPhone 11 or later running the latest iOS, paired with a compatible Apple Watch running the latest watchOS. Wrist Detection must also be enabled for the feature to function properly. The Hypertension Notifications feature is not available on Apple Watch SE models.

What happens after receiving an alert

The notification serves as a prompt for medical consultation rather than a definitive diagnosis. When users receive a hypertension notification, Apple strongly encourages them to discuss the alert with healthcare professionals.

Users who receive alerts get prompts to set up a Blood Pressure Log and use a third-party blood pressure cuff to measure and track their blood pressure for seven days. The log includes options for recording date, time, and systolic and diastolic pressure readings, with daily reminders for morning and evening measurements.

Important limitations and disclaimers

Apple also made clear what the feature cannot do. Hypertension Notifications aren’t intended to diagnose, treat or manage hypertension or related conditions such as blood clots, stroke, atrial fibrillation, congestive heart failure or high cholesterol.

The company also warns that not all people with hypertension will receive notifications, and the Apple Watch cannot detect heart attacks. Users experiencing chest pain or symptoms of a heart attack should immediately contact emergency services rather than relying on their device.

Early reviews of Apple Watch Series 11 seem to agree that while it looks just like its predecessor, this incremental update delivers meaningful improvements in some areas.

The biggest upgrade: longer battery life. But those with an Apple Watch Series 9 or 10 can skip this round unless you really want the six-hour battery boost. Check out review notes and review videos below.

Apple Watch Series 11 reviews roundup: Battery life breakthrough ends 18-hour ceiling

Apple unveiled Apple Watch Series 11 alongside Apple Watch Ultra 3, Apple Watch SE 3 and the iPhone 17 lineup at its Awe Dropping event last week. With the new model closely resembling Apple Watch 10, the most significant upgrade across all reviews is the Series 11’s jump to 24-hour battery life. It ends a decade-long plateau at 18 hours for flagship Apple Watch models.

CNET‘s reviewer consistently managed between 27 and 32 hours per charge, even with heavy usage including notifications, workouts and sleep tracking. The Tom’s Guide reviewer noted she could easily go a day and a half between charges.

TechRadar‘s testing showed about 17 hours from half a charge, with the reviewer pulling his watch off the charger at 54% and not getting down to 1% until after 5 p.m. the next day. The improvement comes from battery capacity increases of 9% in the 42mm model and 11% in the 46mm version, according to multiple reviews.

Engadget emphasized how this addresses a major obstacle to sleep tracking, noting that “it’s the first thing I sacrifice when faced with a dead watch.” All reviewers agreed that the battery gains represent the most practical upgrade for daily users.

Health features expand beyond Apple Watch Series 11

The new hypertension alerts feature garnered significant attention, though reviewers noted it’s not exclusive to Apple Watch Series 11. CNET said the feature works similarly to existing heart health alerts, running quietly in the background and requiring about 30 days of data before surfacing notifications. Importantly, Tom’s Guide clarified that this is not a blood pressure monitor but rather uses an algorithm and optical heart rate sensor to alert users to possible hypertension.

The Apple Watch’s new Sleep Score feature also received positive marks. Engadget praised Apple’s approach, noting “it makes it very easy to see at a glance what areas I should strive to improve,” with color-coded rings showing duration, bedtime consistency and interruptions. TechRadar called it “a long-awaited arrival that’s executed perfectly” and noted it retroactively scores past nights.

Both features will be available on older Apple Watch models through watchOS 26, which several reviewers noted reduces the exclusivity of Series 11’s health improvements.

Design stays familiar with durability improvements

Reviewers universally said Apple Watch Series 11’s design remains virtually identical to Series 10. TechRadar said “placing my 46mm Series 11 review device next to a Series 10 I see an identical rounded-square Apple Watch, aside from the updated paint job.” CNET’s reviewer admitted being “notorious for going hard on my electronics” but reported no scratches after six days, crediting the twice-as-scratch-resistant Ion-X glass.

The 9.7mm thickness carries over from the Series 10, with TechRadar noting “there were times when I forgot it was even there during my seven days of testing” due to the ultra-thin profile.

5G connectivity and watchOS 26 refinements

The addition of 5G support received positive mentions across reviews, though with less enthusiasm than the battery improvements. CNET explained the Series 11 uses “5G RedCap, or 5G Reduced Capacity” which is “more power-efficient at maintaining a connection than previous Apple Watches.”

watchOS 26’s Liquid Glass interface divided opinion slightly. Engadget noted “some people love the glassy translucence, others hate it because of its more organic (less contrasty) look.” The reviewer acknowledged that the glossy upgrade makes the Apple Watch “just a bit harder to read at a glance.”

Performance remains unchanged but adequate

All reviewers noted Series 11 uses the same S10 chip as Series 10, with no meaningful performance improvements. TechRadar listed “no major performance gains year over year” as a con, though the reviewer found apps opened quickly and ran smoothly.

Tom’s Guide noted the lack of meaningful AI upgrades to Siri as a missed opportunity, comparing it unfavorably to Samsung and Google’s more AI-capable smartwatches.

Apple Watch Series 11 reviews verdict: An incremental but meaningful upgrade can be skipped

Despite the lack of major design changes or performance improvements, reviewers generally recommended Apple Watch Series 11, particularly for users coming from older models. CNET concluded “the Series 11 is still my favorite of the bunch” while noting “the gap between it and the competition is narrowing.” TechRadar called it “the most capable and balanced Apple Watch yet.”

However, most reviewers agreed that Apple Watch Series 10 owners can skip this generation. TechRadar said “if you’re rocking a Series 10, you likely don’t need an upgrade unless you’re eager for better battery life.” Tom’s Guide said “those who already own the Series 9 or Series 10 might not find enough here to justify the switch.”

The $399 starting price remains unchanged from Series 10, which reviewers appreciated given current economic pressures. For first-time buyers or those with older Apple Watches, Series 11 represents a solid evolution of Apple’s smartwatch formula, even if it doesn’t break significant new ground.

Apple Watch 11 review videos

 

The Apple Watch 11 reviews roundup post first published on September 16, 2025. We updated it on September 17, 2025. 

watchOS 26 is a more modest update with one headlining new feature, Workout Buddy — on top of 15 other new tweaks. You might overlook the Apple Watch after the excitement of Liquid Glass on your iPhone and Mac, but your tiniest screen still has some stuff worth checking out. 

There are loads of smart new features for those with the latest and greatest. A new wrist flick gesture silences timers and calls. Your volume automatically lowers in quiet rooms. And everyone can appreciate that the Notes app finally makes its way to the watch. 

The update is out now; here’s what to expect. 

Everything new in watchOS 26

The Apple Watch has Apple’s smallest-looking screens — but not even its 1.5-inch displays are immune from the Liquid Glass redesign. While it takes a lighter touch on the watch, you can still be wowed by its live lighting and lensing effects. And if you have a newer model, there are tons of excellent new additions to your little wrist computer.

This year’s update is compatible with the Apple Watch Series 6 and newer, Apple Watch SE 2 and both models of Apple Watch Ultra. You also may have noticed that Apple skipped from watchOS version 11 to 26 — that’s so that all the annual releases use the same number, of the upcoming year.

Table of contents: watchOS 26 new features

1. Liquid Glass
2. Workout Buddy
3. New Watch faces
4. More smart new features
5. Tweaks and changes in apps
6. Other major updates

1. Liquid Glass

watchOS 10 modernized Apple Watch apps with big, bold colors and new UI layouts. The Liquid Glass design doesn’t change how your watch works, but it does give them a glossy new dressing and appearance. 

Everything from the passcode screen to Notification Center to Control Center to the buttons in all your apps have a shiny glass sheen. 

On the Photos watch face, you can choose a new Glass style for the Time Color. The time might not have as much contrast with the background, but you’ll see the cool effect every time you raise your wrist. 

2. Workout Buddy

Workout Buddy will give you personalized encouragement during your workout, like an imaginary coach. It’ll let you know when you hit a milestone, like achieving a week-long workout streak, or literal mile markers during a run. It draws on your own fitness data to be precise. 

When the Workout Buddy chimes in, it automatically pauses and resumes the music or podcasts you’re listening to. 

New Watch faces

watchOS 26 features a handful of new watch faces:

3. Flow has lava lamp-style colorful patterns behind Liquid Glass numerals. You can choose bubbly, abstract shapes or easier-to-read numbers.
4. Exactograph has separate dials for hours, seconds and minutes. They can either be concentric (with four corner complications) or a series of big, moving dials that orbit the center like a solar system.
5. Exclusive to the Apple Watch Ultra, Waypoint builds a compass into the watch face, showing nearby points of interest and saved locations.
6. Exclusive to Hermès models, Faubourg Party shows a series of 8-bit style pixelated animations of cartoon horses.
7. More watch faces now support always-on second hands when the watch is idle on the Series 10, Series 11 and Ultra 3.

More smart new features

A few features are exclusive to the Series 9, Series 10, Series 11, Ultra 2 and Ultra 3:

7. Hypertension alerts analyze how blood vessels respond to heartbeats over a 30-day period and let you know if you’re at risk of high blood pressure. While Apple clarified that it can’t detect all cases, the company expects this feature to identify over 1 million undiagnosed cases.
8. You can flick your wrist away to dismiss a notification, mute a call, stop a timer and more.
9. Volume automatically adjusts to the ambient sound level of the room, so dings and pings don’t rudely interrupt a meeting.
10. Sleep score tracks sleep duration, bedtime consistency, how often you wake up and how much time is spent in each sleep stage. It gives you a grade out of 100. This is available on the Series 6, SE 2 and later.

More smart watchOS 26 features coming to all models:

11. Your watch will recommend apps to open at the bottom of the watch face when it thinks it may be helpful, like the Camera Remote app while you’re using the camera on your iPhone. Some recommendations are based on your daily routine and usage.
12. Similarly, Messages will recommend suggestions based on the conversation — like sharing your location when someone asks where you are. 
13. Call Screening is an intelligent feature that blocks unimportant calls from unknown numbers. People who call you will be asked by a robot to give the reason for their call, and if your phone thinks it sounds important, then it’ll ring you — and show what they said.
14. Hold Assist lets you hang up the phone when you’re put on hold. Your nearby phone will detect the music, wait for a human to pick up, and ring you again. However, Hold Assist can be fooled by systems that interrupt the music with an automated voice.
15. Messages are automatically translated if they’re sent in a different language (supported by the system). This feature is only available on Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2, and requires a paired iPhone running Apple Intelligence. 
16. If you have an Apple Music subscription, you can have music automatically chosen for you based on your taste and the type of workout you’re doing.

Tweaks and changes in apps

12. The Notes app is now available on the Apple Watch. It’s great for quickly checking a recipe, shopping list and jotting down a quick thought before you forget it. A few features, like tables and math notes, are (understandably) limited. 
13. Stopwatch and Timer support always-on animations when the watch is idle on Series 10, Series 11 and Ultra 3.
14. The Photos face can rotate through featured photos of People, Pets, Nature and Cities — just like the photos Lock Screen on the iPhone. 
15. See the custom background image for group chats when someone sets one on an iPhone, iPad or Mac. Apple has a few built-in options, or you can generate one with Image Playground or choose from your own photos.
16. You can see Live Listen transcriptions on your watch when the feature is active on your iPhone. 
17. The Workout app has a new design that uses the new corner-button layout, giving you easier access to common features. 
18. The Watch face gallery has been simplified, with faces grouped into collections. It is far easier to navigate.
19. The Fire, Water, Gradient, Liquid Metal, Vapor and Toy Story watch faces have been removed. 

Other major updates

Check out the other major updates Apple released today:

• Everything new in iOS 26
• Best new features in iPadOS 26
• Everything new in watchOS 26
• Everything new in macOS 26 Tahoe
• Everything new in visionOS 26

During Tuesday’s Awe Dropping event, Apple announced AirPods Pro 3, refreshed every model of Apple Watch and unveiled four all-new iPhones, including the first iPhone Air. It’s an impressive set of products in a pretty quick event.

But if you want to watch an even faster event, you can get the gist in 90 seconds with our Awe Dropping event video recap.

iPhone 17 keynote recap: Watch the event in 90 seconds

The AirPods Pro 3 and the stunning new iPhone Air stole the show. But there’s much more to Apple’s Awe Dropping event. Every Apple Watch got a hearty update, even the oft-neglected Apple Watch SE.

The entire iPhone 17 lineup looks impressive, with a much-upgraded Center Stage camera (that can record simultaneously with the rear camera) and a big update to the telephoto sensor on the Pro models. But best of all, the Pro models come in a vivid color for the first time: cosmic orange.

See all the highlights here:

AirPods Pro 3

AirPods Pro 3 sound like a solid upgrade from the (admittedly great) AirPods Pro 2:

• AirPods Pro 3 benefit from a new earbud design and foam-infused tips that add up to twice the active noise cancellation of prior models, and four times that of the AirPods 4 with ANC.
• Live translation works with Apple Intelligence to translate people speaking in foreign languages in real time. Your iPhone displays your translations. If you’re both wearing AirPods Pro, you can have a live two-way conversation through the earbuds.
• Heart rate sensing comes to AirPods for the first time, in 50 workouts.
• Despite the new features, AirPods Pro 3 cost the same as AirPods Pro 2: $249.

Apple Watch Series 11, Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Apple Watch SE 3

All three Apple Watch models added new features:

• Apple Watch Series 11 offers twice the scratch resistance as Series 10.
• It can detect signs of hypertension by seeing how your blood vessels respond to your heartbeat.
• You’ll get a sleep score based on the quality of your sleep.
• Battery life jumps to 24 hours.
• It carries the same $399 price as Apple Watch Series 10.
• Apple Watch SE 3 gains great features like Apple’s S10 chip, an always-on display, new gestures and temperature sensing. And yet it remains at the previous version’s entry-level price of $249.
• Apple Watch Ultra 3 comes with a slightly bigger display, 42 hours of battery life, satellite connectivity and a new Waypoint watch face at $799.
• All cellular models come with 5G connectivity.

iPhone 17 recap

Apple shook up the iPhone lineup this year, redesigning the Pro models and adding the super-slim iPhone Air. And the “regular” iPhone 17 got some great new features, too:

• The iPhone 17 comes in five gorgeous colors.
• The larger 6.3-inch display adds ProMotion, gets up to 3,000 nits, has the new Ceramic Shield 2 with 3× the scratch resistance and a seven-layer antireflective coating.
• The A19 chip brings a big boost in GPU performance.
• iPhone 17 adds eight more hours of video playback on battery than the iPhone 16.
• The ultrawide camera now packs a 48MP sensor.
• The new Center Stage front camera utilizes a square sensor, allowing it to switch from vertical to horizontal orientations without rotating the phone.
• Prices start at $799 for 256GB model.

iPhone Air

The iPhone Air’s gorgeous, slender design is just the start for this innovative device:

• The iPhone Air‘s pristine, polished titanium frame measures just 5.6mm thin.
• Apple moved the super-slim phone’s internal components to the camera plateau, allowing for a bigger battery.
• It comes in silver, gold, blue and black.
• The A19 Pro chip is the fastest smartphone CPU in the world, according to Apple.
• The N1 chip integrates Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth and Thread support.
• Apple’s new C1X modem is twice as fast as C1.
• You can record the front and rear cameras simultaneously.
• New accessories include a battery pack, translucent case, bumper case and cross-body strap.
• Prices start at $999 for 256GB model.

iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max recap

These definitely look like the most “pro” iPhone Pro models ever:

• The iPhone 17 Pro models now feature a unibody aluminum design.
• An internal vapor chamber improves heat management, leading to 40% better sustained performance.
• This year’s Pro models comes in silver, orange and blue — not black.
• The inset glass panel on the back features Ceramic Shield, while the front glass has Ceramic Shield 2.
• All three cameras feature 48MP sensors, enabling an 8× optical zoom on the telephoto lens.
• Apple produced TechWoven cases and a clear case for the Pro models.
• Prices start at $1,099 for the 256GB variant.

Apple’s innovative new high blood pressure alerts will not be exclusive to the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Apple Watch Series 11. The feature is coming to several older models, giving millions of Apple Watch owners access to potentially lifesaving hypertension alerts.

Apple Watch Series 9, Ultra 2 and later models to get hypertension alerts

Hypertension alerts will be available on Apple Watch Series 9 and later, plus Apple Watch Ultra 2 and later models, running watchOS 26, according to an Apple press release.

High blood pressure — or hypertension — is a leading cause of heart attack and stroke that affects about 1.3 billion people annually. Hypertension is known as the “silent killer” because it’s asymptomatic and often undetected until it’s too late. But hypertension is highly manageable with lifestyle changes.

The new hypertension feature will alert users when their Apple Watch detects signs of high blood pressure using the optical heart sensor and machine learning algorithms.

The sensor analyzes how blood vessels respond to heartbeats over a 30-day period. If it detects signs of chronic high blood pressure, the Apple Watch owner will receive an alert. They’ll be urged to take their blood pressure with a cuff over a seven-day period and notify their doctor — per American Heart Association guidance.

One million alerts

Apple hopes the feature will notify more than 1 million people with undiagnosed hypertension within the first year. The company expects Food and Drug Administration clearance soon. Apple says the feature will become available in more than 150 countries and regions this month.

Apple said it developed the new feature based on health studies involving more than 100,000 participants. Then it validated the hypertension alerts in clinical trials with more than 2,000 participants.

If you own an older Apple Watch, you can expect to get the new feature with the release of watchOS 26, which Apple plans to release on September 15. The new Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Apple Watch Series 11 will begin shipping September 19.

In a pinch, you can charge your AirPods with your iPhone. This feature is very convenient if you know how to use it.  You can also use your iPhone to charge your Apple Watch, or even another iPhone.

Here’s how to take advantage of this capability.

iPhone can be an emergency battery

If there are no electrical sockets nearby and your AirPods or Apple Watch are running low on power, you can use your iPhone to give them a boost. All you need for most of these devices is a compatible cable.

It’s a capability of the newer iPhones with a USB-C port. (Sorry, don’t try this with an earlier model that uses Lightning.)

Charge AirPods with iPhone

Let’s say your AirPods are almost out of juice and you can’t take an afternoon without music. No problem. As our tests prove, you can simply connect the earbuds’ case to your iPhone. Power starts flowing immediately, and your iPhone will charge your AirPods using its battery.

You do need the right cable for this trick, though. Rolling Square inCharge X ($29) is a great option. It’s very, very portable, and works whether your AirPods case uses USB-C or Lightning.

Or recharge an Apple Watch

Alternatively, if you forget to recharge your Apple Watch, you can use your iPhone to do the job. This becomes a bit more complicated because Apple’s wearable requires a proprietary wireless charger, not just a USB-C cable.

We did our testing with a Satechi USB-C Magnetic Charging Dock for Apple Watch ($39.99), which is small enough to go anywhere. Or you can just use the Apple Watch’s regular USB-C charging cable.

How to charge an iPhone with an iPhone

Now let’s consider another scenario. Suppose your iPhone has a 100% charge, but one belonging to your friend/spouse/child is down to 3%. You can be generous and transfer some of the power from your device to theirs.

Again, to get power from one iPhone to another, you will need an appropriate cable (another reason you might want to carry a Rolling Square inCharge X). As with using the iPhone to charge AirPods or Apple Watch, this isn’t an example of reverse wireless charging.

One end of the cable must be USB-C to plug into the iPhone 15 or iPhone 16. The other end also should be USB-C if you’re charging another recent iPhone. For any other model, you need a USB-C-to-Lightning cable.

To start charging another iPhone with your iPhone, simply connect the two handsets with the appropriate cable. If you’re using two iPhone 15 models, the one with more power will immediately begin recharging the one with less power. That’s your only option — you can’t send power to a handset with a higher battery level.

The situation is slightly different if you’re using an iPhone 15 or iPhone 16 to charge an earlier version of the iPhone. Power will always flow from the iPhone 15 or 16 to the older model, no matter what their respective battery levels are.

In Cult of Mac’s testing, an iPhone 15 sends an iPhone 14 about 4W of power. That doesn’t prove particularly quick, but it’s perhaps enough to be useful in a critical situation.

Use with caution

Note that the power transfer isn’t 100% efficient, so dropping one iPhone’s battery level 10% won’t raise another by the same amount. Power is always wasted when charging any battery.

In our tests, an hour of charging brought an iPhone 14’s battery level up by 19% while lowering the iPhone 15’s battery level by 24%.

Bonus trick: Pass-through charging

There’s another way to use this capability that can be very convenient under the right circumstances. And it means you don’t need to drain your iPhone to charge your AirPods, Apple Watch or iPhone.

This method takes advantage of wireless charging. Simply place the iPhone on a wireless charger. Then connect the appropriate charging cable from your iPhone to your AirPods, Apple Watch or another iPhone. Both devices will receive power. If you only have access to a wireless charger and a cable, you can still charge multiple devices simultaneously using this method.

We originally published this post on how to charge AirPods with iPhone on October 12, 2023. We updated the information.

With the launch of Apple Watch Series 11 likely just weeks away, rumors about what to expect remain surprisingly rare. Still, we know a fair amount about what’s coming, based on watchOS 26 and Apple’s usual moves. Additionally, some rumored Apple Watch Ultra 3 features might arrive on the regular model, too.

So, will Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch Ultra 3 bring only minor upgrades, as in the last few years? Or will 2025 be the year Apple recaptures the buzz surrounding its smartwatch, adding exciting new features?

Here’s what we know about Apple Watch Series 11 so far.

Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3 rumors: What to expect

Perhaps due to the Apple Watch’s much smaller supply chain, we see far fewer leaks and rumors about Apple’s smartwatch than we do the iPhone. But that doesn’t mean we’re completely in the dark when it comes to Apple Watch Series 11 rumors.

Plenty of sources suggest Apple’s fall product launch event (possibly scheduled for September 8) will include not just the iPhone 17 lineup, but new Apple Watch models. This timing aligns with Apple’s traditional fall product cycle and matches last year’s “It’s Glowtime” event date, when the iPhone 16 lineup came out alongside Apple Watch Series 10.

If the rumored new features arrive, this year’s models should strengthen the Apple Watch’s position as a health and connectivity device. And that’s even as the company explores more ambitious features like camera integration and blood sugar monitoring for future generations.

Table of contents: Apple Watch 11 rumors

• New S11 processor brings AI capabilities
• Blood pressure monitoring finally arrives
• 5G connectivity expands beyond iPhone
• Design and display improvements
• watchOS 26 and AI integration
• Pricing and release date

New S11 processor brings AI capabilities

The Apple Watch Series 11 most likely will run on a new Apple S11 processor, with enhanced performance over last year’s S10 chip. This processor upgrade should deliver improvements that are particularly important for new AI features coming in watchOS 26 (along with that striking new Liquid Glass user interface coming to all Apple devices).

The enhanced processing power might even enable exclusive capabilities, as SiP updates have historically done for Apple Watch models.

Blood pressure monitoring might join blood-oxygen sensing

Apple’s recently announced blood oxygen monitoring workaround, spurred by an ongoing patent battle, came just in time for new Apple Watches. And it looks like blood pressure monitoring could finally join the party, too. However, it wouldn’t be the first time we thought that and came away disappointed.

If Apple can pull it off this time, high blood pressure detection would stand out as one of the most significant health additions in a long time. Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman said this feature — when it finally arrives — will work similarly to Apple’s existing sleep apnea detection. In this case, it would alert users to potential hypertension without providing specific systolic or diastolic readings. The capability would require new sensors added to the watch hardware, marking another major step in Apple’s health monitoring evolution.

Apple reportedly tested blood pressure tracking internally but encountered technical challenges. Other companies like Omron and Med-Watch successfully implemented wrist-based blood pressure monitoring, though these solutions typically require bulkier designs and offer less precision than dedicated medical devices.

5G connectivity and satellite messaging might expand beyond iPhone

Five years after bringing 5G to the iPhone, Apple reportedly will extend the faster cellular connectivity to its smartwatch lineup. Both the Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3 should support 5G through a special 5G RedCap service designed for low-power wearables.

This upgrade comes as Apple transitions away from Intel as its modem supplier, instead opting for cellular modems from MediaTek.

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is expected to add native satellite messaging. Users who venture off the grid will be able to send texts over Globalstar satellites even without Wi‑Fi or cellular coverage. Could this feature also appear in Series 11? Maybe.

Design and display improvements

Apple Watch Series 11 is expected to maintain the slim, flat-edged design introduced with Apple Watch Series 10, keeping the same 42mm and 46mm size options. However, all display glass will now be manufactured in the United States through Apple’s expanded partnership with Corning’s facility in Kentucky. This domestic production could improve durability, sustainability and repair turnaround times.

Some reports indicate the new model might feature a more energy-efficient LTPO display with higher resolution and improved brightness, potentially extending battery life. While the Series 10 introduced faster charging capabilities, reaching 80% in just 30 minutes, many users continue hoping for longer overall battery life.

watchOS 26 and AI integration

Apple Watch 11 will launch with watchOS 26, featuring Apple’s new Liquid Glass interface design that creates visual consistency across the company’s ecosystem. The update includes an AI-powered Workout Buddy that provides real-time feedback during exercises, though this feature requires pairing with a newer, Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone.

Looking ahead, Apple is reportedly developing a comprehensive Health app overhaul code-named Project Mulberry that could bring AI-powered health recommendations and insights, potentially arriving with iOS 19 and watchOS 11.

Apple Watch Series 11 rumors: Pricing and release date

The price for the base model Apple Watch Series 10, Series 9, Series 8, Series 7, Series 6, Series 5 and so on has been $399. We could see a cost increase, possibly fueled by tariffs, but that would break a long-held practice.

And speaking of long-held practices, September is the traditional time for new watchOS devices, and rumors aren’t needed for us to expect that to be when Apple Watch Series 11 launches. Assuming Apple’s launch event, rumored to happen the week of September 8, does include new Apple Watch models, we should see them on store shelves soon after.

Preorders for Apple Watch Series 11 and Apple Watch Ultra 3 could begin on Friday, September 12, with general availability starting September 19. However, production problems or newly imposed tariffs might affect this timeline.

Ed Hardy contributed to this post. We originally published this Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3 rumor roundup on August 4, 2025. We updated the post.

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: A string of leaks from Majin Bu showcase a new line of “TechWoven” iPhone cases. This looks to be Apple’s replacement for the hated FineWoven cases, with a new material that will make the whole thing less sucky.

But does the world really need a replacement for leather iPhone cases?

Also on The CultCast:

• iPhone 17e might take a welcome trip to the Dynamic Island, and the Apple Watch might add Touch ID.
• An eye-popping eight-display setup leaves us slightly amazed and full of questions.
• Anker’s brand-new iPhone power bank is super-slim and super-cool.

Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video version, embedded below.

The CultCast No. 713: Somehow, FineWoven returned

Our sponsor: Insta360 Go Ultra

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This week’s top Apple news

On the show this week: Your host, Cult of Mac publisher/EIC Leander Kahney (@lkahney), Cult of Mac managing editor Lewis Wallace (@lewiswallace) and Cult of Mac writer/video producer D. Griffin Jones (@dgriffinjones).

Here are the headlines we’re talking about on this week’s show:

• Apple’s new TechWoven iPhone cases might suck less than FineWoven
• iPhone 17e might ditch notch for Dynamic Island
• Touch ID could come to Apple Watch

This week’s featured setup

As seen in our roundup of mind-blowing multi monitor setups, this eight-display monstrosity is total overkill! It combines three iMacs, a PC, five Dell 4K monitors and much more into a wild, wraparound setup.

Its owner — an L.A. video editor — likely puts it to good use. Still, we have questions and quibbles …

Under Review: Anker Nano Power Bank (5K, MagGo, Slim)

Finally, a battery pack that doesn’t make your iPhone feel like a brick! With review units in hand, Lewis and Griffin both marveled at how incredibly thin this new 5,000mAh MagSafe charger is.

It’s lightweight (about 3 ounces) and, at just over a quarter-inch thick, it fits beautifully on the back of an iPhone 16 Pro Max. It’s Qi2 certified, and its cooling system keeps it from turning into a griddle when magnetically attached to your phone.

It seems perfect for those days when you’re going to be out and about longer than your iPhone will last. (Never mind those weird hieroglyphics along the edge.)

Now available for preorders from Anker. It ships September 7.

Listener question of the week

More of a comment, really, but melgross’ question about Apple’s rumored “iPad on a stick” robot gave us another chance to talk about one of the most intriguing products in Tim Cook‘s magic pipeline.

A redesigned blood oxygen measurement capability will arrive Thursday for Apple Watch models that lost access to the feature due to a patent dispute.

Apple found a workaround that involves the Apple Watch testing the user’s blood oxygenation level, then displaying the reading on a paired iPhone.

Update: Apple released iOS 18.6.1 and watchOS 11.6.1 with the promised workaround.

Apple Watch gets blood oxygen sensing back, but not the app

As discussed in a recent Cult of Mac editorial, Apple is involved in a patent-infringement battle with Irvine, California-based Masimo Corp. and its sibling company, Cercacor Laboratories. And Apple keeps losing, to the point that the International Trade Commission banned the import into the United States of Apple Watches that use the disputed technology.

However, a recent U.S. Customs ruling enabled Apple to come up with a workaround. This doesn’t fully bring the missing Blood Oxygen app back to Apple Watches that lost it. However, users gain the same functionality via exchanging information between the smartwatch and an iPhone.

“Sensor data from the Blood Oxygen app on Apple Watch will be measured and calculated on the paired iPhone, and results can be viewed in the Respiratory section of the Health app,” Apple said Thursday in a press release announcing the return of the missing feature.

Good for many US Apple Watch wearers

The change only affects people who bought a new Apple Watch Series 9, Apple Watch Series 10 or Apple Watch Ultra 2 in the United States since early 2024. Due to a court order, those models did not come with Apple’s Blood Oxygen app enabled.

To gain the same functionality as the app, members of this group need to install iOS 18.6.1 on their iPhones and watchOS 11.6.1 on their Apple Watches. As noted, Apple released the operating system updates today.

As part of our ongoing goal to help you live a healthier life, we launched a redesigned Blood Oxygen feature for Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, and Ultra 2 users in the US today!

Download the latest software to try it out.

— Greg Joswiak (@gregjoz) August 14, 2025

Apple Watch users outside the United States, and anyone who bought a device before early 2024, still have the Blood Oxygen app. They shouldn’t be affected by the change in functionality Apple just announced.

Another group benefiting from the change is anyone in the United States interested in an Apple Watch Series 11 or Ultra 3, which are expected to launch in September. These new versions can now include blood oxygen sensing when sold in the United States.

When we polled Cult of Mac readers on what feature they want most in Apple Watch Series 11, the answer came through loud and clear: Bring back the Blood Oxygen app! None of the rumored upcoming Apple Watch features drew more attention than one that went missing last year over a patent dispute.

Unfortunately, the Blood Oxygen app remains tied up in U.S. courts. Apple needs to work out the problem, and soon. The missing Blood Oxygen app is undoubtedly hurting Apple Watch sales and angering customers. And it’s only going to get worse when the Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3 launch next month — assuming Apple doesn’t come up with a workaround.

Apple Watch Blood Oxygen app: A missing essential

Some of you are likely confused at this point because your Apple Watch has the Blood Oxygen app, which measures oxygen saturation levels in the wearer’s bloodstream. If you live outside the United States, this problem doesn’t affect you. The same is true if you use an older Apple Watch in the United States.

Since early 2024, Apple has been forbidden to install the Blood Oxygen app, which pulls data from an optical sensor, on new Apple Watch models sold in the United States. The sensor itself remains in the Apple Watches, and the app can be reinstalled when (or if) Apple settles the legal dispute.

But until it does, no new Apple Watch sold in the United States will include the Blood Oxygen app.

Bad news for the 2025 Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3

If you are an American with an older Apple Watch who uses the Blood Oxygen app, you need to think hard before upgrading to one of the 2025 models. You’ll lose that feature if you do. (Read our deep dive into how to use the Apple Watch’s blood oxygen sensor, and what it’s good for, to see what you would be giving up.)

You still might be interested in one of Cupertino’s new wearables, especially if the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and Apple Watch Series 11 get the rumored blood pressure trend detection feature. But we know plenty of Cult of Mac readers think getting the Blood Oxygen app back is critical. Early this week, our free Cult of Mac Today newsletter (which you should subscribe to) included a poll asking readers which rumored Series 11 feature they were most excited about. Returning the Blood Oxygen app got nearly 50% of all the votes. It easily beat every other possibility.

Bad for everyone

A situation where consumers want the latest Apple Watch but won’t get it because it lacks a feature their older version has is bad for consumers and bad for Apple.

Surely I don’t need to explain why the missing Blood Oxygen app is frustrating for U.S. shoppers. A feature their current Apple Watch has is not an option for a new model, even though users of the same wearable in other countries gain access to it.

On the other side of the coin, the problem is undoubtedly costing Apple money. The fall quarter of 2023 was the last before Apple pulled the Blood Oxygen app from new Apple Watches, and Cupertino’s revenue from wearables has dropped every quarter since then. Every single one.

This is a problem that urgently needs fixing.

Why Apple Watch Blood Oxygen app went missing

At the heart of the problem is a court battle that pits Apple against Irvine, California.-based Masimo Corp. and its sibling company, Cercacor Laboratories. The alleged patent infringement involves light-based pulse oximeters that measure blood oxygen. The data can be used to identify breathing problems, lung disease, circulation issues and other medical conditions.

While developing the version of the tech that goes into the Apple Watch, Cupertino made some interesting hires. They included Marcelo Lamego (Cercacor’s chief technology officer), Michael O’Reilly (Masimo’s chief medical officer) and 30 other Masimo employees. Masimo argues that these former employees gave Apple proprietary information — and that the Apple Watch violates Masimo’s patents.

The company convinced court after court that it was in the right, to the point that the International Trade Commission banned the import into the United States of Apple Watches that use the disputed technology.

To be clear, Masimo is not a patent troll — a company that does nothing but sue successful product makers using dodgy patent-infringement claims. Masimo took in $2 billion in 2024 selling wearables with pulse oximeters.

Write them a check, Apple

The long-term solution that’s a win for everyone is for Apple to license the patents in question. It’s time the iPhone maker gives up hope on finding an alternative way to do the same job without infringing on Masimo’s patents.

Write Masimo a check, Apple. Court after court agrees you’re in the wrong. You’re only hurting yourself and your customers. Please stop.

Fingers crossed on Blood Oxygen app in 2025 Apple Watches

We can look forward to Apple unveiling the Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3 next month (likely on September 8). The best thing U.S. Apple Watch fans can hope for during the launch event is an announcement that Apple reached a patent-licensing deal with Masimo that returns the Blood Oxygen app to all Apple Watches in the United States, new and old.

If that happens, there’ll be a burst of sales as many people using older Apple Watch models upgrade to the new ones. If it doesn’t, Apple likely can look forward to another quarter of declining revenue from wearables. And a whole lot of frustrated customers.

Strap on a refurbished Apple Watch Series 6 — with the elusive Blood Oxygen app and cellular connectivity — for just $123.99 (regularly $399).

If you’ve been thinking about getting an Apple Watch but aren’t interested in paying full price for the newest model, the Apple Watch Series 6 is a smart, cost-effective option. This refurbished 44mm GPS + Cellular version works for fitness tracking, everyday health monitoring and basic communication. And, unlike on more recent models, you can track your blood oxygen levels!

Apple Watch Series 6 refurbished: Cellular and banned Blood Oxygen app

GPS + Cellular

Apple Watch Series 6 (Refurbished)

The Apple Watch Series 6 still has a lot to offer, including the most important health and wellness sensors and a very cool always-on display. Most importantly, it still has the blood oxygen sensor that's been removed from newer models because of a patent dispute.

Pros:

• 44mm Space Gray
• GPS + Cellular
• Always-on Retina display
• Blood oxygen sensor

Cons:

• Slightly smaller screen than latest models

Read our hands-on review: Apple Watch Series 6: Color us impressed [Review]

Buy from Cult of Mac Deals

In early 2024, Apple disabled the Blood Oxygen app on Apple Watch models because of a patent dispute. But the sensor continues to work in Apple Watch Series 6, including refurbished models like this one.

This incredibly cheap deal also includes cellular connectivity, so you can take calls, send texts and receive notifications directly from your wrist when your iPhone isn’t nearby.

Apple Watch Series 6: Everything you need

Compared to Apple Watch Series 10, which Cult of Mac called “larger, thinner, lighter and more lushly curvaceous than predecessors” in a glowing review, the Series 6 model isn’t missing much. The latest Series 10 models are slightly sleeker and have bigger screens and a faster chip. But the only new sensors are for sleep apnea detection, body temperature monitoring, crash detection, and a water temperature and depth gauge.

For most fitness and wellness tracking, the Series 6 does it all.

It comes with an always-on Retina display, which means you can check the time, your heart rate or your activity rings without having to raise your wrist. The display is bright and easy to read in most lighting conditions, making it convenient for quick glances throughout the day.

In terms of health and fitness tools, this refurbished Apple Watch Series 6 includes built-in GPS, the Blood Oxygen app and the ECG app (powered by the built-in electrical heart sensor). You can track workouts, measure your pace and distance, and monitor important health data. It also includes an always-on altimeter for elevation tracking during hikes or outdoor runs.

Pretty major markdown

Additional features in the refurbished Apple Watch Series 6 include fall detection, high and low heart rate alerts, and a noise-monitoring app that helps protect your hearing. The watch is water resistant up to 50 meters, so it’s safe to wear in the rain or during a workout. Just don’t wear it if you’re planning on going deep-sea diving. If you subscribe to Apple Fitness+, you’ll also be able to follow guided workouts using your watch, which is a pretty cool little extra.

This model comes with 32GB of internal storage and supports Bluetooth 5.0 and dual-band Wi-Fi. It’s compatible with iPhones starting from the iPhone Xs or iPhone SE (second generation) and is currently supported by watchOS 11, with future updates expected. The refurbished unit is rated Grade B, which means it might show light cosmetic wear, but it still works great. And you get a pretty major markdown on the price.

In the box, you’ll get the Apple Watch Series 6, a sport strap and a magnetic charging cable. A 30-day parts and labor warranty is also provided by a third party.

Save on a refurbished Apple Watch Series 6

If you want an Apple Watch but are watching your budget, get a refurbished Apple Watch Series 6 while it’s on sale for $123.99.

Buy from: Cult of Mac Deals

GPS + Cellular

Apple Watch Series 6 (Refurbished)

The Apple Watch Series 6 still has a lot to offer, including the most important health and wellness sensors and a very cool always-on display. Most importantly, it still has the blood oxygen sensor that's been removed from newer models because of a patent dispute.

Pros:

• 44mm Space Gray
• GPS + Cellular
• Always-on Retina display
• Blood oxygen sensor

Cons:

• Slightly smaller screen than latest models

Read our hands-on review: Apple Watch Series 6: Color us impressed [Review]

Buy from Cult of Mac Deals

Prices subject to change. All sales handled by StackSocial, our partner who runs Cult of Mac Deals. For customer support, please email StackSocial directly.

How many times have you been out and about only to find your iPhone, Apple Watch or AirPods battery dead or running on empty right when you need it? That’s why Anker offered its MagGo 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station. The tiny Anker travel charger folds up so you can forget about it in your bag or coat pocket until the need for charging arises.

And right now, you can get the snappy little charger for just $62.99. It’s on sale for a limited time at Amazon and direct from Anker.

This post contains affiliate links. Cult of Mac may earn a commission when you use our links to buy items.

Save on Anker MagGo travel charger: Get foldable 3-in-1 at 20% off

Great for travel!

Anker MagGo Wireless Charging Station (3-in-1, Foldable Pad)

$69.99

Anker's snappy MagSafe- and Qi2-compatible folding charger keeps iPhone 16 going with 15 watts of fast-charging power, along with Apple Watch and AirPods. Compatible with iPhone 16/15/14/13/12. Not a power bank.

Pros:

• 15W of fast charging for MagSafe iPhones
• Charges three devices at once
• Folds up tiny for travel

Cons:

• No additional ports for more devices

Buy from Amazon

Buy from Anker

05/30/2026 09:17 am GMT

Anker released a whole line of MagSafe-compatible MagGo accessories in late 2024. And this tiny, travel-friendly 3-in-1 charger is one of our favorites of the bunch.

It lets you harness the power of 15W ultra-fast wireless charging, outpacing traditional chargers and rapidly replenishing your iPhone 15 Pro to 20% in just 15 minutes, and Apple Watch Series 9 to 30% in 22 minutes, according to Anker. It works with MagSafe and Qi2 accessories to fit into any workspace, too. You can use it with iPhone 16/15/14/13/12, AirPods and Apple Watch.

Charge iPhone, AirPods and Apple Watch simultaneously

You can view your iPhone in landscape orientation with StandBy mode when the charger is folded, ensuring a seamless and convenient charging experience. That lets you watch movies or scroll social media with ease, even when the handset is topping off.

In the box, you’ll find the Anker MagGo Wireless Charging Station (3-in-1, foldable pad), a 40W adapter, a 5-foot (1.5m) USB-C to USB-C cable, a welcome guide and a 24-month warranty. That’s a convenient setup for charging anywhere you can find an electrical outlet.

So, if you could use a little extra help on the charging front, you can snap up the little charger for about $63. That’s a 30% discount off the regular price of $89.99. And you can get it in your choice of colors — white, black, pink or teal green.

Buy from: Amazon or Anker (must clip digital coupon for $27 discount)

Great for travel!

Anker MagGo Wireless Charging Station (3-in-1, Foldable Pad)

$69.99

Anker's snappy MagSafe- and Qi2-compatible folding charger keeps iPhone 16 going with 15 watts of fast-charging power, along with Apple Watch and AirPods. Compatible with iPhone 16/15/14/13/12. Not a power bank.

Pros:

• 15W of fast charging for MagSafe iPhones
• Charges three devices at once
• Folds up tiny for travel

Cons:

• No additional ports for more devices

Buy from Amazon

Buy from Anker

05/30/2026 09:17 am GMT

We originally published this post on the Anker MagGo 3-in-1 travel charger on February 12, 2025. We updated the pricing info.

You can download the watchOS 26 public beta right now. With it, you can try out the great new Liquid Glass design coming to the Apple Watch before Apple ships the update to everyone. And you can check out Workout Buddy, the AI-powered coach that gives you encouragement during your workouts.

Of course, there are a few things you should look out for. Beta software is buggy and can lead to data loss or apps that don’t work. This particular beta is a rough one, with lots of broken animations and features. A lot of apps you use probably won’t work correctly. I strongly recommend that you at least wait for the public beta — it’ll be available starting in July.

If you’re still sure you want to try it out, you’ll need to install iOS 26 on your iPhone first. I’ll show you how.

How to download the watchOS 26 public beta

Table of contents: How to download the watchOS 26 public beta

1. Install the iOS 26 public beta
2. Switch to allow beta software updates
3. Install the update

1. Install the iOS 26 public beta

Before you download the watchOS beta, you need to install the iOS beta on the same iPhone that’s tied to your Apple Watch. You can find that article here — remember to double-check that you have a recent iCloud backup and that your Photos library is synced first.

2. Switch to allow beta software updates

On your iPhone, open the Apple Watch app and tap General > Software Update. After it checks for updates, you’ll see the option appear for Beta Updates. Tap that and you’ll see the options currently available: Off, watchOS 26 Public Beta, watchOS 26 Developer Beta, watchOS 11 Public Beta and watchOS 11 Developer Beta.

• The watchOS 26 Public Beta is a safer way to enjoy the prerelease software. Updates will go out at the same pace of every two to three weeks, but released about a day later to make sure there are no critical bugs in the software.
• The watchOS 26 Developer Beta is the fast track, intended for app developers to test functionality and implement new features. These betas are released a little early, but have a higher risk of bugs.

Tap watchOS 26 Public Beta to get the flashy new update with all the latest fitness features.

3. Download the watchOS 26 beta update

Swipe back and you’ll see the watchOS 26 update available. Tap Download and Install to, well, download and install the update. Going up a major release version may take longer than the usual software update.

At the end, you’ll reboot into the shiny new watchOS 26 beta! You can expect to get a new software update every few weeks until September.

We originally published this article on how to download the watchOS beta on June 11, 2024. We updated it with the latest information on June 10, 2025 and June 25, 2025.

There’s still plenty of time left in Amazon Prime Day this week to snag deals on multi-device MagSafe chargers from Belkin and other makers. So if you want, say, Belkin’s MagSafe 3-in-1 Fast Wireless Charging Pad for nearly half off — or other good deals on chargers for iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods from various companies — see the Amazon links below. And note that Prime Day prices may fluctuate.

This post contains affiliate links. Cult of Mac may earn a commission when you use our links to buy items.

Amazon Prime Day MagSafe charger deals from Belkin, Anker and others

Multiple-device MagSafe chargers make topping off Apple devices at home or at the office easy. And you don’t have to spend a ton, either. If you’re looking to spend the least amount of money you can on a 3-in-1 charger, check out the Prime Day deal on the Jargou 3 in 1 Charging Station for iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods — it’s just $29.99 $19.98 (33% off).

And then there are the major brands we know and love, like Belkin. Its 3-in-1 MagSafe charging pad, also available as a 3-in-1 stand, solves most of your household charging needs for Apple gear. Just stick your MagSafe iPhone, AirPods charging case and Apple Watch on there whenever necessary, and you’re set. And you can easily take the slim pad version with you for portable gadget charging. See deals on various versions of MagSafe charging pads and stands for Apple devices, below. Because sometimes Apple’s MagSafe charger for one device isn’t enough (even if it is 18% off right now).

Check out these bargains on Belkin MagSafe chargers

Take it with you!

Belkin MagSafe 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Pad

$86.99

This folding portable pad offers fast wireless charging for Apple Watch, iPhone 16, iPhone 15, iPhone 14 and iPhone 12 Series, plus AirPods.

Pros:

• 15 watts of fast wireless charging
• Juices up 3 devices at once
• Folds for easy carry

Cons:

• Not for big devices like laptops

Buy from Amazon

05/26/2026 12:18 am GMT

• Belkin MagSafe 3-in-1 Fast Wireless Charging Pad for Apple Watch, iPhone 15, iPhone 14, iPhone 13, & iPhone 12 Series, & AirPods – Charging Station for Multiple Devices – Black — $149.99 $85.49 (43% off)
• Belkin MagSafe Charger, 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Stand, 2ND GEN, 33% Faster for Apple Watch, iPhone 15, iPhone 14, iPhone 13 Series, AirPods – MagSafe Charging Station for Multiple Devices – Black — $129.99 $110.49 (15% off); $105  in white (19% off)
• Belkin BoostCharge Pro 2-in-1 Wireless Charging Pad with MagSafe 15W, Fast Charging iPhone Charger Compatible with iPhone 15, 14, 13, and 12 Series, AirPods, and Other MagSafe Enabled Devices, Black, Sand or White colors — $79.99 $39.99 (50% off);
• Get newer version of above 2-in-1 pad for $79.99 $44.99 (44% off)
• Get newest 3-in-1 pad for $109.99 $72.99 (34% off)
• Belkin 2-in-1 MagSafe Wireless Charging Dock 15W Fast Charge iPhone Charger Compatible with iPhone 15, 14, 13, and 12 Series, AirPods, and Other MagSafe Enabled Devices, includes Power Supply – Black, Sand or White colors — $129.99 $119.95 ($10 off)

Other deals on similar products

• Anker MagGo 3-in-1 iPhone 16 Charging Station, MagSafe-Compatible Wireless Charger Stand, Qi2 Certified 15W Foldable Charger for iPhone 15, AirPods, Apple Watch 9 (not a power bank, adapter included) — — $109.99 $76.99 (30% off)
• Anker MagGo 3-in-1 Charging Station Qi2 Certified 15W Magnetic Wireless Charger Dock Stand, For iPhone16/15/14/13/12 Series, Apple Watch, AirPods and more (adapter included) — $89.99 $62.99 (30% off)
• Anker MagSafe Charger Stand, 3-in-1 Cube with MagSafe, 15W Max Fast Charging Stand, Foldable Wireless Charger for iPhone 15/14/13, Apple Watch S1-8/Ultra, AirPods (30W USB-C Charger Included) — $149.95 $103.99 (31% off)
• Petino 3-in-1 Charging Station for Apple Devices: used for iPhone and Watch Charging Station with Magsafe Charger Stand, Wireless Charger for iPhone15/14/13/12, Apple Watch 1-9/Ultra, AirPods 3 Pro — $88.99 $55.66 (with 15% off coupon on product page)
• ESR Qi2 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Station, [Certified] Apple Watch Charger & 15W Qi2 MagSafe Charger Stand for iPhone, Wireless Charger for Multiple Devices iPhone 15/14/13&Watch&AirPods,Black — $36.39 $29.99 (18% off)

Great for travel!

Anker MagGo Wireless Charging Station (3-in-1, Foldable Pad)

$69.99

Anker's snappy MagSafe- and Qi2-compatible folding charger keeps iPhone 16 going with 15 watts of fast-charging power, along with Apple Watch and AirPods. Compatible with iPhone 16/15/14/13/12. Not a power bank.

Pros:

• 15W of fast charging for MagSafe iPhones
• Charges three devices at once
• Folds up tiny for travel

Cons:

• No additional ports for more devices

Buy from Amazon

Buy from Anker

05/30/2026 09:17 am GMT

And don’t miss our guide to the best Prime Day deals on Apple products.

This post first published on July 17, 2024, and republished with updated prices and new additions on July 9, 2025. 

This year’s Amazon Prime Day sale may be the best one yet to score a deeply discounted Apple Watch — if supplies last.

Last year, models like the Apple Watch SE and Series 9 hit their lowest ever prices on Prime Day. This year sees all the major Apple Watch models at record lows, including the latest Series 10, the already low-price SE and the refreshed Ultra 2.

However, there’s a strong possibility stock may sell out before the four-day sale ends.

This post contains affiliate links. Cult of Mac may earn a commission when you use our links to buy items.

Apple Watch Prime Day 2025: Likely the best discounts all year

Amazon Prime Day is always a great time to save on Apple gear, but this year Apple Watch discounts are poised to be particularly strong. Amazon is dropping prices on all major Apple Watch models their all-time lowest prices, including the new Series 10 up to $100 off, Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) for just $169 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 for $649 (regularly $799).

Amazon did the same thing last year for the Series 9 and SE, and many of the more popular colors and band combinations sold out. Analysts are predicting this year’s sale will be even bigger, and although it’s been extended for four days for the first time (July 8–11), the same is likely to happen this year.

Apple Watch Series 10 deals

Thinner and lighter than before

Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS, 42 mm case, rose gold aluminum)

$399.00

The Apple Watch Series 10 sports a sleek new design with a slimmer chassis, a bigger display and a faster chip. The build quality is also better than before.

Pros:

• Sleek, stunning design
• Bright display
• Fast charging

Cons:

• Battery life does not last 24 hours.

Buy from Amazon

05/29/2026 08:17 pm GMT

Apple’s latest flagship Apple Watch — the Apple Watch Series 10 — stands out for its thinner, lighter design, largest and brightest display yet, advanced health features like sleep apnea detection, and much faster charging — reaching 80% in just 30 minutes. The Series 10 is a handsome timepiece, and its always-on display is especially good for analog faces with ticking hands.

Amazon is discounting numerous case materials (aluminum or titanium), colors and band styles, as well as GPS and GPS + Cellular models, and with or without AppleCare. Some highlights include:

• Apple Watch Series 10 [GPS 46mm case] Jet Black Aluminium case with Black Sport Band — $429 $329 ($100 off, or 23%).
• Apple Watch Series 10 [GPS 46mm case] Silver Aluminium case with Blue Cloud Sport Loop — $429 $329 ($100 off, or 23%).
• Apple Watch Series 10 [GPS 42mm case] Rose Gold Aluminium case with Light Blush Sport Band — $399 $299 ($100 off, or 25%).
• Apple Watch Series 10 [GPS 42mm] Silver Aluminium Case with Blue Cloud Sport Loop — $399 $299 ($100 off, or 25%).
• Apple Watch Series 10 [GPS + Cellular 46mm] with Gold Titanium Case and Gold Milanese Loop with AppleCare+ (2 Years) — $878 $778 ($100 off, or 11%).

Apple Watch Ultra 2 deals

Rugged and handsome

Apple Watch Ultra 2 [Black Titanium, GPS + Cellular, 49mm]

$599.99

Apple's rugged wearable features a Black Titanium Case with Black Trail Loop in size M/L. Includes fitness tracker, Precision GPS and Action button.

Pros:

• Sleek black titanium finish
• Up to 3,000 nits of brightness
• Precision GPS

Cons:

• Large case might not suit all wrists

Buy from Amazon

05/24/2026 03:16 pm GMT

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is ideal for athletes and outdoor adventurers. It has a rugged titanium build, super bright 49mm display, exceptional 55 hour battery life, and advanced features like precise GPS, depth and water temperature sensors, and on-device Siri. It’s pricier than other models, but oh so worth it. Amazon is discounting both the Black Titanium and Natural Titanium case models, with multiple band options, to their lowest prices to date. One model (Black Titanium with Black Trail Loop) is even priced at $636, but it’s likely to sell out fast.

• Apple Watch Ultra 2 [GPS + Cellular 49mm] Black Titanium Case with Dark Green Alpine Loop — $799 $649 ($150 off, or 19%).
• Apple Watch Ultra 2 [GPS + Cellular 49mm] Black Titanium Case with Black Trail Loop — $799 $649 ($150 off, or 19%).
• Apple Watch Ultra 2 [GPS + Cellular 49mm] Natural Titanium Case with Navy Ocean Band — $799 $649 ($150 off, or 19%).
• Apple Watch Ultra 2 [GPS + Cellular 49mm] Natural Titanium Case with Tan Alpine Loop — $799 $649 ($150 off, or 19%).

Apple Watch SE deals

Cheaper than ever

Apple Watch SE (2nd-gen, 40mm, Starlight)

$249.99

The second-generation Apple Watch SE is an amazing value, with features to help you keep motivated and active, stay connected, and track your health with enhanced workout metrics. Plus, stay safe with Fall Detection and Crash Detection.

Pros:

• Good budget smartwatch
• Includes all basic Apple Watch health features

Cons:

• Missing advanced health sensors like sleep apnea

Buy from Amazon

05/30/2026 08:17 am GMT

If you don’t want to spend much on a smartwatch, the Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) is a great budget alternative. It misses out on sleep apnea and other advanced health metrics, but the overall experience is mostly the same. The SE is a great starter smartwatch and is perfect for kids — and it helps you track them. Prime Day prices start at just $169, an all-time low.

• Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) [GPS 40mm] Starlight Aluminum Case with Starlight Sport Band — $249 $169 ($80 off, or 32%)
• Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) [GPS 40mm] Midnight Aluminum Case with Midnight Sport Band — $249 $169 ($80 off, or 32%)
• Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) [GPS + Cellular 40mm] Smartwatch with Midnight Aluminum Case with Ink Sport Loop — $299 $219 ($80 off, or 27%)

Apple Watch sales at Best Buy

Not to be outdone, Best Buy is matching these prices in many cases.

After a very modest refresh last year, rumors indicate the Apple Watch Ultra 3 — set to launch this September alongside the iPhone 17 series — will mark Apple’s most ambitious wearable update yet.

Here’s what we’re expecting in 2025’s major overhaul of Apple’s rugged smartwatch. Keep reading or check out our latest video. 

Rumors point to significant Apple Watch Ultra 3 upgrade

Apple expanded its smartwatch offerings in 2022 with the launch of the original Apple Watch Ultra. Not only is the Ultra larger than any previous version, it’s also more rugged. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 brought a faster processor and brighter screen in 2023, but last year Apple doled out only the most minor of upgrades – a new satin black color.

Still, 2025 could make up for it with a lengthy list of enhancements.

Satellite messaging and blood pressure monitoring

One of the most anticipated new features is native satellite messaging, mirroring the functionality introduced to iPhone in iOS 18. If the rumors prove true, Apple Watch Ultra 3 users who venture off the grid will be able to send texts over Globalstar satellites even without Wi‑Fi or cellular coverage. The upgrade seems tailor-made for adventurers and backcountry explorers who make up the target market for the Ultra series.

Another blockbuster potential feature is non-invasive blood pressure trend detection. Just be aware that, instead of precise readings, the smartwatch would monitor for hypertension risk and alert users about potential problems (echoing Apple’s strategy with sleep apnea detection). However, Apple has been struggling for years to pull off blood pressure monitoring. Technical hurdles could delay the feature yet again.

Other Apple Watch Ultra 3 rumors point to a switch from a Qualcomm LTE cellular-wireless modem to a MediaTek chip that supports 5G RedCap — a power-efficient version of 5G designed for wearables and “internet of things” devices. This tech promises data access faster than LTE but without the battery drain of standard 5G.

Display and design changes

The Ultra 3 likely will inherit the Apple Watch Series 10 display technology from 2024 — an LTPO3 OLED screen with always-on mode, live second hands and increased brightness at wide angles.

Other changes might include a metal rear housing like the one on Series 10 and support for faster charging: up to 80% in just 30 minutes.

Internally, the premium smartwatch is rumored to pack Apple’s S11 (or a refined S10) processor. That should bring power and efficiency boosts and potentially a longer battery life.

Apple Watch Ultra 3 launching with watchOS 26

Two factors determine the launch date for the Apple Watch Ultra 3. One is tradition: So many previous Apple smartwatches came out in early autumn that everyone expects a September launch for the next generation.

In addition, Apple undoubtedly will time the Apple Watch Ultra 3 debut alongside release of watchOS 26, expected in September. The third-generation Ultra should be the showpiece for the next version of this operating system, which includes a new Liquid Glass design and an AI-powered Workout Buddy.

Expect the price of the 2025 model to remain the same as the Apple Ultra 2: $799. That said, tariffs imposed by the Trump administration might force Apple to increase the cost.

Despite their sleek designs, Apple products boast impressive durability. And now, for the first time, the company has provided a look into one of its 200 durability labs, where it rigorously torture tests its products.

Apple conducts several types of trials on its devices, including environmental, liquid, drop and vibration stress tests.

Rigorous testing involves varying extreme conditions

Apple rarely provides an inside look into its testing labs to the media. In late 2023, it gave the press a sneak peek into its Apple silicon lab. This time around, the company provided the Counterpoint Research team with a tour of one of its durability labs.

As part of its environmental testing, Apple creates “worst case” scenarios in its labs. These tests cover a varying range of extreme conditions, keeping in mind the global availability of Apple products.

This includes “salt exposure tests running for as long as 100 hours, high light intensity exposure, and exposure to dust from the Arizona desert to analyze what happens when fine sand particles enter the iPhone’s speakers or the charging port,” according to Counterpoint Research. For AirPods, Apple even creates artificial sweat and earwax for testing the earbuds.

iPhones and Apple Watches carry an IP68 rating, making them dust- and water-resistant. So Apple uses a special IPX chamber to simulate challenging rain and water conditions for testing protection from dust and water ingress. As part of this, the company subjects its devices to high-pressure water from a distance and even puts them in a pressurized tank to simulate depth.

Additionally, Apple’s testers expose the devices to everyday liquid items such as sunscreens, juices and sodas.

Apple tests at least 10,000 iPhones before launch

For drop testing and to simulate varying scenarios, Apple developed a specialized robot. It drops devices from different angles and on different surfaces — like granite, asphalt and particle boards — to assess the impact of each fall. Plus, Apple engineers analyze every drop using a special app.

Lastly, there’s a vibration chamber, where Apple exposes its devices to different vibrating frequencies to assess their durability. Many of them simulate a real-world condition, like being on a motorcycle, to ensure the vibration doesn’t cause unwanted damage. The company even puts the Vision Pro headset through vibration tests.

Impressively, the report highlights that Apple tests its products at scale, putting at least 10,000 iPhones through these chambers before launch.

This week on Cult of Mac’s podcast: Apple reportedly plans to release its cheapest MacBook ever next year. This low-cost laptop might run on an iPhone chip and help Apple convince more people to switch from Windows machines.

Could playful colors — and possibly a plastic case — make this low-end Apple laptop a hit?

Also on The CultCast:

• Apple might lean on Anthropic’s Claude or OpenAI’s ChatGPT to power the long-delayed smarter Siri.
• A new timeline lays out what to expect from the next three years of Apple Vision headsets and smart glasses.
• In the how-to segment, we discuss our picks for the best Apple Watch faces. We also talk about why you might want to change things up.
• In the new listener question segment, we explain what to do when you’re low on iCloud storage.
• And in an all-new Under Review, Leander describes the benefits of three inexpensive aftermarket CarPlay screens.

Listen to this week’s episode of The CultCast in the Podcasts app or your favorite podcast app. (Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you like it!) Or watch the video, embedded below.

The CultCast episode 706: Apple’s cheapest laptop ever?

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This week’s top Apple news: Apple’s cheapest laptop ever and more

On the show this week: Your host Leander Kahney (@lkahney), Cult of Mac managing editor Lewis Wallace (@lewiswallace) and Cult of Mac writer D. Griffin Jones (@dgriffinjones).

Here are the headlines we’re talking about on this week’s show:

• Apple might launch its most affordable MacBook yet next year
• Apple could rely on AI rivals to make Siri smarter
• Lighter, cheaper Vision Air could rescue Apple’s headset dream
• These are the best and coolest Apple Watch faces
• Long live Apple’s late, great iPod Hi-Fi stereo [Setups]

Under Review

Leander goes over the pros (tons of ’em!) and cons (not many!) of three after-market CarPlay displays. They come in several sizes and form factors, but all provide an inexpensive way to add CarPlay to your ride.

• 10-inch Touchscreen Wireless Car Display with GPS, CarPlay and Android Auto — high-def 1,024-by-60 touchscreen runs on Android 12 and supports backup camera (not included) and Wi-Fi for app downloading.
• 7-inch Wireless Car Display with CarPlay, Android Auto and Phone Mirroring — smaller screen comes with convenient suction cup bracket and stick-on base to give you more mounting options.
• 6.8-inch Foldable Touchscreen Car Display with CarPlay Android Auto — folding design makes it great for stashing in your glove box. Plus, it comes with a built-in FM transmitter for an easy audio connection and support for a rear-view camera.

Out of the many dozens of options, which is the coolest Apple Watch face? Every time I see someone wearing an Apple Watch, I try to scope out which watch face they use. Nine times out of 10, they use either the Modular face or the Photo face (with a Sport band).

This is despite the Apple Watch offering dozens of watch faces, allowing for all kinds of customizability.

If you want to spice up and individualize your Apple Watch, here are the best and coolest faces. And in our video, I rank every watch face on a tier list.

Coolest Apple Watch faces

The ability to swap out Apple Watch faces lets you tailor your smartwatch’s look and functionality for any situation. You might choose a classy, minimal style for a formal event or opt for an information-rich watch face for travel. Maybe you want to focus on relaxation, fitness or fun.

No matter the occasion, Apple Watch makes it super-simple to switch out all these cool watch faces, so you can easily change things up on the fly.

 

How to add an Apple Watch face

First, let’s go over how to add a new Apple Watch face. If you’ve never done it before, it’s easy. Just tap and hold on your Apple Watch screen. Scroll all the way to the end of your list of currently installed watch faces, then tap the big + icon on the New screen. Scroll through the gallery and tap Add when you find a new Apple Watch face you want to add.

To customize the watch face, tap and hold on it, then tap Edit. On most watch faces, you can scroll with the watch’s Digital Crown to change styles or colors. Swipe left to edit the complications; tap on a complication to replace it with something else.

Best Apple Watch face for fitness: Activity

The best Apple Watch face for fitness is the Activity watch face. It comes in three versions — two analog and one digital — all of which put your Move, Exercise and Stand rings front and center, with room for three complications. By default, they complications come set to Weather Conditions, Workout and Heart Rate. You also can customize the color of the clock.

With your rings so prominent on your wrist all day, you’ll be less likely to forget to close them.

Best Apple Watch face for hiking: Wayfinder

The best Apple Watch face for hiking is Wayfinder. Exclusive to Apple Watch Ultra, the Wayfinder watch face has eight complications, which can be edited to provide a host of information great for hiking, from weather conditions to Compass Waypoints. If you’re looking for more options, check out the best Apple Watch Ultra faces here.

Tap the outer edge of the Wayfinder watch face and it switches to a compass, which also shows the current latitude and longitude. This can be edited to show Elevation/Incline instead. Wayfinder also has a great-looking Night Mode to preserve night vision.

Pro tip: Create multiple versions of the Wayfinder face for different activities — hiking, swimming, running — and swipe between them based on activity.

Best Apple Watch face for relaxation: Breathe

The best Apple Watch face for relaxation is Breathe: A simple analog clock with a choice of four beautiful animations. Every time you look at your wrist, you’re reminded to take it easy.

It’s practical, too, with space for three complications around the edge. By default, they launch the Mindfulness app and show your weather conditions and heart rate.

Best Apple Watch face for nurses: Modular Duo

The Best Apple Watch face for nurses and other busy people is Modular Duo. The Modular Duo watch face pushes the clock up to the top, leaving space for two of the bigger complications. You can have two big Calendar and Activity complications, for keeping an eye on your tight schedule. And with Mindfulness in the upper corner, you have a quick shortcut to take a breather.

Best Apple Watch face for two time zones: GMT

The best Apple Watch face for two time zones is the GMT watch face. It shows one time zone with the watch hands and a different time zone of your choosing in 24-hour time around the edge. Tap the screen to pick a time zone from one from the preset list or from a city you have set in the Clock app.

You will find four complications around the edge. Personally, I would swap out UV Index for Messages or Weather Conditions.

Best Apple Watch face for sleeping: Numerals Duo

The best Apple Watch face for sleeping is Numerals Duo. The Apple Watch has a built-in sleep feature, but some people find it annoying in use. The Apple Watch locks down, so if you want to check notifications or turn on its flashlight, you first have to hold the Digital Crown in.

If you want to wear your Apple Watch to bed without the sleep feature, you can still prepare yourself a nighttime watch face. Numerals Duo is a good choice for that — the big obvious numbers make it easy to read if you’re up in the middle of the night and bleary-eyed.

I recommend setting the color to red, which is easiest on the eyes in a dark room.

Apple Watch face with most complications: Infograph

The Apple Watch face with the most complications is Infograph. This watch face packs in an incredible eight complications. It’s no wonder Infograph is the watch face of choice for Apple CEO Tim Cook himself. Infograph gives you four corner complications and four more in the center, all cleverly arranged to still be legible.

I recommend the Your Schedule complication in the sub-dial top position, as it puts both the current date and your upcoming calendar appointment on the edge of the clock. Most of the preset complications are pretty good as is, but I would swap a few of them out for Messages, Now Playing and Maps.

Best Apple Watch face for Dexcom: X-Large

The best Apple Watch face for Dexcom, a continuous glucose monitoring device for diabetics, is the X-Large watch face.

Although the Dexcom complication can be added to multiple Apple Watch faces, the X-Large face displays it, well, extra-large. There’s no squinting at a tiny, hard-to-read complication with this face: it’s literally front-and-center.

Best minimal Apple Watch face: Nike Digital

The best minimal Apple Watch face is Nike Digital. The time is giant and easy to read from a distance. It gives you room for three small complications — two icons and a line of text on the bottom, useful for Calendar or Now Playing.

Unfortunately, you can’t replace the Nike logo with a fourth complication, but I was pleasantly surprised with this one.

Coolest Apple Watch face: Chronograph Pro

The coolest Apple Watch face is Chronograph Pro, which resembles Paul Newman’s iconic Rolex Daytona watch — and what’s cooler than Paul Newman? Newman was an auto-racing fanatic, and his Rolex Chronograph was perfect for timing laps.

Tap the outer edge of the dial and it transforms into a chronograph. The tachymeter timescale can be used to measure speed based on time travel over a fixed distance.

Best Apple Watch face for pilots: World Time

The World Time watch face puts the biggest city from every time zone onto one watch face. In addition to your local time, you can see the time around the entire globe in a 24-hour clock around the edge.

And there’s still plenty of room for complications — for a pilot or flight attendant, I would recommend Calendar, Weather, Messages and Flighty.

My personal favorite: Numerals

My personal favorite Apple Watch face is was Numerals. The giant digital number made it easy to read the hour, and the minute hand gave you a vague idea of the time. That’s all you really needed on a lazy Saturday. There’s room for one complication, but I used it without.

Unfortunately, Apple removed the Numerals watch face. I miss it dearly. In the mean time I’ve been using Numerals Duo, which is almost as good, but much louder. I hope they bring it back one day — or at least create a new one in its spirit. 

More Apple Watch tips

To get more out of your Apple Watch, check out these tips:

• 3 tricks every Apple Watch owner should know
• What do the Apple Watch buttons do?
• How to edit Apple Watch widgets
• How to use Water Lock on Apple Watch
• How to find your lost iPhone with Apple Watch

We originally published this article on the coolest Apple Watch Faces on March 16, 2024. We updated the information on July 3, 2025.

Looks like Samsung might push the boundaries of wearable health technology with its upcoming Galaxy Watch, due in July. Its features go beyond what Apple Watch currently offers. Galaxy will include a groundbreaking, needle-free blood analysis tool among other intriguing features, according to a new report.

The new capabilities might offer a prescription of sorts for future Apple Watch upgrades.

New Samsung Galaxy Watch health features: Advice for Apple Watch to follow?

The Korean tech giant plans to debut four major health innovations with its next Galaxy Watch in July, according to CNET. The headliner? An Antioxidant Index feature that measures carotenoid levels in your skin using LED light sensors — no blood draw required. This represents a significant leap forward in non-invasive health monitoring that Apple Watch users might find appealing.

Needle-free antioxidant monitoring leads the charge

The standout feature uses four different LED wavelengths to detect beta-carotene levels by simply placing your thumb on the watch’s back sensor for a few seconds. Samsung said it validated these readings against actual blood tests, offering users a “low” to “adequate” score with lifestyle recommendations to boost antioxidant levels.

“This is a non-invasive way to see how your diet and lifestyle may be affecting your antioxidant levels,” Dr. Hon Pak, Samsung’s senior vice president of digital health, told CNET. The company plans to expand this into AI-driven nutrition coaching with specific recipe and supplement recommendations.

This capability addresses a real health need, as antioxidants help neutralize harmful free radicals that contribute to cancer, heart disease and premature aging — conditions that build up from stress, poor diet and aging.

AI-powered fitness coaching rivals Apple’s approach

According to the report, Samsung will also introduce a 12-minute run assessment that establishes fitness levels from beginner to marathon-ready. It will include personalized training plans and real-time AI coaching. The feature provides verbal encouragement during runs — similar to Apple’s Workout Buddy — but appears to go further by adapting future workouts based on performance data.

The system integrates with existing health metrics like VO2 max, potentially allowing users to train toward fitness indicators rather than just distance goals. This holistic approach to fitness coaching could pressure Apple to expand beyond its current workout features.

Sleep and heart health get smarter

Samsung’s Bedtime Guidance analyzes three days of sleep data to determine individual circadian rhythms and provide personalized sleep schedules rather than generic eight-hour recommendations. The feature can integrate with Samsung’s SmartThings ecosystem to automatically adjust room temperature, lighting and even close blinds for optimal sleep environments.

And notably, a new Vascular Load metric tracks cumulative cardiovascular stress during sleep using pulse wave analysis. That helps users understand how lifestyle choices affect long-term heart disease risk. This looks like more sophisticated heart monitoring than Apple Watch’s current capabilities.

Premium features may require subscription

These advanced features will debut with the Galaxy Watch Ultra, with other models to follow. But Samsung may implement a premium subscription model similar to Fitbit Premium. The company hasn’t confirmed pricing, but older Galaxy Watch models may access features through a paywall while new purchases include them free.

Looking ahead, Samsung hints at optical glucose monitoring as another potential breakthrough that could further differentiate its wearables from Apple Watch.

For Apple Watch users accustomed to leading-edge health features, Samsung’s innovations — particularly the needle-free blood analysis — could influence Apple’s future wearable development. As Samsung transforms its Galaxy Watch from passive tracker to proactive health monitor, Apple may need to respond with equally ambitious health features to maintain its smartwatch leadership.

Connect Apple Watch to a treadmill at Planet Fitness, and other exercise equipment, for more accurate health data inside the Fitness and Health apps on your iPhone. After all, if you’re working out, you want to make sure your Apple Watch gives you credit for it.

Here’s how.

Connect Apple Watch to Planet Fitness treadmill, stationary bike, elliptical, rowing machine and other gym equipment

Table of Contents:

1. Turn on ‘Detect Gym Equipment’ in Settings
2. Hold your Apple Watch next to the equipment
3. Press Start on your gym equipment
4. Sync the Planet Fitness Workout app with Apple Health

1. Turn on ‘Detect Gym Equipment’ in Settings

On your Apple Watch, open Settings > Workout (at the very bottom) and turn on Detect Gym Equipment (halfway down the screen).

You can find these same settings in the Watch app on your iPhone, too.

2. Hold your Apple Watch next to the treadmill

These days, a you can pair your Apple Watch to a lot of gym exercise machines, including:

• Treadmills
• Stationary bikes
• Ellipticals / Cross trainers
• Rowing machines
• Stairmasters

All of these exercise machines can be paired with Apple Watch. With the screen facing the gym equipment, hold your Apple Watch next to the contactless reader. It should be marked with an icon or “Connects to Apple Watch.”

If you hear a tap and a beep, the equipment has paired to your watch.

3. Press Start on your gym equipment

Press Start on your gym equipment and your Apple Watch will automatically start a workout.

Data will sync to the Fitness app on your iPhone and the Activity app on your Apple Watch. After all, what’s the point of going to the gym if it isn’t helping you close your rings!

4. Sync the Planet Fitness Workout app with Apple Health

Alternatively, you can use the Planet Fitness Workout app to track your activity on their gym equipment. This works even if you don’t have an Apple Watch.

Next, download the app and you’ll be prompted to share data with Apple Health. If you enable this, after your workout, the data will appear in both places automatically.

If you already have the Planet Fitness Workout app and this doesn’t work, make sure it’s enabled. Open the Apple Health app, tap on the profile icon in the top right and tap Privacy > Apps and Services. Tap on an app and make sure its data is shared.

From here, you can delete app data, too.

Click here to read more about how to add hospital records, like vaccinations, to the Apple Health app too.

We originally published this post on how to use an Apple Watch with a treadmill on December 7, 2023. We updated the information on June 12, 2025.

Apple took the wraps off watchOS 26 on Monday, showcasing its new Liquid Glass design and other key new features. The Workout app gets the biggest makeover, featuring a new Workout Buddy that delivers personalised attaboy messages when you need a little extra mojo.

Other apps get improvements in watchOS 26, too, and a long-missing app finally makes an appearance.

Workout Buddy is not an AI fitness coach, and that’s a good thing

Apple describes Workout Buddy as a “first of its kind” workout experience. But that’s not strictly true. Fitness fans of a certain age will remember a very similar feature in the original Nike+iPod app. When you completed a workout with Nike+iPod, the app played motivational messages from famous athletes like Joan Benoit Samuelson or Lance Armstrong (yes, that Lance Armstrong).

Workout Buddy is essentially the same idea, but it takes things further by using Apple Intelligence to tailor the message to your personal achievements. So, for example, Workout Buddy might say something like, “Fantastic run! You averaged a pace of 7 minutes per mile and your average heart rate was 156 beats per minute, plus you earned your first 10k run award.”

Apple claims Workout Buddy features a voice “built using voice data from Fitness+ trainers.” But the examples during the keynote sounded more like regular Siri than Bakari, Jamie-Ray, Molly and the team.

Rumor has it Apple has been working for years on a top-secret “Project Quartz” to build an AI fitness coach. Workout Buddy may be the result of that endeavor. But it falls short of what the rumors claimed. This is not a coach that gives you training advice. Instead, it just uses AI to summarise what you’re doing and praise you for it.

Personally, I think this is a good thing. It’s just not possible for AI to replace a qualified fitness coach. Good coaches know their clients’ unique capabilities and progress. That’s how they plan programs that are safe and effective. Even the smartest AI in the world can’t do that with the limited data your Apple Watch collects. And let’s be honest, right now Apple’s AI isn’t the smartest.

Safety is key here. A poorly designed training program could result in serious injury or even death. So I think Apple is very wise to keep things simple, fun and safe.

Workout playlists are another feature Apple is reinstating from Nike+iPod

The Workout app in watchOS 26 borrows another feature from Apple’s classic Nike+iPod app. Now you can select a workout playlist that plays automatically when you start a workout. It will even recommend a playlist based upon your listening history during a particular workout type.

Liquid Glass comes to the Workout app

Like the rest of Apple’s software platforms, the Workout app receives a Liquid Glass makeover this year. Apple claims this is “the biggest update to its layout and navigation since its introduction.” Which is odd, because beyond the start screen, it doesn’t look that different from previous versions.

Personally, I think this new design looks a little harder to use. Rather than a list of your favorite workout types, when you launch the app in watchOS 26 you’ll be presented with just one workout type. I guess you have to scroll with the Digital Crown to find the others, but it’s not obvious. And the four corner buttons just add clutter.

There’s more to watchOS 26 than fitness

Although I mostly use Apple Watch for fitness, a different sort of watchOS 26 feature caught my eye during the WWDC25 keynote. Apple finally deigned to bring the Notes app to its smartwatch. It only took 10 years!

The absence of the Notes app on watchOS always seemed crazy to me. It’s like the way Apple refused to include the Calculator in iPadOS for all those years.

When I’m out for a run, I always leave my phone behind, and often come up with ideas I want to write down. So the Notes app in watchOS 26 is the most useful new feature for me by far.

And there’s more…

While the Workout and Notes apps are the changes that really caught my eye, there are plenty of other new features in watchOS 26.

Smart Stacks get even smarter, with intelligent hints based upon your location. The Messages app now supports Live Translation and customizable backgrounds, just like the new version in iOS 26. And you can dismiss notifications with the flick of a wrist — a neat new gesture supported system-wide.

All these new features are available to developers today in the first watchOS 26 beta. Apple says it will make a public beta available next month. watchOS 26 is set to ship this fall as a free update for Apple Watch Series 6 or later, the second-generation Apple Watch SE and all Apple Watch Ultra models.

The upcoming version of watchOS reportedly will shake up the Apple Watch’s Control Center by adding support for third-party widgets. Right now, it only surfaces toggles for Wi-Fi, Battery, Focus mode, and other system settings.

However, like the iPhone, Apple supposedly will open the watchOS Control Center and allow for greater customization.

Apple Watch Control Center upgrade may unlock new tricks

Apple opened the iPhone’s Control Center to third-party toggles with iOS 18 in 2024. It instantly made the Control Center a lot more useful. The company will likely take a similar approach with the Apple Watch’s Control Center this year.

9to5Mac reports that the next version of watchOS (either called watchOS 12 or watchOS 26, if the company adopts the year-based OS naming system that’s been rumored) will allow third-party widgets in the Control Center. Plus, Apple will purportedly allow users to customize the layout to their liking directly through the Watch app on their iPhone. Currently, you can only edit the Control Center layout directly from the Apple Watch.

Custom widgets would make the Apple Watch’s Control Center more functional than ever. Imagine being able to trigger Shortcuts, directly trigger actions within an app, start a workout, and directly control a specific smart home accessory, etc.

watchOS 12/26 could focus on subtle improvements

Alongside iOS 19 and macOS 16 (or iOS 26 and macOS 26), Apple reportedly will introduce the visionOS-inspired UI to watchOS, providing a unified experience. Another report from earlier in the year suggests Apple will also bring Apple Intelligence to the Apple Watch this year.

Apple already highlighted some of the accessibility features coming to watchOS 26 this year, including controls for Live Listen and live transcriptions of conversations. Barring these improvements, watchOS 26 might end up a modest release, especially after the big leap Apple made with watchOS 11.

While your Apple Watch excels at measuring some fitness metrics, when it comes to calorie counts, it struggles and flails like me on a too-rare gym visit. A new study raises questions about how much trust you can place in data gathered by the smartwatch.

Basically, Apple Watch is great for measuring heart rate and counting steps, but not so much for tallying calories burned. It’s a common problem with consumer-grade health devices.

Apple Watch calorie counts are much less accurate than other fitness metrics

Researchers from the University of Mississippi recently conducted an extensive meta-analysis examining 56 studies that compared Apple Watch measurements against gold-standard clinical reference tools. The findings reveal a clear accuracy divide between different types of health tracking, CNET reported Wednesday.

Heart rate and step counting earn high marks

The good news for Apple Watch users is that the device performs exceptionally well when tracking heart rate and step count. The study found mean absolute percentage errors of just 4.43% for heart rate monitoring and 8.17% for step counting. Since anything below 10% error is considered excellent for consumer-grade fitness devices, Apple Watch users can feel confident about these particular metrics.

This accuracy held consistent across multiple Apple Watch generations and user demographics. That suggests Apple refined these core tracking capabilities effectively over the years.

Calorie counts remain problematic for Apple Watch

However, the study reveals a significant weakness in one of the most commonly referenced fitness metrics: calorie burn estimation. Apple Watch showed a mean error rate of 27.96% when calculating energy expenditure. That’s nearly three times higher than what’s considered acceptable for accurate measurement.

This substantial inaccuracy appeared consistent across all types of physical activities tested. Those include walking, running, cycling and mixed-intensity workouts. The problem isn’t unique to Apple, either. Previous studies have shown many consumer wearables can stray by 40% to 80% when estimating calories burned.

The challenge stems from the complex nature of calorie calculation. It involves numerous variables, including body composition, exercise efficiency, metabolism and individual physiological differences that are difficult to account for through wrist-worn sensors alone.

Understanding the limitations

University of Mississippi professor Minsoo Kang, who led the research, emphasizes the findings shouldn’t discourage Apple Watch use entirely.

“These devices are great for keeping track of habits and staying motivated,” he explained. “But do not take every number as 100% truth, especially the calories.”

The researchers stress that wearables should be viewed as motivational tools and habit trackers rather than diagnostic devices. For most users focused on general fitness trends and maintaining active lifestyles, Apple Watch remains valuable despite its limitations.

Continuous improvement noted

And take heart: The study identified a positive trend in that newer Apple Watch models showed improved accuracy compared to earlier generations. That indicates Apple continues refining both hardware sensors and software algorithms. While not every update represents a major leap forward, the gradual improvements suggest the technology evolves in the right direction.

For Apple Watch users, the key takeaway is understanding which metrics to trust and which to view with some healthy skepticism — particularly when making decisions about nutrition or intensive training regimens.

There’s less than a week to go until WWDC, the annual developer fest where Apple takes the wraps off its latest OS releases. While the rumor mill has mostly focused on iPhone this year, there’s plenty for Apple Watch fans to look forward to.

Rumor has it that the next big watch update — possibly dubbed “watchOS 26,” in line with Apple’s rumored naming convention shakeup — will get a fresh new user interface, Apple Intelligence, conversation transcriptions and a smart AI coach that delivers tailored health and fitness advice.

Let’s roll up our sleeves and take a closer look at what’s in store for Apple Watch.

watchOS rumors: What to expect at WWDC 2025

A decade after the Apple Watch debuted, the smartwatch has morphed into one of the most intimate and health-focused devices in Apple’s ecosystem. It tracks heart rates and workouts, nudges us to stand, and even calls emergency services during crises.

Now, with watchOS poised for another evolution, Apple appears ready to double down on that role. Apple Watch rumors always seem scarcer than iPhone rumors. But at WWDC 2025, the company is expected to introduce a smarter, more context-aware version of watchOS, wrapped in a visionOS-inspired design that jibes with the rest of Apple’s refreshed operating systems.

watchOS 12 or watchOS 26: What’s in a name?

The most obvious change to watchOS will probably be its name. According to Bloomberg’s veteran rumormonger Mark Gurman, watchOS will jump from version 11 to version 26, aligning with all Apple’s operating systems. This sounds like particularly good news for Apple Watch fans. You’d have to be a hard-core Apple geek to remember that watchOS 11 works with iOS 18. iOS 26 and watchOS 26 will be much more obvious bedfellows.

watchOS 26 looks set for another design refresh

watchOS got a major redesign just two years ago with watchOS 10. At the time, Apple’s VP of technology, Kevin Lynch, called it a “major milestone.” The redesign introduced a new visual language that took full advantage of the larger screen sizes of recent Apple Watch models.

It might seem strange for watchOS to receive another makeover so soon. But according to the rumors, this is all part of a bigger plan, dubbed “Solarium” internally at Apple. Solarium reportedly will introduce a new, consistent design language across all Apple’s platforms, including watchOS.

Since watchOS benefited from a big design refresh so recently, this year’s changes are likely to be minor. But we can probably expect some visual touches inspired by visionOS, like translucent glass effects and buttons with beveled edges that catch the light as you move your wrist.

Your smartwatch is about to get smarter, with Apple Intelligence

When Cupertino rolled out Apple Intelligence last year, Apple Watch was conspicuously absent from the list of supported devices. That could change this year, with rumors suggesting AI features are heading to a wrist near you.

The current absence of Apple Intelligence could be due to hardware limitations. The Apple Watch Ultra 2’s neural engine only has four cores. That’s nothing compared to the whopping 16-core Neural Engine the latest iPhones are packing.

Apple might get around this limitation by offloading intensive AI processing to your iPhone. This could enable your Apple Watch to deliver some basic AI features like Genmoji, notification summaries and new Siri capabilities. But only when your iPhone is within range.

This year’s changes could be the first small step toward a much more ambitious AI plan for Apple Watch. Rumors indicate Apple wants to add a camera to future models to deliver Visual Intelligence.

watchOS 26 delivers subtitles to your wrist

Apple already previewed some upcoming accessibility features on Global Accessibility Awareness Day last month. So we don’t need rumormongers to know some of the neat features the next version of watchOS has in store for us.

watchOS will gain controls for Live Listen, a feature that allows you to use your iPhone as a remote mic and stream audio to AirPods. Plus, live transcriptions of conversations will appear on your watch screen as mini subtitles. Unfortunately, checking your watch when someone is talking to you is a pretty unsubtle dis. So this feature could prove problematic.


Personally, the accessibility feature I’m eagerly waiting for is support for streaming audio to Made for iPhone hearing aids. You can already do this with iPhone, iPad and Mac. The Apple Watch is the last major Apple hardware platform not to offer this feature.

Would you trust Apple’s AI with your life?

Rumors of an AI-powered fitness coach have been doing the rounds for years. Back in 2023, Bloomberg’s Gurman reported that Apple planned to “use AI and data from an Apple Watch to make suggestions and create coaching programs tailored to specific users.”

The project, apparently dubbed “Quartz” internally, could be an exclusive new feature for Fitness+ subscribers.

As a fitness buff myself, I have my doubts about all this. Real coaches know everything about their athletes’ capabilities and weaknesses. They relentlessly observe training sessions to make sure their programs are safe and effective. Can Apple Watch really gather enough data to safely and reliably provide this kind of advice? And would Apple be liable for any injuries if an AI coach hallucinated?

Quartz would be a bold move for a company that has previously been so measured in its fitness claims that it only ever promised that closing your Activity Rings would help you live a healthier day.

Apple mulls moving into health coaching with Project Mulberry

If a virtual fitness coach wasn’t ambitious enough, Apple is also considering adding AI-powered health coaches to the Health app. Internally dubbed “Project Mulberry,” this could form part of a new subscription service dubbed Apple Health+. According to Gurman, it would be Apple’s “biggest health care push to date with a revamped app and AI doctor service.”

Project Mulberry would draw on the data collected from the health sensors in your Apple Watch to deliver individually tailored health and lifestyle recommendations.

Food tracking would play a central role ing this offering, putting Apple in direct competition with calorie-counting apps like Lose It. This simplistic “calories in, calories out” approach to weight loss is increasingly challenged by experts. So it’s odd timing for Apple to move into this area.

Gurman suggests Project Mulberry might not ship until spring or summer of 2026, which means we might not see it at this year’s WWDC.

Will Apple Watch finally catch up with Garmin?

In recent years, Apple has kept up with Garmin by adding new training metrics every year at WWDC. We’ve seen the addition of metrics like heart rate variability, VO2 Max, Running & Cycling Power, Effort and Training Load.

So, what new metrics can we expect this year? The rumor mill doesn’t provide any clues, but the smart money is on training readiness and body battery, features that Garmin already offers. Training readiness analyzes things like your sleep history and stress levels to assess whether you should push yourself with a workout. The Body Battery feature in Garmin watches lets you “monitor your personal energy resources around the clock,” according to the company.

There are only a few sleeps left now before Apple CEO Tim Cook and his team reveal all during the WWDC25 keynote on June 9. Be sure to check back next week, when I’ll serve my hot take on all the new Apple Watch health and fitness features.

A tiny new silicon micro-speaker could transform future wearables — like Apple Watch and other smartwatches — by dramatically reducing thickness while improving audio quality, xMEMS Labs said Tuesday. It unveiled Sycamore-W, an ultra-thin micro speaker engineered for wrist-worn devices. It could make more room in devices as new features like AI interactions become more prevalent.

“Sycamore-W redefines audio for smart watches, combining compact design with robust performance to meet the demands of next-generation wearables,” said Mike Housholder, xMEMS VP of Marketing and Business Development. “As the wrist becomes a key interface for ears-free, hands-free AI interactions, Sycamore-W empowers manufacturers to deliver premium audio in smaller, lighter more durable devices.”

xMEMS Labs Sycamore-W micro speaker

The new Sycamore-W is part of xMEMS’ expanding line of piezoMEMS audio innovations, following its successful introduction of the world’s first all-silicon micro speakers. This latest offering is specifically designed for wrist-worn wearables like smart watches and fitness bands.

For Apple enthusiasts who have long awaited slimmer watch designs without sacrificing functionality, this development could be transformative. At just 1 millimeter thin in a 20mm x 4mm form factor, the Sycamore-W reduces speaker package space by an impressive 70% compared to traditional components. That could enable dramatically slimmer, sleeker device profiles while still delivering high-quality, full-range sound.

Great value as smartwatches do more, like AI

The timing couldn’t be better as Apple continues to position the Apple Watch as a central hub for AI interactions.

The technology aligns perfectly with Apple’s design philosophy of creating ever-thinner devices without compromising on performance. The speaker’s remarkably slim 4mm wide x 1mm thin profile minimizes intrusion into the watch cavity, potentially freeing up valuable internal space that Apple could utilize for additional biometric sensors or larger batteries in future Watch generations.

Incredibly lightweight

Weight reduction is another significant advantage that would benefit Apple Watch wearers. Compared to legacy coil speakers that typically measure 3 to 4mm thick and can weigh up to 3 grams, the Sycamore-W weighs a mere 150mg, dramatically reducing strain and enhancing comfort — crucial factors for devices worn throughout the day.

Sycamore-W also features robust construction, xMEMS Labs said. The speaker maintains the solid-state durability that xMEMS products are known for, featuring component-level IP58-rated protection against dust and water, along with impressive 10,000g mechanical shock resistance. These qualities make it particularly suitable for active lifestyle wearables and outdoor-oriented smartwatches.

Production begins in 2026

While Apple has not announced any plans to incorporate this specific technology, the alignment with the company’s design priorities makes it a compelling possibility for future devices. Currently, samples of the Sycamore-W are available to early access customers, with volume production scheduled to begin in Q2 2026.

For Apple users who enjoy other products in the ecosystem, the original Sycamore µSpeaker will continue serving broader applications, including smart glasses, open-fit earbuds and laptops. Additionally, xMEMS plans to announce other Sycamore family variants tailored to specific applications later this year.

Apple continues to push the boundaries of wearable technology. So innovations like Sycamore-W represent the kind of component-level advancements that could enable the next generation of thinner, lighter and more capable Apple Watches. And that could transform how users experience sound and interact with AI assistants directly from their wrists.

Read more about xMEMS Labs micro-speakers:

• xMEMS Labs micro tweeter helps power audio in new AI sports glasses
• xMEMS Labs drives faster adoption of solid-state micro speakers for earbuds
• New xMEMS micro speaker brings big sound to smartwatches, AR glasses and more
• xMEMS bets tiny silicon ‘fan on a chip’ will change mobile-device cooling
• First over-ear headphones with xMEMS solid-state micro speakers coming soon
• Creative Aurvana Ace 2 earbuds: A glimpse into portable audio’s future [Review]
• Noble’s swanky new earbuds use xMEMS’ advanced solid-state driver
• Coming ‘ultrasonic’ revolution could change wireless earbuds forever

The Apple Watch Translate app can help you quickly speak in a different language while you’re abroad, right from your wrist. Translate between 20 different languages by speaking out loud, play translations out of your Apple Watch speaker and build a list of favorite phrases you can play instantly.

Apple Translate doesn’t support as many languages as the more popular Google Translate — but Google doesn’t have an app for the Apple Watch. The fastest and most convenient way to speak another language from your wrist is with Apple’s app.

Keep reading or watch our video here.

How to use the Apple Watch Translate app

The Translate app is Apple’s own equivalent to Google Translate, the widely popular free online service. Apple Translate is available as a standalone app on iPhone, iPad and Mac. And now, you can also access Translate on Apple Watch, courtesy of watchOS 11.

Table of Contents: Apple Watch Translate app

1. Open the Translate app
2. Pick two languages
3. Tap the microphone icon and speak
4. Play the translation out loud
5. Tap the keyboard icon and type
6. Mark a favorite phrase
7. Adjust settings
8. Delete a phrase from your history
9. Available languages
10. More Apple Watch features

Open the Apple Watch Translate app

Click the Digital Crown (dial) on your Apple Watch and open the Translate app (with the icon of two speech bubbles, one white and one blue). It’s easier to find in List View — scroll down to the bottom of your app list, then tap List View.

If you don’t see the Translate app, you may need to update to watchOS 11. Make sure your iPhone is running iOS 18. Then, open the Watch app, and tap General > Software Update.

Pick two languages

When you open the Translate app, you’ll see a tile on the screen where you can pick two languages. One should match the language you have set on your watch. Tap on either one to scroll through the list of available languages.

The Swap Languages button will switch which language you’re speaking and which one you’re translating.

Tap the microphone icon and speak

Tap the Dictation button at the bottom and start speaking. You’ll see a live transcription of what you’re saying. It’ll automatically end if you pause at the end of a sentence — otherwise, you can tap the Stop button manually.

Play the translation out loud

Tap the Play button next to a translation to play it out loud from your Apple Watch’s speaker. You can spin the Digital Crown while it’s playing to adjust volume.

Tap the keyboard icon and type

If you prefer to type your translations, you can try that as well. Tap the Options (⋯) button in the upper right. Scroll down and tap Preferred Input and select Text.

Now, you’ll see a Keyboard button at the bottom instead. On an Apple Watch Series 7 or later, you’ll see a full QWERTY keyboard. You can type letter-by-letter or swipe with your finger to enter a full word at a time.

On an older model with a smaller screen, you can draw one letter at a time. (To switch to this system from a newer watch, tap the Change Input Method icon in the bottom right and tap the Scribble icon.)

Mark a favorite Translate phrase from your Apple Watch

You can mark a particular phrase as a favorite, for easy access at any point in the future. Swipe right on a phrase and tap Favorite to mark it as a favorite.

Find your favorite phrases by tapping Favorites (the star icon) in the upper left. From this list, you can swipe left on a phrase and tap Unfavorite to remove it.

Favorite phrases sync between Translate on your Apple Watch and your iPhone.

Adjust settings

Tap the Options (⋯) button in the upper right for more settings.

• You can adjust the speed of the dictation by tapping on the left or the right.
• Enable Auto-Play Translations to have translations play out of the speaker as soon as they come in, rather than manually tapping Play.
• Preferred Input lets you switch from Voice to Text, if you’d rather type than speak out loud.

Delete a phrase from your history

The Translate app on your Apple Watch doesn’t keep a full history of everything you’ve translated; it clears it out every time you quit the app for more than few minutes.

However, if you want to delete something from the list, just swipe left on it and tap Delete.

Available languages in Translate on Apple Watch

Here are all the available languages (as of May 2025):

• Arabic
• Chinese (Mandarin, Simplified)
• Chinese (Mandarin, Traditional)
• Dutch
• English (UK)
• English (US)
• French
• German
• Indonesian
• Italian
• Japanese
• Korean
• Polish
• Portuguese (Brazil)
• Russian
• Spanish (Spain)
• Thai
• Turkish
• Ukrainian
• Vietnamese

More Apple Watch features

After you learn how to use the Translate app for Apple Watch, check out other top features:

• 6 things you can do with an old Apple Watch
• How to track your Apple Watch Activity rings and pause your streak
• How to connect Apple Watch to a Planet Fitness treadmill
• How to use Apple Watch blood oxygen sensor, and what it’s good for

May 2, 1995: Apple enters the wearables space with its first watch. However, the first Apple watch is a timepiece with no fitness-tracking tech, no on-screen notifications and a whole lot of 1990s styling.

The device comes two decades before wearables actually will become a thing. A regular wristwatch, the freebie gadget is available via a special mail-in offer to Mac OS upgraders.

Apple’s freebie watch pushes Mac System 7.5 upgrade

The 1995 Apple watch existed to motivate Mac users to upgrade to System 7.5. At the time, System 7 was 4 years old, having debuted in May 1991. The 7.5 upgrade came preinstalled on new Macs (such as the Macintosh LC 580), but was only available as a paid upgrade for people who owned older Macs.

Years later, Apple would do away with charging for its operating system upgrades. But in the 1990s, Cupertino’s customers grappled with relatively hefty prices for OS releases. Apple’s suggested retail price for System 7.5 — the princely sum of $134.99 — seemed outrageous to many, as evidenced by this vintage internet post that calls the upgrade policy “pretty much from the moon.”

Hence the first Apple watch, a bonus designed to sweeten the deal for Mac OS upgraders.

System 7.5 did bring a few worthwhile new features, however. In fact, it packed more than 50 changes — and some entirely new features. Apple acquired some of the new Mac features from third-party devs, and ported others from the professional-level System 7 Pro.

The biggest upgrade made it easier to connect your Mac to the internet and email. Other nifty features included the Apple Guide, a smart “how to” manual that proved far superior to Apple’s previous Balloon Help feature.

1995 was a dark time for Apple

System 7.5 came at a bad time for Apple. The company languished during its mid-1990s low period, promising innovations like a top-to-bottom Mac OS refresh called Copland that would remain tantalizingly out of reach. Apple’s position looked even starker when compared to the crazy levels of success Microsoft enjoyed with Windows 95.

The offer of an Apple watch for System 7.5 upgraders wasn’t much. However, it provided an added incentive for anyone on the fence. (If they didn’t want an Apple watch, they could opt for a free copy of Conflict Catcher 3, software designed to resolve problems between the Mac and its various extensions.)

The first Apple watch is now a collector’s item

Today, the 1995 Apple watch is a nice collector’s piece. Expect to pay a few hundred dollars for one on eBay (although some folks will try to reap up to four figures).

What’s your favorite Apple collector’s item? Have you got anything rare you want to brag about? Leave your comments below.

You can manually add a workout to Apple Fitness+ if you need to log some exercise while you weren’t wearing your Apple Watch. Maybe your watch ran out of battery at the start of your run, or maybe you simply forgot to turn it on. By adding a missing workout, you can give yourself credit for the exercise you did.

This power could be used for evil as well as good. You could, hypothetically, say you ran a three-hour marathon every day last week. But you would only be fooling yourself.

To find out how to add a workout to Apple Fitness+, watch our short video or keep reading below.

How to add a workout to Apple Fitness+

Ever since its launch in 2015, the Apple Watch has gamified fitness with daily rewards for staying active, monthly challenges and streaks. That’s why it’s so frustrating when you miss a workout or, worse yet, lose a streak — especially if you actually did work out, but without your watch knowing.

By adding a workout to your health data manually, you can give yourself the credit you deserve.

Table of contents: How to add a workout to Apple Fitness+

1. Open the Workouts section in Apple Health
2. Add your workout
3. Restore a streak
4. More health and fitness features

Open the Workouts section in Apple Health

To add a workout to Apple Fitness+, you actually need to open the Health app on your iPhone. Next, tap on the Browse tab at the bottom. Then tap the Activity category and scroll down until you find the Workouts section — tap on that.

Add your workout

Tap Add Data in the upper right corner. You can then add the details of your missing workout to Apple Fitness+:

• Activity Type lets you choose from all the available workouts, like core training, cycling, gymnastics, pilates, running, swimming and yoga.
• Calories (optional) lets you enter the amount of energy burned. This will contribute to your Move and Exercise rings, as well as your Active Energy stats. (Don’t know the difference between Move and Exercise rings? Read our explainer on the subject.)
• Distance (optional) lets you enter how far you traveled during the workout that didn’t show up in Apple Fitness+. This will add to your Walking + Running Distance stats. Certain workouts, like elliptical and tai chi, don’t have distance available.
• Starts and Ends let you enter the date, time and length of your workout. This will add to your Exercise Minutes and Workouts stats.

Restore a lost streak

While it might take a few minutes for the data to update throughout the Health app, adding a missed workout can restore a Fitness streak. Perhaps you forgot to strap on your watch, or its battery died while you were working out — no need to panic over a broken streak. After you manually add the workout to Apple Fitness+, your streak will be repaired.

You could use this feature to lie about your activity, but I don’t recommend that. Logging calories in the Health app does not burn calories in real life. (Maybe Apple will add that in the next software update.)

More health and fitness features

• How to track your Apple Watch Activity rings and pause your streak
• How to connect Apple Watch to a Planet Fitness treadmill
• How to use Apple Watch blood oxygen sensor, and what it’s good for

Confused about which Apple Watch to buy? With Apple Watch Ultra 2, Apple Watch Series 10 and Apple Watch SE currently vying for your wallet’s attention, it all depends on what you want out of a smartwatch — and how much you’re willing to pay.

This buying guide breaks down what each Apple Watch does best, helping you match your needs (and budget) with the right device, whether you’re a fitness enthusiast, an outdoor adventurer or simply looking for a reliable, everyday smartwatch.

This post contains affiliate links. Cult of Mac may earn a commission when you use our links to buy items.

Which Apple Watch to buy: Series 10 vs. Ultra 2 vs. SE 2

Apple released the original Apple Watch in 2015, calling it an “incredibly accurate timepiece, an intimate and immediate communication device and a groundbreaking health and fitness companion.” Apple also focused on the smartwatch’s fashion potential, releasing numerous customizable watch faces and selling a variety of colorful Apple Watch bands.

Since then, Apple added new health-oriented sensors and added new features via upgrades to the Apple Watch’s operating system: watchOS. The current Apple Watch lineup consists of three models: the high-end Apple Watch Ultra 2, aimed at endurance athletes; the midrange Apple Watch Series 10; and the second-gen Apple Watch SE, an entry-level model with stripped-down features.

Any of these Apple Watches can serve as your workout companion or even save your life in an emergency. But they all have their pros and cons. Rest assured, you don’t need to buy the best or most expensive Apple Watch available to take advantage of the wearable’s revolutionary health and fitness features.

• Buy the Apple Watch Series 10 if…
• Buy the Apple Watch Ultra 2 if…
• Buy the Apple Watch SE 2 if…
• Pro tip: Consider buying a used or refurbished Apple Watch
• Apple Watch comparison chart
• Apple Watch and iPhone: A fantastic combo

Buy the Apple Watch Series 10 if…

For most everyday users, the Apple Watch Series 10 hits the sweet spot. With a slimmer design and bigger display, it packs almost all the features you want. This includes 50m water resistance, so you can wear the watch while diving in the ocean. The temperature sensor and depth gauge will help you keep track of your depth while snorkeling.

In our Apple Watch Series 10 review, we called it “larger, thinner, lighter and more lushly curvaceous than predecessors.”

As for health tracking, Series 10 supports ECG, low/high heart rate notifications, irregular heartbeat rhythm notifications, automatic sleep tracking with sleep apnea detection and menstrual cycle tracking.

The only missing feature? Blood oxygen monitoring, which appeared in some previous models. That’s because of Apple’s ongoing patent dispute with Masimo. A 2023 ruling by the International Trade Commission found Apple infringed upon a Masimo patent — and banned U.S. sales of Apple Watches with the feature.

Safety features that could save your skin

Like the iPhone, the Apple Watch packs several safety features: Emergency SOS, Crash Detection, Fall Detection, Noise monitoring and Backtrack, a feature that lets you retrace your steps if you become lost. You can even use it to unlock certain cars and smart home accessories.

The Apple Watch Series 10 comes in 42mm and 46mm sizes. Both variants house a display that can hit a peak brightness of 2,000 nits. Plus, it will appear 40% brighter than its predecessors when viewed at an angle. You will need to charge the Apple Watch Series 10 daily, as it delivers just 18 hours of runtime with normal use.

However, thanks to fast charge support, you can top up the Apple Watch Series 10 battery enough to get eight hours of use in just 15 minutes. And a 30-minute charge will juice up the battery to 80%.

The S10 SiP and 4-core Neural Engine enable on-device processing of selected Siri commands and smooth system performance.

Pricing for the Apple Watch Series 10 starts at $399 for the smaller size with GPS. The cellular model costs an extra $100. It comes in three finishes: rose gold, silver and jet black. Those willing to spend more can opt for a more expensive titanium casing with a durable sapphire crystal cover glass for $699. Thanks to frequent discounts, the Apple Watch Series 10 usually sells for less than its MSRP.

Thinner and lighter than before

Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS, 42 mm case, rose gold aluminum)

$399.00

The Apple Watch Series 10 sports a sleek new design with a slimmer chassis, a bigger display and a faster chip. The build quality is also better than before.

Pros:

• Sleek, stunning design
• Bright display
• Fast charging

Cons:

• Battery life does not last 24 hours.

Buy from Amazon

05/29/2026 08:17 pm GMT

Buy the Apple Watch Ultra 2 if …

Want an Apple Watch that handles rough environments and offers multiday battery life? A companion to help you on your hikes and trails? Or one that can act as a scuba diving computer? Maybe you prefer a watch with a beefier design that looks more like an expensive timepiece than a tech accessory. Or perhaps you just want the maximum battery life from your smartwatch.

If any or all of those ring true, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is the right fit for you.

It features a more durable 49mm titanium chassis with a sapphire crystal display that can better withstand rough terrain, dings and scuffs. Plus, its display can hit a peak brightness of 3,000 nits. This ensures you can see everything on-screen even in direct sunlight.

The watch’s customizable Action button comes in handy for quickly starting a workout (and for marking a segment or jumping to the next interval).

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 also shines when it comes to battery life, which proves great for endurance athletes and desk jockeys alike. It lasts twice as long as the Apple Watch Series 10, with up to 36 hours of battery life in normal use. You can extend that to 72 hours using Low Power mode. Plus, endurance athletes can use Low Power mode to track outdoor workouts for up to 17 hours continuously.

Its bigger battery comes at the expense of slower charging speeds. It takes an hour to top up the battery to 80% — twice as long as the Series 10.

Works for scuba diving and other adventure sports

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 offers water resistance up to 100 meters and meets the EN13319 standard — an internationally recognized certification for diving accessories.

With the Oceanic+ app, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 can act as a dive computer. It can display No Dec (no-decompression) time, dive conditions, and more. It can even provide haptic feedback underwater through a thick wetsuit.

For runners, the Apple Watch Ultra 2’s automatic track detection improves the accuracy of your pace, route, map and distance Dual-frequency GPS provides greater precision in challenging terrains for improved accuracy.

Apple did not give the Ultra 2 any meaningful upgrades in 2024 — it only launched a new titanium black color. Due to this, the Ultra smartwatch uses an older S9 system-in-package (SiP). There’s not much of a performance gap between the S9 and the Apple Watch Series 10’s S10 SiP, though.

Everything in Apple Watch Series 10 and more

From a health-tracking perspective, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 packs all the features you get with its non-Ultra sibling. It also houses dual speakers, which can emit a siren sound at up to 86 dB. A three-microphone array supports beamforming and reduces wind noise.

Available in natural or black titanium, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 starts at $799. It ships in only one size and connectivity option: a 49mm casing with LTE capability.

You can go through our Apple Watch Series 10 vs. Apple Watch Ultra 2 comparison for a more in-depth comparison on which would be a better buy.

Rugged and handsome

Apple Watch Ultra 2 [Black Titanium, GPS + Cellular, 49mm]

$599.99

Apple's rugged wearable features a Black Titanium Case with Black Trail Loop in size M/L. Includes fitness tracker, Precision GPS and Action button.

Pros:

• Sleek black titanium finish
• Up to 3,000 nits of brightness
• Precision GPS

Cons:

• Large case might not suit all wrists

Buy from Amazon

05/24/2026 03:16 pm GMT

Buy the Apple Watch SE 2 if …

The Apple Watch SE is a great pick for people on a tight budget who want a smartwatch with basic health-tracking features. It also works great if you want to give an Apple Watch to your kid. It can track your heart rate and sleep cycle, and nudge you to move around to close your activity goal for the day.

To reach its lower price, the second-gen Apple Watch SE skips advanced health and safety features of more expensive models, such as ECG and sleep apnea notifications. However, it covers the basics with irregular heart rate notifications, crash and fall detection, and Emergency SOS.

Cutting some corners for a lower price

Unlike its more expensive siblings, the Apple Watch SE packs a smaller display with chunkier bezels and a maximum peak brightness of only 1,000 nits. It also uses an older S8 SiP with a two-core Neural engine. On the bright side, Apple rates the watch’s aluminum body as water resistant up to 50 meters, making it suitable for tracking swimming sessions.

Apple says the Apple Watch SE can provide up to 18 hours of runtime in normal use — the same as the Apple Watch Series 10. However, expect a few hours less in daily use. More importantly, there’s no fast charging, so the watch takes about 1.5 hours to charge from zero to 80%.

The Apple Watch SE comes in 40mm and 44mm sizes, with prices starting at $249. An extra $50 will get you the cellular variant.

Cheaper than ever

Apple Watch SE (2nd-gen, 40mm, Starlight)

$249.99

The second-generation Apple Watch SE is an amazing value, with features to help you keep motivated and active, stay connected, and track your health with enhanced workout metrics. Plus, stay safe with Fall Detection and Crash Detection.

Pros:

• Good budget smartwatch
• Includes all basic Apple Watch health features

Cons:

• Missing advanced health sensors like sleep apnea

Buy from Amazon

05/30/2026 08:17 am GMT

Pro tip: Consider buying used or refurbished

Don’t frown on the idea of buying a used (or renewed) Apple Watch. The main advantage of this approach: You can find an older Apple Watch Series 8 or 9 with full blood oxygen tracking support intact. (See Apple’s statement on Blood Oxygen availability. “The ability to measure Blood Oxygen is no longer available on Apple Watch units sold by Apple in the United States on or after January 18, 2024,” the company says on its website. “These are indicated with part numbers ending in LW/A.” Apple’s website also can help you identify an Apple Watch’s model number.)

Older models look practically the same as the Apple Watch Series 10. As long as you buy at least an Apple Watch Series 5, you will benefit from an always-on display (a definite upgrade over older models). Another bonus: You can find a wider variety of colors in older versions, including blue, green and red.

As you would expect, second-hand or refurbished Apple Watch models typically prove significantly cheaper than buying a new one. You often can find an Apple Watch Series 9 — with more sensors and an always-on display — for the price of a new Apple Watch SE. Currently, you can grab a refurbished Apple Watch Series 8 with blood oxygen intact for just $189 from Amazon. And you can find older ones at even better prices.

Apple Watch comparison chart

Apple Watch and iPhone: A fantastic combo

If you’re still wondering which Apple Watch to buy, rest assured that there’s really no terrible choice. No matter which Apple Watch you choose, you’re guaranteed a great experience.

Aside from health tracking and safety features, the Apple Watch will mirror your iPhone‘s notifications and act as a companion device, helping reduce your unwanted screen time. Wearing an Apple Watch proves surprisingly useful for many common tasks, including many you might not have considered.

There are a few useful things you can do with an old Apple Watch after you upgrade to a new one. You might think of the Apple Watch as being a disposable product — because who would wear two watches? But there are actually quite a few surprising use cases for having a daily Apple Watch and a secondary watch.

Keep reading or watch our latest video.

Things you can do with an old Apple Watch

1. Dedicated night watch for sleep tracking

The Apple Watch is great for tracking sleep — even the different stages of your sleep through the night. And if you use your Apple Watch as an alarm, it’ll wake you up by silently buzzing on your wrist, so your partner won’t be awoken by your alarm if they wake up a little later.

But if you wear you watch during the day and you wear it to bed, when do you charge it? Personally, I hate the idea of charging my watch during the day because if I get up and move around while it’s juicing up, I won’t get credit for my Move or Stand rings.

This is a prime use-case for an old Apple Watch: A dedicated sleep tracker and alarm. You keep your old one on the charger during the day and wear your new one out and about; you swap them when it’s time for bed and after you wake up. You never have to worry about topping the battery up in the evening before you go to sleep or in the morning rush.

Another benefit is that if your daily watch band is for fashion and less comfortable, like a Milanese Loop or Twist-o-Flex band, you don’t have to switch it out with a Sport Band every morning and every night. You can pick the best band for each watch.

2. Risky activity tracking

The Apple Watch is surprisingly hardy and water resistant, but sometimes there are those occasional day excursions that make you a bit nervous. Instead of risking your expensive new Apple Watch when you go rock climbing, sky diving or swimming in the ocean, you can put on your old watch. After all, an old hand-me-down Apple Watch is much cheaper than buying a new Apple Watch Ultra.

Some people choose to protect their watch in a case, like this option from Elago. Personally, I find these a little unsightly, and they can be a pain to put on and take off. But you can keep your secondary Apple Watch permanently encased, so you don’t have to fiddle with every day.

3. Wearing a watch on your arm or leg

Although it’s designed for it, you don’t actually have to wear your Apple Watch on your wrist. There are a few exercise use cases for wearing your Apple Watch higher up on your arm or around your ankle.

If you play sports where precision is key, like tennis or basketball, the weight on your wrist might affect how you train and play.  The TwelveSouth ActionSleeve keeps your watch on your arm, where you can still use it for tracking your activity, but keep it out of the way. If you use your secondary Apple Watch for this, then you don’t have to worry about swapping out your regular band for a complicated accessory and case before and after every time.

On the other hand, you might want to wear an Apple Watch on your ankle. If you work at a treadmill desk, for example, you won’t get any credit for all that walking because your arms will be just as stationary as if you were at a regular desk. Wearing a second Apple Watch around your ankle, you can still work towards your Move, Stand and Exercise rings — and you’ll still have your main watch on your wrist for notifications and telling time.

4. Hand it down to a child

If your kid is old enough to spend the night at a friend’s house but too young for an iPhone (Like what, 17? I don’t know, I don’t have kids) you can give them an Apple Watch instead. You’ll be able to track their location using GPS and Find My, an easy way to send texts, and if it’s a cellular model, call them wherever they may be. Setting up an Apple Watch on behalf of your child is really easy — after wiping it and setting it up from scratch, just tap Set Up for a Family Member.

Because it’s only a watch and not a smartphone, you can rest assured they won’t get sucked into TikTok or Roblox or Wikipedia or whatever it is that parents are afraid of kids doing. (Again, I wouldn’t know.)

5. Beta software

If you want to check out the new features of what’s coming next in watchOS, you can install the watchOS beta. This year, the top features of watchOS 11 include a new Vitals app that gives you a broader picture of your health and various life factors, pauses to your streak for illness or injury, a workout Training Load that can detect how much effort is going into your exercise, a redesigned Photos face and much more.

But running a watchOS beta is kind of a pain in the ass. For one, you have to install the iOS beta on your phone in order to install the watchOS beta, and you may not want to put your most important device at risk. Unlike on the iPhone, you can’t undo a watchOS update. Once you’re on watchOS 11, you can’t go back to watchOS 10. And most of all, once you switch to the beta track, you get new software updates every two to three weeks — and installing updates on the Apple Watch is, notoriously, incredibly irritating.

If you really want to try out the new features early but you don’t want to put your primary watch on the line, you can install the watchOS beta on a second watch, provided it’s new enough. This year, watchOS 11 requires a Series 6 model, second-generation SE model or newer.

6. Turn it into a small phone

It’s easy to overlook how the Apple Watch is actually a pretty powerful and capable computer — and cellphone — all by itself. With the TinyPod, your Apple Watch slides into an iPod-shaped case that makes it a tiny standalone cellphone. It even has a click wheel that spins the Apple Watch’s Digital Crown for scrolling like it’s 2004.

A bunch of companies have tried and failed to reinvent the minimal cellphone, but the problem with abandoning your iPhone is that you get a new phone number that isn’t compatible with iMessage. If you use an old cellular Apple Watch instead, you can keep compatibility your Apple Account — switching is as simple as keeping your iPhone on your night stand and putting your TinyPod in your pocket instead.

TinyPod comes in sizes that fit all three sizes of Apple Watch, from the Series 4 / SE and newer: 40/41 mm, 44/45 mm and 49 mm.

Or, get a little trade-in money when you buy a new one

Personally, when I upgraded from my Series 3 model to my … (wait, which one do I have?) Series 7, my old watch felt so slow and broken that I simply traded it in. It was too old to be useful for basically anything else. If you want a bit of a discount when you buy a watch, you can use our trade-in program. (Or, you can use the savings to justify buying another watch band!)

More Apple Watch how-tos and articles

• Edit Apple Watch widgets in the Smart Stack
• What do the Apple Watch buttons do?
• How to put your Apple Watch on silent, Do Not Disturb and Theater Mode
• How to tell the time without looking at your Apple Watch
• The best Apple Watch faces

We originally published this article on what to do with an old Apple Watch on July 20, 2024. We republished it on April 25, 2025.

The Apple Watch repeatedly saves lives around the world, thanks to its health monitoring features and emergency functions.

Here’s a comprehensive roundup of some of the most notable ways Apple Watch has saved people’s lives. From fit teenagers with undiagnosed health problems to car crash victims in danger of drowning, Apple’s smartwatch helps people cheat death in remarkable ways.

Apple Watch saves lives: How Apple’s wearable is a literal lifesaver

When the Apple Watch launched in 2015, Apple pitched it as a tech-forward fashion accessory. It came with a built-in heart rate monitor, but the sensor was mostly for fitness, not detecting life-threatening problems. Apple later stumbled onto its health and wellness potential almost by accident, according to Apple COO Jeff Williams. After customers started sharing stories of lifesaving heart rate measurements, Apple began adding more health features.

Since then, Apple Watch has gained several health and safety monitoring functions, including heart rate alerts, Fall Detection and Efmergency SOS capabilities.

Apple CEO Tim Cook often talks about the importance of Apple’s focus on health. He says Apple’s work in this area — as opposed to the creation of the iPhone, the Mac or any other product — will be “Apple’s biggest contribution to mankind.”

Here’s a roundup of the many documented instances where the Apple Watch has made a life-saving impact:

 

Detecting heart arrhythmias

Atrial fibrillation is the medical term for rapid or irregular beating of the heart’s atria, the organ’s two upper chambers. AFib is dangerous because it can often be asymptomatic. Sufferers may have no idea their heart is beating irregularly, which brings an increased risk of heart failure and stroke.

The Apple Watch detects atrial fibrillation through its built-in electrocardiogram (ECG) and optical heart rate sensors. The ECG records the electrical signals of the heart, while the heart rate sensor tracks irregularities in the rhythm. When the watch detects an irregular rhythm or signs of AFib, it sends a notification to the user, prompting them to consult a health care provider. The combination of these sensors allows for continuous monitoring and early detection of AFib episodes.

It’s no glitch; it’s AFib: Ed Dentel, a healthy middle-aged man, was alerted by his Apple Watch Series 4’s ECG that he migh have atrial fibrillation. Initially dismissing the warning as a glitch, Dentel later confirmed the diagnosis at an urgent care center. Dentel was told, “Yup, you’re in AFib. This thing may have just saved your life.”

Another AFib case: Just a week after the Apple Watch’s ECG feature launched in Europe, it helped a German man discover he had atrial fibrillation. Skeptical at first, the man visited a doctor who confirmed the diagnosis.

More AFib: A man in Bothell, Washington, used his Apple Watch to detect atrial fibrillation, helping doctors identify the condition and start him on blood thinners to prevent a potential stroke.

AFib can affect anyone

AFib in a fit basketball star: NBA legend Sean Elliott credits his Apple Watch with alerting him to atrial fibrillation despite feeling no symptoms. This prompted him to seek medical attention and undergo a successful cardioversion procedure. “I had absolutely no idea,” he said.

Heart-stopping AFib: A New Hampshire man, Barry Maden, was saved by his Apple Watch 4’s ECG feature. It detected a severe heart problem that led to him being treated for atrial fibrillation. He initially bought the watch for its Fall Detection feature. However, the ECG alert prompted him to seek medical attention, where doctors confirmed the condition and performed a lifesaving procedure to stop and restart his heart.

Asymptomatic AFib: Dr. Ray Emerson, a 79-year-old veterinarian, had his life saved by his Apple Watch, which detected atrial fibrillation despite him showing no symptoms. After seeking medical attention, he underwent surgery to correct the condition, and now views the Apple Watch as a crucial health tool.

Another AFib case: A 74-year-old man, Roy Robinson, was alerted to his atrial fibrillation by his Apple Watch. That led him to seek medical attention after experiencing unusual symptoms while visiting family. After recieving treatment at the hospital, Robinson became a “mini-celebrity” and received a check-in email from Apple CEO Tim Cook.

Finding coronary heart disease (blocked arteries)

Myocardial ischemia, or coronary artery disease (also called coronary heart disease), is caused by restricted blood flow to the heart muscle, often due to a buildup of plaque in the arteries. The most common cardiovascular disease, it can cause chest pain (angina) and eventually a heart attack.

Myocardial ischemia: Dutch cardiologist Dr. Ruud Koster discovered a potentially fatal heart blockage using the Apple Watch’s ECG feature, despite having no symptoms. He later confirmed the diagnosis through a medical ECG before undergoing successful heart surgery. Apple does not market the Watch as detecting myocardial ischemia, a leading cause of heart attacks. However, Koster’s case suggests the device can identify this serious condition.

Blocked arteries: Tim Cook shared a story on Twitter about how an Apple Watch alerted a man to an irregular heartbeat just two days after he began using it. The alert prompted a trip to the ER, where doctors discovered major artery blockages. The early warning allowed for timely treatment with two stents, saving his life.

Another blocked artery: Travis Chalmers, a 44-year-old firefighter from Nova Scotia, credited his Apple Watch with saving his life after it alerted him to an irregular heartbeat, signaling potential heart attack risk. He initially dismissed the symptoms as flu-like. But the repeated atrial fibrillation warnings prompted him to seek medical help. As a result, doctors confirmed he was experiencing a heart attack caused by a 100% blocked artery. Grateful for the device’s ability to detect irregularities, Chalmers thinks it played a crucial role in his survival.

More blocked arteries: 62-year-old Dennis Anselmo was alerted by his Apple Watch to a dangerously high heart rate of 210 bpm while working, prompting him to seek emergency care. Doctors discovered severe artery blockages. They said the quick response likely prevented a fatal heart attack, crediting the Apple Watch with potentially saving his life.

Coronary heart disease: 76-year-old Gaston D’Aquino’s Apple Watch alerted him to an unusually high heart rate, prompting him to seek medical attention, despite feeling fine. Tests revealed that two of his coronary arteries were blocked, and the timely intervention likely saved his life.

Apple Watch saves lives by detecting other heart problems

Rhabdomyolysis: In one of the earliest cases of Apple Watch saving a life, a 17-year-old football player was alerted of persistently high readings by his watch’s heart rate monitor in 2015. Paul Houle was subsequently diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis, a syndrome linked to muscle injury, which can interfere with kidney, lung and heart functions. “At the hospital, they told me that if I had gone to practice the next day that I would have lost all control of my muscles, and there was a good chance I would have fallen down on the field and died right there,” he said. “I’m very grateful for that heart rate monitor.” Soon afterward, Tim Cook personally called the teen offering an internship at Apple.

Leaky heart valves: 30-year-old British fitness enthusiast Chris Mint discovered he had atrial fibrillation and two leaking heart valves thanks to an alert from his Apple Watch. This led to lifesaving medical intervention. Despite initial skepticism from his doctor, the watch’s ECG test prompted further tests and upcoming surgery. Mint credits the treatment with potentially preventing a stroke or heart attack.

Supraventricular tachycardia: In 2019, a Reddit user shared how his Apple Watch alerted him to an abnormally fast heart rate. Subsequent tests led to a diagnosis of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), a potentially dangerous heart condition caused by faulty electrical signals. He credits the watch’s heart rate alerts for prompting emergency care, which likely saved his life.

Hole in heart: A young Australian man discovered he had a serious heart condition when his Apple Watch alerted him to an unusually high resting heart rate. It raced to between 130 and 140 beats per minute during sleep. After seeking medical attention, he was diagnosed with a lung problem that caused blood to circulate incorrectly. After heart surgery, he credited the Apple Watch with potentially saving his life.

Most Common Health Issues Detected by Apple Watch

Detecting pulmonary embolism and blood clots

A pulmonary embolism is a blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries in the lungs, usually caused by a blood clot that travels from the legs or other parts of the body. This blockage can restrict blood flow, leading to symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain and life-threatening complications.

Pulmonary embolism: A New York man, James Green, discovered he was suffering from a pulmonary embolism in 2017 after his Apple Watch notified him of an unusually high heart rate. “I had no idea this watch would save my life,” Green said.

Saddle pulmonary embolism: Kimmie Watkins, 29, was alerted by her Apple Watch to an abnormally high heart rate while resting in 2023. She went to the hospital, where doctors diagnosed her with a saddle pulmonary embolism. Immediate surgery saved her life.

Early detection of serious illnesses — including cancer

Blood cancer: Amanda Faulkner, a psychiatrist in New Zealand, felt fatigued and warm but dismissed her symptoms. Her Apple Watch repeatedly flagged an elevated resting heart rate, prompting her to visit her doctor. Tests revealed she had acute myeloid leukemia, a rare and aggressive cancer. Doctors said she might not have survived another 48 hours without this early warning.

Heart tumor: A woman in Maine was saved from a potentially fatal stroke after her Apple Watch alerted her to atrial fibrillation, leading her to seek medical attention in 2022. Doctors discovered that the abnormal heart rhythm was caused by an aggressive tumor on her heart. They removed the tumor through open-heart surgery, saving her life.

Appendicitis and a tumor: In New York, a 12-year-old girl named Imani Miles was alerted by her Apple Watch to a persistently high heart rate. Hospital tests revealed appendicitis and, during surgery, doctors also discovered a rare neuroendocrine tumor. Early detection allowed for prompt treatment and recovery.

Erupted ulcer: William Monzidelis’ Apple Watch saved his life in 2018 after it alerted him to an unusually high heart rate, prompting him to seek medical help for an erupted ulcer. He was quickly treated with a blood transfusion and surgery. “I would have been working in my office and they would have found me dead,” he said. “In my case, it was like a little angel watching me. It really was a magical device.”

Chronic kidney disease: 18-year-old Deanna Recktenwald’s Apple Watch alerted her to a dangerously high heart rate of 190 bpm while she was at church in 2018, prompting immediate medical attention. Doctors discovered she had chronic kidney disease, and her mother thanked Apple CEO Tim Cook for the watch’s lifesaving feature.

Monitoring blood oxygen

In 2020, the Apple Watch Series 6 got a new sensor to monitor blood oxygen. It measures the oxygen saturation of the user’s blood, providing insights into respiratory and cardiovascular health.​

However, in January 2024, Apple removed the blood oxygen monitoring feature from new Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 models sold in the United States due to a patent dispute with medical technology company Masimo, which claimed that Apple’s pulse oximetry technology infringed on its patents. To comply with a ruling from the U.S. International Trade Commission, Apple disabled the feature on subsequent Apple Watch models sold in the United States.

The feature still works on some Apple Watch models, though — and it’s still saving lives.

Gasping for air in midair: On a Ryanair flight in 2024, Dr. Rashid Riaz used a flight attendant’s Apple Watch to check an elderly passenger’s blood oxygen levels when she became short of breath. Detecting dangerously low oxygen saturation, he was able to stabilize her until the plane landed and she could receive further care.

Apple Watch saves lives with Fall Detection and Crash Detection features

All Apple Watch Series 4 and newer models include Fall Detection, which can automatically call emergency services if a hard fall is detected. Apple Watch Series 8 and new models offer a similar feature, Crash Detection, which can identify severe car accidents and alert responders.

Emergency SOS and location sharing for rescues

The Apple Watch’s Emergency SOS feature lets users quickly contact emergency services by pressing and holding the device’s side button. Launched with watchOS 3 in September 2016, this feature automatically dials emergency services and shares the user’s location with emergency services and designated emergency contacts (such as your parents or spouse).

Saved from rough seas: Rick Shearman, an experienced swimmer, was caught in riptides off the coast of Australia during a morning body surfing session and was unable to return to shore. Using the SOS feature on his Apple Watch Ultra, Shearman called emergency services, leading to a dramatic helicopter rescue. The precise location data from his watch significantly reduced the search area, ultimately saving his life in the rough seas.

Rescued by helicopter: Also in Australia, a kayaker was swept over 2 miles out to sea, but was able to summon help using his Apple Watch’s Emergency SOS feature. This led to his rescue by helicopter, with responders noting that the watch’s GPS signal played a key role in his safe recovery.

Swept out to sea: A woman paddleboarding near Massachusetts was rescued after using her Apple Watch to call 911 when strong winds carried her out to sea. The watch’s GPS provided precise coordinates, enabling rescuers to reach her, and she expressed relief, thankful for the lifesaving technology.

Saved in the great outdoors

Knocked off a jet ski: Phillip Esho, knocked off his jet ski in Lake Michigan, used his Apple Watch’s SOS feature to call 911, which led to his rescue by helicopter and emergency boats. Esho credits the watch for saving his life, as he had lost his phone and was unable to get help otherwise.

Paralyzed in bike crash: After a severe mountain bike crash left Ryan McConnaughey paralyzed and unable to move, he used his Apple Watch to call for help, saving his life when his phone was out of reach. Thanks to the quick response from emergency services, McConnaughey survived the accident, underwent multiple surgeries, and is now recovering, regaining some mobility.

Saved from rising flood water: A 20-year-old woman in Florida used her Apple Watch to locate her iPhone and call 911 after her car flipped into a ditch and began filling with water. The Apple Watch helped her survive the accident, as first responders arrived just in time to free her from the submerged vehicle.

I’ve fallen and I can’t get up: In Munich, an 80-year-old woman fell in her apartment, and her Apple Watch automatically alerted emergency services, transmitting her location and notifying her son. First responders and the fire department were able to reach and assist her.

Home alone: Kate Donald, a woman with epilepsy in Sydney, suffered a seizure and fell unconscious while home alone. Her Apple Watch Series 4 automatically alerted emergency services and her husband, who received real-time updates as she was taken to the hospital.

Car crashes and horrific falls

Car crash: The Apple Watch’s Fall Detection feature helped save 87-year-old Dotty White after a car accident by automatically contacting emergency services and her family when she couldn’t reach her phone. The alert enabled her children to quickly respond. Despite suffering broken bones, White said: “It’s pretty nice to just have it on your wrist.”

Octogenarian fall: 83-year-old William Fryer’s Apple Watch detected a fall and sent an SOS message to emergency services, leading to timely medical intervention. The hospital later discovered a large blood clot in his chest, and thanks to his health data and quick surgery, Fryer recovered and is back to walking.

Serious face plant: A 67-year-old man in Norway was saved by his Apple Watch Series 4 after fainting and suffering a serious fall in his bathroom that left him unconscious. The watch’s Fall Detection feature automatically alerted emergency responders, who found him with facial fractures and potentially saved his life.

Fractured spine: A New Jersey hiker, James Prudenciano, fell down a cliff and fractured his back, but his Apple Watch’s Fall Detection feature contacted 911, potentially saving his life. After the fall, he was rescued by a passing boat and met emergency services thanks to the watch’s timely alert.

Falling off a ladder: 92-year-old Jim Salsman fell over 20 feet from a ladder while alone on his farm in Nebraska. His Apple Watch’s Fall Detection feature automatically alerted emergency services and provided his GPS location, enabling a swift rescue.

Hit by a car: Tony Jauncey, 82, was struck by a car in Kidderminster, England. His Apple Watch detected the impact and immediately called emergency services, ensuring he received prompt medical attention.

Caught in a flood: After a U.K. cyclist was swept away by a flooded river, he used his Apple Watch to call for help. “He was speaking to our fire control whilst he was clinging onto a tree, via his Apple Watch, which worked wonderfully well for us to actually get to him as quickly as possible,” said a U.K. station commander.

Apple Watch saves lives … and will continue to do so

The Apple Watch’s evolution from stylish wearable to lifesaving health device is one of modern tech’s most profound transformations. With every software update and hardware redesign, Apple doubles down on its commitment to health, fitness and safety. And the real-world results prove nothing short of remarkable.

These stories from around the globe show how the Apple Watch moved far beyond tracking steps and delivering notifications. The Apple Watch saves lives, and it will continue to do so in the future. Apple continues to work on pervasive health monitoring of other key vitals, including “holy grail” measurements like blood glucose levels and blood pressure. If the Apple Watch finally adds these long-rumored features, it will save more lives than ever.

As Apple continues to innovate in the health tech space, one thing is clear: For many, the Apple Watch isn’t just a smartwatch. It’s a silent guardian on the wrist, ready to step in when seconds matter most.

April 24, 2015: The original Apple Watch launch means consumers, who endured a seven-month wait after the device’s unveiling at a keynote the previous September, can finally strap an Apple wearable onto their wrists.

Apple CEO Tim Cook describes the smartwatch as the “next chapter in Apple history.”  Behind the scenes, however, the first Apple Watch launch is a moment long in the making.

The original Apple Watch launch

“Apple Watch begins a new chapter in the way we relate to technology and we think our customers are going to love it,” said Cook in a March 2015 press release setting the April 24 launch date for the first Apple Watch. “We can’t wait for people to start wearing Apple Watch to easily access information that matters, to interact with the world, and to live a better day by being more aware of their daily activity than ever before.”

Repeatedly described as Apple’s “most personal device yet,” the new wearable put several innovations on wearers’ wrists — and Apple was quick to tout its hardware savvy.

Digital Crown, Taptic Engine and other hardware innovations

The Apple Watch’s Digital Crown — a small knob on the smartwatch’s side — provided an “innovative way to scroll, zoom and navigate fluidly without obstructing the display,” the company said. And an “all-new Taptic Engine discreetly delivers a gentle tap on your wrist whenever you receive a notification or message.”

The very first Apple Watch came in two sizes, 38mm and 42mm, and in three separate models: the aluminum Apple Watch Sport (with prices starting at $349), the stainless steel Apple Watch (starting at $549) and the ultra-pricey, 18-karat gold Apple Watch Edition (starting at a mind-blowing $10,000).

Interchangeable watch bands and watch faces gave Apple Watch owners multiple ways to make the device their own.

Similar to the way Apple co-founder Steve Jobs described the iPhone as a device that did three things, the company boiled down Apple Watch functionality into three distinct categories. The watch served as “incredibly accurate timepiece, an intimate and immediate communication device and a groundbreaking health and fitness companion,” Apple said in a press release announcing the Apple Watch launch date.

A post-Steve Jobs device

Given that Steve Jobs died in October 2011 and the Apple Watch came out in 2015, it wasn’t the first post-Jobs Apple device by any stretch of the imagination. It was, however, the first major new product line to launch in the post-Jobs era.

In this way, Apple Watch was something like the Newton MessagePad, the device shepherded through production by Apple CEO John Sculley in the 1990s. (Jobs left Apple in 1985 after a failed boardroom coup.)

Just as the Newton reflected the tech industry’s first tentative steps toward embracing mobile computing in the 1990s, the Apple Watch signaled the arrival of wearables.

“There was a sense that technology was going to move onto the body,” Alan Dye, the man in charge of Apple’s human interface group, told Wired. “We felt like the natural place, the place that had historical relevance and significance, was the wrist.”

Did Steve Jobs know about Apple Watch?

There’s a bit of confusion as to whether Jobs was involved in the early stages of the Apple Watch‘s development. The aforementioned Wired article claims that Apple design chief Jony Ive only thought about an Apple-branded watch after Jobs’ death. However, Tim Bajarin — an Apple analyst who, unlike many, actually knew Jobs for more than three decades — said, “Steve was aware of the Watch” and “didn’t nix it as a product.”

Conceptualization of the Apple Watch took place around the time that Apple engineers were busy working on iOS 7, a major overhaul that eliminated skeuomorphism from the iPhone’s user interface. After that, Apple’s smartwatch began to develop as a product. Apple recruited various smart-sensor experts to create a device that would offer something fundamentally different from the iPhone.

The original Apple Watch launch also marked an attempt by Apple to become more of a luxury brand. Going back to the company’s earliest days, Cupertino drew parallels between its computers and aspirational goods like high-end cars.

However, decisions like making a $17,000 Apple Watch Edition and showing off the device at Paris Fashion Week marked a strategy shift that embraced high-end fashion in a way Apple hadn’t overtly done before.

Original Apple Watch launch is the start of something big

Apple first showed off its smartwatch on September 9, 2014, during the media event revealing the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus. The show took place at The Flint Center for the Performing Arts in Cupertino, California. (That’s where Jobs debuted the first Mac in 1984 and the Bondi Blue iMac in 1998.)

While not the breakout product either of those machines were, Apple Watch remains a major hit in its own right. A 2021 estimate by Above Avalon put the number of Apple Watch wearers at 100 million. And a 2022 survey showed that Apple Watch dominates the smartwatch category, with a commanding 36% slice of the market. (Apple refuses to release Apple Watch sales numbers, but regularly talks up the wearable’s high satisfaction rate among early adopters.)

With the latest models, Apple Watch finally feels more like its own device and not so much an iPhone accessory. Health and fitness features, like the life-saving ECG heart-rate sensor, have become major selling points. Cupertino continues to refine the Apple Watch design, shrinking bezels and adding new features like an always-on display.

In 2022, the Apple Watch Ultra — a bigger, brawnier model designed for extreme athletes — brought the first major expansion of the product line. Plus, Apple continues to work on even more advanced health sensors, like monitors for high blood pressure and blood glucose levels. (A legal setback in 2024 forced Apple to deactivate the blood oxygen sensor in Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 models.)

Finally, it seems that the Apple Watch has found its niche.

What’s your take on Apple Watch?

What’s your view of the Apple Watch at this point? Are you a loyal customer, who couldn’t do without Apple’s wearable? Leave your comments below.

For the 10th anniversary of its launch, we compiled over a decade of Apple Watch history into a quick timeline. Starting with the original three collections — including models in solid 18 karat gold — all the way to today’s far more advanced (and sensible) Apple Watch Series 10 and Ultra 2.

The Apple Watch was the first major product introduction of Tim Cook’s reign as Apple CEO. There was immense pressure on Apple to prove that it could still innovate without Steve Jobs. While the Apple Watch wasn’t as flashy as the iPhone and iPad, it’s grown into an incredible business rife with breakthrough technology, in one of the most physically constrained form factors yet.

Apple Watch timeline: 10 years of Apple Watch history

Click here or in the video player below to see the evolution of Apple Watch:

Since its debut in 2015, the Apple Watch has transformed from a stylish wrist accessory into a powerful health, fitness, and communication tool. In the last 10 years, Apple has released 15 different generations, including the latest Series 10, and sold more than 100 million units. In that time, Apple Watch has come to define what to expect from wearable technology. It’s gone through several design changes, gained a lot of new features, and become central to many people’s’ digital lives. From its humble beginnings to becoming the world’s most popular smartwatch, the Apple Watch’s history is a fascinating look at Apple’s relentless innovation.

Apple Watch is announced (2014)

• September 9, 2014: Apple Watch introduced.
  • Apple Watch uses motion to activate the display when you raise your wrist.
  • The Digital Crown lets you zoom in and out, precisely adjust on-screen controls and also works as the Home button. (Remember Home buttons?)
  • Glances are a row of screens below the clock that let you quickly see information from apps.
  • Click the side button to see a list of contacts.
  • Digital Touch lets you draw, tap and send your heartbeat to friends.
  • The display detects force; you can force-touch the screen to bring up context-specific controls.
  • The Taptic Engine provides haptic feedback.
  • The charger attaches magnetically without any pins.
  • It comes with six watch bands.
  • Two sizes are available: 38mm and 42mm.
  • Three “collections” are the steel Apple Watch, aluminum Apple Watch Sport and solid gold Apple Watch Edition.

Apple Watch Series 1 goes on sale, watchOS 2 is the first major update (2015)

• April 24, 2015: The Apple Watch officially launches.
• June 8, 2015: Apple announces watchOS 2.
  • New watch faces.
  • Third-party apps can create complications.
  • Time Travel lets you spin the Digital Crown to show future info on your complications.
  • Apple Maps offers transit information.
• September 9, 2015
  • Hermes watches come with special bands and exclusive watch faces.
  • Two new aluminum finishes: gold and rose gold.

Series 2 and watchOS 3 brings much-needed updates (2016)

• June 13, 2016: watchOS 3.
  • Apps launch faster.
  • The side button now brings up a Dock of pinned apps.
  • Write replies using Scribble, drawing one character at a time.
  • The Breathe app helps you meditate.
• September 9, 2016: Apple Watch Series 2.
  • Apple Watch Series 2 is water resistant up to 50 meters, with new swimming workouts.
  • The S2 dual-core processor is more powerful.
  • The display is twice as bright.
  • All models have built-in GPS.
  • A new ceramic model replaces the solid gold models.
  • Apple Watch Nike+ comes with special sport bands and custom faces.
  • The previous model was updated with the same new S2 SiP, and retroactively called “Series 1” — leading to some people calling the original Apple Watch the “Series 0.”

Apple Watch Series 3 goes cellular (2017)

• June 5, 2017: watchOS 4 alerts you if your heart rate is high and you’re not active — the first of many important life-saving features.
• September 14, 2017: Apple Watch Series 3
  • A new cellular model can make and receive calls all by itself in the same case size.
  • Siri can talk.
  • It has a faster processor and Wi-Fi.
  • A barometric altimeter can track your elevation.
  • A new Sport Loop is a lightweight Velcro band.
  • The ceramic model now comes in gray.

Apple Watch Series 4 goes full screen (2018)

• September 12, 2018: Apple Watch Series 4
  • The screen measures more 30% larger, pushed to the edges.
  • The larger screen allows for new faces and complications.
  • The Digital Crown utilizes haptic feedback.
  • The back is now entirely black ceramic and sapphire crystal.
  • The processor is 64-bit and twice as fast.
  • Fall detection can call emergency services when you take a tumble.
  • You’ll be notified if your heart rate is too low or if you have possible atrial fibrillation.
  • You can take an ECG in just 15 seconds by touching the Digital Crown.
  • A new gold stainless finish mimics the former Apple Watch Edition for much less money.

Series 5 tells time, all the time (2019)

• September 10, 2019: Apple Watch Series 5
  • The display is now always-on.
  • A built-in compass helps navigation.
  • New brushed titanium models join aluminum, polished stainless steel and ceramic.
  • Hermes models now come in black.
  • It tells time.

Series 6 measures blood oxygen, just in time for the pandemic (2020)

• January 9, 2020: Health tech company Masimo sues Apple for allegedly stealing pulse monitor technology that measures blood oxygen and heart rate.
• June 22, 2020: watchOS 7 adds a new sleep app, handwashing detection and new watch faces.
• September 15, 2020: Apple Watch Series 6
  • It comes in new blue and red aluminum finishes, and gray-black stainless steel finish.
  • It can measure your blood oxygen, just in time for the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • The always-on display is 2.5 times brighter outdoors.
  • The always-on altimeter provides continuous elevation readings.
  • A new Solo Loop and Braided Solo Loop are straps entirely without any clasp mechanism.
  • The Apple Watch SE offers basic features at just $279.

Bigger, colorful Apple Watch Series 7 (2021)

• June 30, 2021: Masimo asks the U.S. International Trade Commission to ban imports of the Apple Watch Series 6, citing alleged patent infringement.
• September 13, 2021: Apple Watch Series 7
  • The 20% larger (and 70% brighter) display offers a full QWERTY keyboard.
  • Series 7 has a crack-resistant front crystal and IP6X dust certification.
  • Aluminum models come in midnight, starlight, green, blue and Product Red; steel models in silver, graphite and gold; natural and space black titanium.

Apple Watch Ultra is bigger and hardier (2022)

• June 6, 2022: watchOS 9 brings refreshed faces, banner notifications, sleep stage tracking and medication tracking.
• September 7, 2022
  • Apple Watch Series 8
    • A notable milestone in the Apple Watch timeline: A new sensor can track your overnight temperature and automatically log cycle tracking.
    • Car crash detection can call emergency services if you’re in an accident.
    • Low Power Mode gets up to 36 hours of battery life.
  • The second-gen Apple Watch SE brings a refresh, with new features and rear design.
  • Apple Watch Ultra
    • All-titanium body with the biggest, brightest display.
    • A customizable Action button.
    • A custom Wayfinder face.
    • Three new bespoke bands.
    • Dual-frequency GPS for higher accuracy.
    • An 86-decibel siren can alert someone if you need help.
    • Twice the water resistance for scuba diving.
    • It starts at $799.

Apple Watch Series 9 gets faster; watchOS 10 revamps the whole UI (2023)

• January 11, 2023: A Washington, D.C., judge rules that Apple Watch infringes on Masimo’s sensor technology patent.
• June 5, 2023: watchOS 10 comes with a new widget smart stack below the watch face, redesigned apps emphasize the content with full-screen scrollable views and new watch faces.
• September 12, 2023
  • Apple Watch Series 9 is much faster, with certain Siri requests processed on-device.
  • Double Tap lets you control the watch hands-free.
  • The first 100% carbon-neutral models go on sale.
  • Apple Watch Ultra 2 also gets the new S9 SiP and a brighter display.
• December 18, 2023: The ITC orders a ban on U.S. imports and sales of Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2. Apple halts online sales on December 21, but sells in-store inventory through the holidays. Old models will continue to work, but cannot be repaired by Apple customer service if broken.

Apple Watch Series 10; Apple dodges a ban on U.S. sales (2024)

• January 18, 2024: Apple resumes U.S. sales of all Apple Watch models, but with the blood oxygen feature disabled via software.
• September 9, 2024
  • Apple Watch Series 10 brings a bigger, brighter display that can animate in always-on mode. It also plays media right from the speaker, and comes in titanium instead of stainless steel.
  • Apple Watch Ultra 2 now comes in black.

When are new Apple Watches coming out?

A new Apple Watch Series 11 should arrive in fall 2025, along with new Apple Watch SE 3 and Apple Watch Ultra 3 — but details about new features and new sensors, as well as pricing and availability — remain closely guarded secrets.

With Global Close Your Rings Day upon us, Apple Watch owners around the world showed off the pins they earned Thursday by participating in Apple’s fitness-oriented special event. The day marks a decade of Apple Watch Activity rings helping keep users active for their health.

“Apple Watch has changed the way people think about, monitor and engage with their fitness and health,” said Jeff Williams, Apple’s chief operating officer, in a press release Monday announcing the event. “A decade ago, we introduced Activity rings — and since then, Apple Watch has grown to offer an extensive set of features designed to empower every user. People write to us almost every day sharing how Apple Watch has made a difference in their life, from motivating them to move more throughout the day, to changing the trajectory of their health.”

Global Close Your Rings Day marks 10th anniversary of Apple Watch Activity rings

From the Apple Watch debut in 2015 to the latest Apple Watch Series 10, the smartwatch continues to evolve, with health- and fitness-oriented features like heart rate monitoring and sleep tracking. The watch’s novel Activity rings feature — which challenges wearers to close their Move, Exercise and Stand rings every day — serves as both a motivational tool and an easy way to monitor daily activities.

On April 24, Apple Watch users around the world began earning a limited-edition award by closing all three of their Activity rings. Apple encourages participants to “do something they love, push themselves further or try something new” and then share their achievements on social media using the hashtag #CloseYourRings.

Those who successfully close their Move, Exercise and Stand rings on Global Close Your Rings Day will receive a limited-edition digital award, along with 10 animated stickers and an animated badge for Messages.

Apple Watch owners score special pins for Global Close Your Rings Day

Apple is also bringing the celebration into the physical world. Apple Watch users can visit Apple Store locations worldwide on April 24 to collect a special pin inspired by the digital award, while supplies last.

On social media Thursday, people from various countries posted pictures of themselves holding the pins.

I managed to get one!

This pin is super cool #CloseYourRings pic.twitter.com/g4Ms1W4F4R

— Tech-Up (@thetech_up) April 24, 2025

Пользователи соцсетей по всему миру хвастаются полученными в Apple Store коллекционными пинами-значками#CloseYourRings pic.twitter.com/CcnlJbpDzi

— Apple Pro (@aaplpro) April 24, 2025

Get a real-life Apple Watch Limited Edition Challenge badge in a nearby Apple Store! Got one from Apple Hanam! #Apple #CloseYourRings @RingInTheNewDay pic.twitter.com/Pe6mu3MD5V

— Bummo Koo (@gbmksquare) April 24, 2025

New research highlights the health benefits of closing Activity rings

Alongside the announcement of Global Close Your Rings Day, Apple released findings from a new analysis of the Apple Heart and Movement Study. Based on data from more than 140,000 participants, the research revealed significant associations between regularly closing Activity rings and various aspects of health and wellness.

According to the study, people who consistently closed their Activity rings were 48% less likely to experience poor sleep quality, defined as waking up frequently during the night. These same individuals were also 73% less likely to experience elevated resting heart rates, which can be an important indicator of overall fitness and cardiovascular health.

Perhaps most striking was the finding that regular ring-closers were 57% less likely to report elevated stress levels, as measured by the Perceived Stress Scale-4 (PSS-4), a standard questionnaire used to assess stress perception.

The Apple Heart and Movement Study, conducted in collaboration with Brigham and Women’s Hospital and the American Heart Association, now includes more than 200,000 participants across the United States.

A decade of fitness and health innovation

Since its introduction a decade ago, the Activity app has become one of the most popular Apple Watch features. The simple yet powerful visualization uses three concentric rings to represent daily activity: Move (active calories burned), Exercise (minutes of brisk activity), and Stand (hours in which users stand for at least one minute).

Users can customize their daily goals to match their lifestyle and fitness level, with the ability to set different targets for different days of the week. The app even allows users to pause their rings when they need a rest day.

Beyond Activity rings, Apple Watch offers a comprehensive suite of fitness and health features, including:

• The Workout app, which tracks various activities using custom heart rate and calorie algorithms specifically validated for different exercise types.
• Advanced metrics for popular activities like running, cycling, hiking and swimming.
• Motivational tools such as activity challenges, sharing capabilities, weekly summaries and trend analysis.
• Tracking for key fitness indicators including training load, cardio fitness and heart rate recovery.
• Health monitoring features for sleep stage tracking, heart health, menstrual cycles, medication management and environmental noise exposure.

Based on scientific research, with privacy and secure data assured

Apple emphasizes that all these features are grounded in scientific research and developed with rigorous accuracy standards. The company recently published a validation summary detailing the methodologies and technologies behind Apple Watch’s measurement capabilities. It noted machine learning models developed using “data from hundreds of thousands of hours of studies involving thousands of participants from diverse populations.”

Privacy remains central to Apple’s health and fitness features. The company notes that when devices are locked with a passcode, Touch ID or Face ID, all health data in the Health app (except Medical ID information) is encrypted. Health data synced to iCloud is encrypted both during transmission and while stored on Apple’s servers. With recent operating system versions and two-factor authentication enabled, health and activity data is stored in a way that even Apple cannot access it.

Source: Apple

This article first published on April 14, 2025. We updated it on Global Close Your Rings Day, April 24, 2025. 

Apple Watch does so much that it’s possible for some of its handy tricks to get lost. You can’t call these three Apple Watch tips  marquee features. But they can make life just a bit more convenient.

Here’s how to turn on the flashlight, find your iPhone and silence alarms on your iPhone from an Apple Watch.

Apple Watch tips: Make your smartwatch more useful

Most Apple Watch users quickly master the features they bought the wearable for. They figure out the ins and outs of activity tracking and get themselves in shape. Or maybe they learn to send and receive texts from Apple Watch.

But the Apple Watch can do so much that it’s easy to overlook some of its capabilities. Even ones that might be considered basic.

This trio of Apple Watch tips includes things all Apple Watch owners should know.

Use your Apple Watch as a flashlight

Surely, every iPhone user knows there’s a flashlight built into their handset. But it might come as a surprise to some that Apple Watch has one, too. Activating it is as simple as swiping up from the bottom of the wearable’s watch face to open Control Center, then tapping the flashlight button.

This makes the watch’s display light up bright white. The result isn’t as intense as an iPhone LED, but it’s always with you whenever you need it.

Read the full Cult of Mac guide to the Apple Watch flashlight for more details.

Find iPhone with Apple Watch

If you’re wearing an Apple watch, you really can’t misplace your iPhone. That’s because you can always set off an audible alarm on the handset with the wearable. And it’s quicker and easier than using Find My.

As with the flashlight, start by opening your Apple Watch’s Control Center by swiping up from the bottom of the watch face. Then press the button that looks like an iPhone playing a sound.

The sound is loud enough to be heard from across a house. If that’s not enough, you can even make your iPhone’s camera flash on and off. To do so, simply tap and hold that same icon. That will add a blinking light to the pinging sound, which proves especially useful in dark places. If you’re still having difficulties locating your handset, switch to Find My.

For all the details, check Cult of Mac’s guide on how to find an iPhone with Apple Watch.

Cancel timers and alarms on iPhone

The iPhone makes a convenient kitchen timer. It’s 100% accurate, so you don’t have to worry about burning the biscuits. And the iPhone is the only alarm clock you ever need. But if a timer or alarm goes off when your iPhone isn’t right next to you, you can silence it from your Apple Watch with this tip. Or start it again.

This one is easy because you don’t have to do anything to set it up. When a timer starts going off on the iPhone, it’ll also appear on your Apple Watch. Tap on the stop button or the reset button on the wearable to control the timer on the handset.

Alarms work the same way. You can stop or snooze an iPhone alarm right from the wearable.

There’s a good chance you know about these two because the Apple Watch vibrates to get your attention when an iPhone timer or alarm goes off. Still, it doesn’t hurt to be sure everyone knows about such a useful feature.

Go all through the Apple Watch Control Center

Two out of the three Apple Watch tips described here are in the Apple Watch’s Control Center. If either of them were new to you, it’s worth your time to check all the buttons in the Control Center to be sure you know what they all do.

Like, do you know what the button with the comedy and tragedy masks does? If not, you should find out — you might find theater mode very useful next time you go to La Scala. And everyone can use the remote camera shutter. It’s brilliant.

We originally published this post on three basic Apple Watch tips on June 29, 2023. We updated the information.

It’s time to break the habit of doing everything on your iPhone while overlooking what’s often a better alternative. Consider the Apple Watch pros: It’s a very capable little computer, and it’s right there on your wrist. Odds are you aren‘t taking advantage of half of what it can do for you.

Here are the simple tasks I used to do on my iPhone that are now easier because I do them on my Apple Watch. And all without needing any third-party software. The only apps required come preinstalled on every Apple Watch.

Apple Watch pros: When a smartwatch beats an iPhone

You probably got an Apple Watch to get more active. Me too, and it worked out great. But then I looked for ways to use the smartwatch for more than just fitness. I paid quite a bit for the gadget — I wanted to get my money’s worth.

It’s important not to look at your wearable’s small screen as a con. Extreme portability is the biggest Apple Watch pro. And it likely goes with you everywhere. Find jobs that it’s good at, and you’ll make your life easier.

An iPhone is portable too, obviously, but it’s comparatively cumbersome. Dragging my iPhone out of my pocket just to read a reminder or a one-sentence text message, then shoving it back in my pocket, is a waste of effort when the same information is available on my wrist where I can simply glance at it.

I started looking for non-health-tracking ways to make my Apple Watch more useful by asking myself one simple question — you should try it. Here are the simple things I now use the smartwatch for. If you’re still doing these on your iPhone, think about switching. And none of these require adding third-party Apple Watch apps.

Payments, flashlight and music

Apple Pay: I love using Apple Pay to wirelessly pay for purchases without needing to pull out a credit card. And I love it even more now that I realize I can pay from my Apple Watch instead of my iPhone. Using the smartwatch for payments is even more convenient than a handset.

Flashlight: Whenever I need a bit more light, I use the flashlight on my Apple Watch. It’s perfect for searching for something in the back of a cabinet or reading a menu in a dim restaurant. And it doesn’t require me to have a hand free to hold the light. If I’m going into the woods at night, I’ll bring out the much brighter iPhone flashlight, but that’s about the only time.

Music and podcasts: When I’m enjoying music or a podcast on my iPhone, the multimedia controls are also available on my Apple Watch. Adjusting the volume is as simple as spinning the Digital Crown — which I count as one of the major Apple Watch pros. And I can skip songs or ads embedded into podcasts right from my wrist. This is all very convenient, because I frequently listen to podcasts streaming to speakers over AirPlay while my iPhone is charging way off in another room. My smartwatch is always with me, though.

Texts (and sometimes email)

Texts: It took a while, but I broke myself of the habit of always pulling out my iPhone to read texts. A 7-inch screen isn’t needed to read a one-line message — a 2-inch display is fine. A quick glance is all it takes to read a text on an Apple Watch.

When I reply, I often pick one of the basic responses that can be sent just by touching a button, like “Thanks!” Alternatively, I use Dictation to turn my voice into written words. No iPhone needed.

I occasionally even read an email on my Apple Watch. You can assign VIP status to people in Apple Mail. I did that, and my Apple Watch alerts me when I receive an email from one of them. I generally at least glance at it on my watch, though I usually switch to the iPhone for long messages.

Timers, Siri and navigation

Timers: I time everything in the kitchen with my Apple Watch. It’s far easier to set them up, check on them, and cancel them on my wrist than on my phone. Super-convenient timers sit at the top of my list of Apple Watch pros.

As for alarms, I still set them up on my phone, but watchOS lets me cancel or snooze them on the Watch anyway because it’s just that clever.

Siri: Pulling out an iPhone simply to ask Siri a question makes little sense. Once it sank in that the voice assistant is available on my wrist by holding down the Digital Crown, that became my go-to method. Admittedly, Siri isn’t the sharpest tool in the shed. But Apple’s AI assistant can prove useful within its narrow limits. I utilize Siri for a range of functions, from controlling my smart home to getting sports scores … all from my wrist.

To combine two suggestions: setting up a 5-minute timer with Siri just requires telling it “5 minutes.”

Walking directions: Don’t overlook the fact that Apple Maps prove just as useful on sidewalks as on streets. I use the app on my Apple Watch to get around unfamiliar areas. I find it easier than frequently pulling out my iPhone for walking directions.

It also works great when driving, bicycling or taking public transit. The Apple Watch’s haptics, which can discreetly alert you about upcoming turns, work wonders.

Apple Watch pros help you get more out of your wearable

You probably bought your Apple Watch to use it as a health and fitness tracker. But it’s easy to overlook that the smartwatch can do much more. Going above and beyond health-oriented features is among the biggest Apple Watch pros.

Now you know what else I use my smartwatch for. I hope you’ll be inspired by these suggestions to make better use of your own.

Closing your three Apple Watch Activity rings can become such an obsession that it’s easy to forget why you’re doing it. But what does it really mean to close an Apple Watch ring? The Stand ring seems obvious. We all know we shouldn’t sit around on our asses all day. But how about the Move and Exercise rings, which sound so similar?

Actually, no. The Apple Watch’s Move and Exercise rings are very different, and understanding that difference is massively important if you want to achieve your fitness goals.

Apple Watch Activity rings explained

The Apple Watch‘s Activity rings give wearers an easy way to check their progress on daily fitness goals. Present at the original Apple Watch’s launch in 2015, they played a key role in the smartwatch’s evolution from geeky fashion item to must-have health and fitness wearable. And yet it’s still not that simple to understand the differences in the Move ring versus the Exercise ring.

What’s the difference between movement and exercise? Heart rate.

For many of us, the thought of “exercise” conjures up images of squeezing into tight Lycra and cavorting around at the gym for an hour or so. It’s a hobby for some and a nightmare for others. Moving, though, is something that everyone does every day, even if it is just walking down your driveway to get into your car.

But the way Apple defines movement and exercise is rather different. In fact, from your Apple Watch’s point of view, the time you spend at the gym is not necessarily exercise. But that walk to the car just might be.

That’s because any movement of your wrist contributes to your pink Move ring, whereas your Apple Watch only adds minutes to your green Exercise ring when your heart rate goes above a certain threshold. Exactly what that threshold is varies from one user to another. (It depends on things like your age and your resting heart rate.)

Apple Watch does not treat all workouts as exercise

That’s why when you log a workout, it doesn’t always contribute the same number of minutes to the Exercise ring.

For example, if you use the Workout app to log a 30-minute walk, it might not be enough to close your Exercise ring, even though the goal for that ring is 30 minutes. The problem is that a leisurely stroll does not raise your heart rate much, so it might not be sufficient to contribute any minutes to your Exercise ring.

Similarly, if you are lifting weights at the gym, you might be working your muscles very hard. However, if you sit down and rest between sets, your heart rate may never become sufficiently elevated for your Apple Watch to consider what you are doing exercise.

As such, the Exercise ring tends to be a little harder to close than the Move ring. That’s because it is concerned with the quality of your activity, not just the quantity.

You can force your Apple Watch to credit you with all the minutes of your workout by using the “Other workout” option, since this assumes you are working out at the level of a brisk walk or better, regardless of your heart rate. But that’s kinda cheating.

How 1 became 3: A brief history of Apple Watch Activity rings

To understand why we have separate Move and Exercise rings, let’s pause for a brief history lesson. The forefather of today’s Activity rings was NikeFuel, which was introduced back in 2012 together with the Nike+ FuelBand. At the time, Jay Blahnik was a key expert and consultant at Nike. Today, he’s the director of fitness for health technologies at Apple.

So it’s no surprise that there’s a strong family resemblance between the NikeFuel ring and Apple’s Activity rings.

Like the Move ring on Apple Watch, the NikeFuel ring was a measurement of your movement throughout the day, gauged by the motion of your wrist. It was pretty basic. But it was all that was possible with the hardware in the Nike+ FuelBand at the time.

The trouble is that fitness is a multifaceted concept. There is far more to it than just movement alone. Thanks to advances in hardware like the built-in heart rate sensor and a powerful processor, Cupertino could take things further with Apple Watch by adding two more rings — Stand and Exercise.

Some aspects of fitness, such as strength, flexibility and coordination, are still not covered by Apple’s three-ring model. But it is still a big step forward from the single ring of its predecessor.

Why is the Move ring the only customizable one?

One big difference between the Move and Exercise rings is that only the Move goal is customizable. The Exercise goal is the same for everyone.

Like the NikeFuel ring before it, the Move ring lets you choose the number of calories you aim to burn in a day. (Nike called its units “Fuel” instead of calories, but it was basically the same thing.) This flexibility means the Move ring is great for pretty much everyone. Whether you are a couch potato or an Olympic athlete, you can set a Move goal that’s realistic for you.

Another neat thing about personalized Move goals is that they level the playing field for Apple Watch Activity sharing. A bit like a golf handicap, you can compete with friends and family to close your Move ring, even if you all have very different fitness levels.

So why didn’t Apple go the same route with the Exercise ring? Why do we all get the same fixed 30-minute goal?

The Exercise ring goal might be 30 minutes for everyone, but that doesn’t mean it’s the same

It might seem unfair that everyone gets the same Exercise goal, regardless of their fitness level. And it would be, if that were true. But in reality, it is not that simple. The duration may be 30 minutes for all, but the intensity varies for everyone. That’s because our bodies adapt to exercise when we do it frequently.

As you get fitter, your heart becomes stronger and more efficient. It does not need to beat as fast in order to supply the oxygen your muscles need during exercise. The fitter you become, the less your heart rate will increase when you do the same amount of work.

Since Apple Watch uses elevated heart rate to judge when you are doing exercise, a very fit person must work a lot harder to elevate their heart rate sufficiently for it to contribute to their Exercise ring.

In other words, a brisk walk might count as exercise if you are unfit. But as you get in shape, it might not, because it would not elevate your heart rate much. Then you might need to jog or run to raise your heart rate sufficiently for it to count.

But why is it 30 minutes exactly?

Apple never explained exactly how it arrived at 30 minutes for the Exercise goal, but it is probably based on the World Health Organization’s recommended levels of physical activity for adults.

The WHO recommends that adults do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity each week, which works out to about 21 minutes a day. For additional health benefits, WHO recommends aiming for 300 minutes a week, or 42 minutes a day. Apple set its 30-minute goal right in the middle of the WHO guidelines.

To become the lord of the Activity rings, you must know your ultimate goal

Apple’s Activity goals are really just a means to an end. Moving a certain amount every day, and doing 30 minutes of exercise, are not things most of us do just for the fun of it. We do them to maintain or improve our health.

To make sure that you are getting that health benefit, and to keep yourself motivated in the long term, it’s essential to know exactly what your own personal goal is. Ask yourself, “Why is it important that I close these rings?”

If your answer is that you want to lose weight, then the Move ring is very important. That’s because this ring is measured in calories. As everyone knows, counting calories is important when you want to shed pounds.

If you just want to live a long and healthy life, then the Exercise ring is important. According to the WHO guidelines, the Exercise goal reduces the risk of diseases such as coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, colon and breast cancer, and depression. It also reduces the risk of hip or vertebral fractures.

Move ring vs. Exercise ring: Pink and green are more different than they seem

The pink and green Activity rings on Apple Watch may appear similar. However, as we’ve seen, in reality they are very different.

Put simply, when you are exercising, you are also moving. But when you are moving, you are not necessarily exercising. For your movement to count as exercise, it must be a moderate-intensity activity that raises your heart rate.

If you want to maintain a healthy body weight and reduce your risk of premature death, you need to make sure you’re doing a bit of both. Thanks to Apple Watch, that’s easier than ever.

We originally published this post on Apple Watch’s Activity rings on July 12, 2018. We updated the information.

Odds are, you’re not taking advantage of all the useful things your Apple Watch can do for you. That’s because we all tend to grab our iPhone, even when it’s not the best option. I started using my smartwatch much more after I began asking myself one simple question whenever I grab my iPhone: “Would this be easier on my Apple Watch?”

You should try it, too.

Don’t overlook your Apple Watch

If you only use your Apple Watch for activity tracking, you’re missing out on lots of other capabilities. The iPhone and Mac certainly have their places in your routine, but a smartwatch can handle most of the small tasks we habitually pull out a phone to do.

Your Apple Watch goes with you everywhere, and it sits right there on your wrist — ready to be used, not stuck in your pocket. You really ought to get more use out of it.

‘Would this be easier on my Apple Watch?’

You won’t ever take full advantage of your smartwatch until you start actively looking for ways to integrate it into your daily life. Picking up our phones has become so very habitual. Get a text notification? Grab iPhone. Hear an alert? Grab iPhone.

The best way I’ve found to escape that habit is to keep asking myself the question when I reach for my iPhone, “Would this be easier on my Apple Watch?” I’ve been doing this for months, and the answer is often, “Yes.” And it’s led to me using the smartwatch far more than I used to.

More useful than you might think

I stopped setting up timers and reading text messages on my iPhone, for example. I check who’s calling me on the Watch, and even take the call if I think it’s going to be a short one. When I need to calculate a tip in a restaurant, I do it on the Watch.

I stopped pulling out my iPhone just to type in a few words for a text. Instead, I use Dictation to turn my voice into written words. And I often use the basic responses that can be sent just by touching a button, like “Thanks!”

Whenever my iPhone beeps at me, I check my Watch instead. Almost every time, what the phone wants to tell me is also there on my wrist where it’s easier to see.

I even turn to my Watch when I can’t find the TV remote. There’s an app for that.

Be optimistic but realistic

Obviously, an Apple Watch isn’t better for everything. You aren’t ever going to lean back and watch an episode of Severance on one, or write a long email to your boss. A bigger screen is necessary for images and video, and long emails require a keyboard. Websites and e-books aren’t right for a 1.9-inch display, either.

But don’t get in the habit of thinking, “A smartwatch can’t do that,” because maybe it can. Also, try to stop thinking of your iPhone as the best way to do everything — it’s not.

Always remember that your Apple Watch can do far more than show you how active you’ve been today. All you have to do is look for ways it can help you. And the best way to find them is by asking yourself when you reach for the iPhone, “Would this be easier on my Apple Watch?”

In a harrowing incident off the coast of Australia, an experienced swimmer’s routine morning body surfing session turned potentially deadly after riptides took him out to sea. Fortunately, 49-year-old Rick Shearman remembered the SOS feature on his Apple Watch Ultra. Using it led to a dramatic helicopter rescue that saved his life on July 13, 2024.

Update: Apple Australia’s YouTube channel posted a new video Thursday, below, dramatizing Shearman’s rescue. It recreates his desperate SOS call, his struggles amid huge swells and the dramatic relief when the rescue helicopter appears overhead. The video only lasts a minute, but by the end, with music swelling, it might bring you to tears.

Apple Watch SOS feature leads to swimmer’s dramatic helicopter rescue at sea (new video below)

Just when it seemed like Apple Watch’s life-saving ways were losing their novelty — so many heart alerts and hard falls — along comes a dramatic new twist. A swimmer treading water in rough seas more than half a mile off Byron Bay’s Tallow Beach in New South Wales repeatedly failed to find a safe channel to swim ashore amid rampant riptides that kept pushing him farther out. But this story doesn’t end in a drowning — thanks to Apple Watch and its Emergency SOS feature, according to an ABC North Coast report.

Despite his experience as a swimmer and surfer, Shearman found himself overwhelmed by the ocean’s power. After being held under by large waves and beginning to panic, he made the crucial decision to use his Apple Watch’s emergency function.

Treading water, swimmer called up SOS on his Apple Watch

“It became clear after about 20 minutes that I wasn’t going to make it back in and I needed some assistance,” Shearman recounted. With no one on the beach aware of his predicament, the smart device on his wrist became his lifeline.

While treading water in challenging conditions, Shearman activated the SOS feature on his Apple Watch. It connected him to emergency services via Australia’s 9-1-1, “0-0-0.” Despite the difficulties of communicating while being buffeted by wind and waves, he managed to stay on the line for an hour, guiding rescuers to his location.

“If it wasn’t for being able to access that service in my watch, I’d probably be bobbing out somewhere in international waters by now,” Shearman said, emphasizing the critical role the Apple Watch Ultra played in his rescue.

Apple Watch greatly reduced search time

The Apple Watch’s SOS function proved to be a game-changer, according to Jimmy Keogh from Surf Life Saving Far North Coast.

“The search area for the person in the water with the conditions that we had, it would have been a pretty substantial search area involving multi agencies that could have gone one for days,” Keogh said.

A rescue helicopter eventually winched Shearman to safety, thanks to precise location data provided by his Apple Watch Ultra. This incident highlights the potential life-saving capabilities of wearable technology in emergency situations, especially in remote or challenging environments.

Following his rescue, Shearman expressed gratitude toward all involved in the operation. He also acknowledged the power of technology in saving his life.

“I underestimated it,” he said, referring to ocean conditions that day. “It’s amazing that I was able to use that technology to save my life.”

This post originally published on July 15, 2024. We republished it to add Apple’s new video on April 11, 2025. 

We hear plenty of stories about Apple Watch saving lives, but they rarely if ever involve cancer — until now. According to news from down under, Apple Watch’s persistent alerts about an elevated heart rate helped save a New Zealand psychiatrist’s life, leading to a diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia just hours before potential organ failure.

Apple Watch alerts woman to life-threatening cancer just in time

Dr. Amanda Faulkner, 51, a consultant psychiatrist, recently treated herself to a new Apple Watch Series 10 after years of using her husband’s older model. She initially dismissed the high heart rate warnings she get getting as a fault in the device. But she soon found out the wearable turned out to be a life-saving purchase.

“I kept on ignoring it until it got to the point where it was literally screaming at me,” Faulkner, who is generally healthy and physically active, told 1News.

Apple Watch 10 and its Vitals app measure various health metrics, including heart rate, respiratory rate, wrist temperature, blood oxygen and sleep duration. They began sending consistent notifications that her resting heart rate had jumped from its usual 55 beats per minute overnight to above 90 BPM.

“Hand on heart, if it wasn’t for my smartwatch constantly nagging me, I wouldn’t have even noticed something was wrong,” she explained to the The New Zealand Herald.

Although she had been experiencing symptoms like fatigue, feeling hot and a heavy menstrual flow, Faulkner, who maintains a busy practice with over 60 patients, had attributed these to hot weather or possibly perimenopause.

“I thought I was probably just a bit anemic,” she said.

Critical timing

After persistent alerts from the Vitals app on her watch, which reported outliers every morning, Faulkner finally visited her doctor. She shared graphs from her Apple Watch displaying a clear trend of elevated heart rates.

Her doctor immediately referred her for further testing. Within just four hours, Faulkner received a devastating diagnosis: Acute Myeloid Leukemia, a rare and aggressive form of blood cancer.

“It’s like a nuclear bomb going off in your life,” she told 1News. “I’m a very optimistic, cheerful person, and I’m a strong person, but you never know how you’re going to react. I felt numb, I felt distraught. It’s like you’re on a rollercoaster that you never chose to be on but once you’re on it, you just have to sit there and go along for the ride.”

The timing of her diagnosis proved critical. Doctors informed Faulkner that had she delayed seeking medical attention for another 48 hours, she likely would not have survived.

“I was just on the verge of multiple organ failure. I was literally hours away from death, so I got rushed down to Palmerston North Hospital, started on chemotherapy, and I’m still here,” she said.

Ongoing treatment and outlook

Since her diagnosis in January, Faulkner has received chemotherapy. Though currently in remission, her particular type of cancer has a high chance of relapse. Her treatment plan includes an upcoming stem cell transplant. It will essentially giving her a new immune system.

As a medical doctor, Faulkner is fully aware of the gravity of her situation. She acknowledges that the stem cell procedure carries a 20% mortality risk.

“It’s pretty confronting,” she told the Herald. But she remains optimistic. Her husband credits Apple Watch with making a “life-changing difference” by giving them early warning, increasing his wife’s odds of beating cancer.

Apple Watch alerts: Health tech as early warning system

Apple emphasizes that its heart monitoring features — some approved by the FDA — are not diagnostic tools or meant for continuous monitoring. Rather, the company frames them as screening tools that can alert users to potential conditions and provide additional information to share with healthcare providers.

Dr. Sumbul Desai, Apple’s vice-president of health, previously told the Herald that while the Watch should not be considered a diagnostic tool, feedback suggests an elevated heart rate “can be a good indicator of a number of conditions,” including impending fever or allergic reactions.

Research at the University of Auckland is exploring how smartwatch data might be integrated into clinical practice. Dr. Ruhi Bajaj, a health informatics researcher, noted in a 2023 study that “with the enhancements in machine learning algorithms and likely new healthcare roles, wearables have the potential to transform our healthcare models from reactive to proactive and prescriptive.”

A call for self-advocacy

Faulkner now encourages others to seek medical attention if they notice persistent, unusual symptoms — particularly women, who she feels are sometimes dismissed when raising health concerns. And Apple Watch alerts can help.

“Be an advocate for your own well-being,” Faulkner advised. “The earlier you get on and treat something the better the outcome.”

Apple Watch users can now install watchOS 11.4, an update that improves wake-up alarms and makes a few other tweaks.

Apple announced on Monday that the update was available, but didn’t actually release it until Tuesday.

What’s new in watchOS 11.4

watchOS 11 went out in the autumn with features Apple Watch users had wanted for years. That includes the option to pause an Activity streak without losing it, set Activity goals for each day of the week, and more.

Apple introduced three smaller updates since then, and this week brought the fourth. The official release notes reveal what’s new:

This update includes new features, improvements, and bug fixes, including:

• Matter-compatible robot vacuum cleaners can be added to the Home app as well as used in scenes, automations, or simply say “Siri, clean the living room.”

• An option to allow Sleep Wake Up alarm to break through Silent Mode

• An issue where face selection may become unresponsive when switching faces

For those who don’t have a robot vacuum cleaner, the big change is to the Sleep Wake Up alarm. With watchOS 11.4 installed, even when a Watch is in Silent Mode, the Wake Up alarm can be set so it goes off as normal, with an audible alert. Previously, the alarm was restricted to a haptic alert… which might not be enough to wake some people up.

Apple lists April 1 as the release date for the update, so it seems Monday’s announcement that watchOS 11.4 was ready on March 31 was premature. Still, iOS 18.4, macOS Sequoia 15.4, and other Apple operating system updates did launch on Monday.

How to update your Apple Watch

After Monday’s oddness, watchOS 11.4 is actually ready. The update can be installed directly onto an Apple Watch, as long as the wearable is connected to Wi-Fi. From the Settings app, navigate to General > Software Update. Or install it from an iPhone by opening the Apple Watch app and going to My Watch > General > Software Update.