When it comes to maximizing the potential of my Apple Watch Ultra, you might be surprised to learn that I predominantly rely on native apps. Despite the availability of numerous third-party applications, these built-in offerings manage to meet my daily needs seamlessly. Let’s delve into my essential Apple Watch apps.
Dominance of Native Apps
Over the months, my Apple Watch Ultra has become an indispensable companion. Its seamless integration into the Apple ecosystem, coupled with impressive features, makes it a worthy addition, even for those who aren’t extreme athletes.
The revelation, however, is that most of the applications I use on my Apple Watch Ultra are native. Here’s a closer look at my go-to native apps:
1. Training and Activity: The Training and Activity apps are at the core of my fitness journey. They provide precise control over my progress, offering real-time stats, personalized goals, and gentle nudges to stay active. During workouts, my Apple Watch Ultra offers in-depth insights into heart rate, distance covered, cadence, pace, time, and more. This wealth of information empowers me to optimize my training sessions and consistently surpass my fitness goals. While I’ve explored third-party apps like Strava, I continue to prefer the native Fitness app for its simplicity and comprehensive fitness tracking.
2. Reminders: An essential app for staying organized, Reminders helps me keep track of daily tasks, whether at home, work, or school. The ability to access this information directly from my Apple Watch is invaluable. I also use Siri to add reminders on the fly, without reaching for my iPhone.
3. Phone and Messages: My Apple Watch’s seamless connectivity ensures I stay in touch even when my iPhone isn’t within reach. The Phone and Messages apps enable me to make and receive calls, as well as respond to messages directly from my wrist.
4. Cycle Control: Tailored for women, the Cycle Control app simplifies tracking menstrual cycles and associated symptoms. It eliminates the need for my iPhone when recording flow and symptoms, offering a convenient way to maintain detailed records for future reference.
Non-Native Applications
While native apps dominate my Apple Watch usage, there are a couple of non-native applications I turn to:
1. Spotify: For music on the go, Spotify is my choice. I often download playlists to enjoy during walks or workouts, seamlessly syncing with my AirPods and Apple Watch. While I have access to Apple Music, Spotify won me over with its diverse library.
2. Strava: Though I don’t actively use the Strava app on my Apple Watch, it plays a pivotal role in transferring data from the native Activity app. This data is later reviewed in the Strava app on my iPhone and shared with friends.
Third-Party Apps I’ve Explored
One app worth mentioning is “dminder.” During the summer, I used it daily to monitor sun exposure and track vitamin D intake. The app calculates optimal sun exposure based on factors like skin tone, age, weight, and the amount of exposed skin. While it proved useful, I uninstalled it upon returning to Finland.
Concluding Thoughts on Apple Watch Use
Reflecting on my Apple Watch usage, I’m struck by how “basic” it appears. Yet, this simplicity is a testament to Apple’s commitment to delivering comprehensive functionality through native apps. Unlike other devices where third-party apps become essential, my Apple Watch caters to nearly all my needs with its built-in offerings.
By prioritizing native apps, my Apple Watch Ultra remains uncluttered and streamlined. It’s a testament to how Apple’s ecosystem, backed by innovative technology, can create a seamless and efficient user experience. So, what are your favorite or most-used Apple Watch apps? Share your preferences with us!