Bored with Apple Watch?

[mavis]

Hey guys. Recently I've come to the conclusion that I'm kind of bored with my Apple Watch. Just wondering if anyone else is? Actually, I was also wondering if anyone had switched to a Wear OS device, and what that was like in terms of device capabilities/function/form as well as on the software side.

I got my first Apple Watch on launch day - April 24, 2015 - and I thought it was great. I got the Stainless Steel 42mm with a Milanese Loop band, and after that got several Sport Bands as well as a Stainless Steel Link band. That first AW was great, but SLOW ... so I upgraded to an AW3 (also 42mm, SS) last December - it was a terrific upgrade! The watch is much more responsive, faster, etc.

That said, it's still a rectangular, black THING on my wrist, 95% of the time. Right now, for example, as I type this post, I'm looking at a blank, black screen - after several upgrades to the internals, Apple still hasn't managed to come up with even a reduced functionality always-on display! Lame. The watch faces are BORING, in my opinion, and irritating (no seconds displayed on most of the digital clock faces, limited customization options, etc) and third-party apps still take ages to load (or are no longer available in the first place) ... Meanwhile, I see pictures of Wear OS devices that look like actual watches (round displays) with extensive watch face customization and options (granted, 99% look like garbage, to me) and always-on displays, with longer battery life, etc ... I don't know. It's beginning to look like it would be nice to switch.

So I guess I was wondering if anyone else had already done so, and if so, what your thoughts are! Thanks.

 

[FFR]

I love mine.

Can’t wait for the series 4.
Just wish it had more storage.

 

[danny842003]

I don’t spend much time looking at my wrist, maybe the watch isn’t the thing you are actually bored with.

 

[nrvna76]

I’ve always been intrigued by the gear (now galaxy watch) line. The rotating bezel seems the best option for a round display besides swiping. Ticwatch Pro looks somewhat promising as well, reviews are mixed.

I may end up with a Fitbit Versa as I am tired of not being able to bring my watch in to work. I can’t have anything with a microphone.

 

[nnoble]

That’s like saying you’re board with your pen, pencil,glasses. Perhaps you’re just .....bored.

 

[mavis]

That’s like saying you’re board with your pen, pencil,glasses. Perhaps you’re just .....bored.

It's funny you mentioned pens and glasses, specifically. Six years ago I started a new job and bought a pen to use at work - nothing fancy, but yeah. Still have it and still use it daily. I bought my RayBans NINE years ago and still wear them daily. I don't get bored with things easily, it's just that the design of the AW is boring (IMO) and the lack of customization (esp compared with Wear 2.0) is annoying. Again, I'm wondering if anyone else has 'jumped ship' with the AW, and what that experience ended up being like.

 

[44267547]

I can’t say I ever have been bored with the Apple Watch, but I see it as another tech device and once the excitement kind of wains off, you tend to view it just like you would another tech device. I still enjoy it for what it is and what it has to offer, I think it conveniences me enough where I can justify the purchase of the Series 4 in the next few weeks.

Also, OP, it doesn’t appear your the first to be bored with your Apple Watch, as there is an entire thread based on this:

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/im-bored-with-my-apple-watch.2047603/

 

[Newtons Apple]

Not sure what the OP wants the watch to do to entertain. I have to admit that the AW is not as exciting as the first day I put one on my wrist, but it does what I expect pretty well without flaw. Only problem I have had in not being able to add things to the Grocery list via my watch, but after not working for weeks, that is now fixed.

As far as having an always on screen, it would be nice but impossible with today's AW screen technology. The wrist turns mine on 95% of the time and I have no issue with it not being on all the time. I have Garmin Fenix 5 Plus which the display is on all the time but the screen quality is not near as nice as Apple's OLED.

Bored, I am not. Will be getting the AW4 and doubt it will blow our socks off with new features.

 

[Julien]

If I were board with something I sure as he11 wouldn't be waisting my time posting threads about it.

 

[KarimLeVallois]

If I were board with something I sure as he11 wouldn't be waisting my time posting threads about it.

That's boredom for you!

 

[bbednarz]

I imagine that its not that you're bored with it. Its "newness" has just worn off. How much are you using it for? Do you use it to listen to music? Are you using it to close your rings each day? Sending/ receiving texts? HomeKit? Remote music controls for HomePod? I use mine for all of the above, plus getting notifications silently. Not having my phone buzz every time I get a notification is an added bonus too.

Once I started working to close the rings each day it became something I had to wear. I have always been active, but as I have gotten a normal 9-5 job it has been hard to stay motivated to remain active. Especially after a long day at work its tough to motivate to leave the couch and workout. The watch is just that little extra motivation to get me to get the workout in. Going for a run with nothing more than my watch and AirPods is awesome especially with cellular.

The things you have mentioned aren't really things I have ever wanted out of the watch. I wouldn't be disappointed if they started doing the always on display, but its not something I am dying to have either. I am fine with the current crop of watch faces they offer, but more choices is never a bad thing. Better battery life is always welcomed, but I just charge mine each night so it has not ever really been an issue. The wearOS may look more natural because they are round, but I don't think it would make much sense for a smart watch. It cuts off text and just does not display information as well imo.

 

[Painter2002]

I am somewhat new to the Apple Watch, as I thought it was it was something I wouldn't use that much.

But I got my GF one, and then she got me one, and I must say I use it quite a bit more than I ever thought I would.

Perhaps you may feel its "boring" now because everyone else has one. Until the last year or so, I didn't really see that many people using Apple watches (and I live in a fairly good sized city). Sure, it's not a high end piece of jewelry like a Rolex, that is unique and exciting because not many others have one, but the AW has never really been intended as such.

I can see how the design isn't anything crazy exciting anymore for some, but to me it does it's job. I think there could be more customizable features in the watch faces, but other than that honestly the AW does a great job for its needs.
[doublepost=1535643260][/doublepost]

It's funny you mentioned pens and glasses, specifically. Six years ago I started a new job and bought a pen to use at work - nothing fancy, but yeah. Still have it and still use it daily. I bought my RayBans NINE years ago and still wear them daily. I don't get bored with things easily, it's just that the design of the AW is boring (IMO) and the lack of customization (esp compared with Wear 2.0) is annoying. Again, I'm wondering if anyone else has 'jumped ship' with the AW, and what that experience ended up being like.

I think the reason I have never considered Wear 2.0 devices is because it's all part of Android eco system, and honestly a lot of the other wearables (with the exception of Samsung's S-series) just look cheap and like they won't last long. And even if they do last a while Android systems always start lagging after a while because you stop getting updates after 1-2 years.

 

[douglasf13]

Hey guys. Recently I've come to the conclusion that I'm kind of bored with my Apple Watch. Just wondering if anyone else is? Actually, I was also wondering if anyone had switched to a Wear OS device, and what that was like in terms of device capabilities/function/form as well as on the software side.

I got my first Apple Watch on launch day - April 24, 2015 - and I thought it was great. I got the Stainless Steel 42mm with a Milanese Loop band, and after that got several Sport Bands as well as a Stainless Steel Link band. That first AW was great, but SLOW ... so I upgraded to an AW3 (also 42mm, SS) last December - it was a terrific upgrade! The watch is much more responsive, faster, etc.

That said, it's still a rectangular, black THING on my wrist, 95% of the time. Right now, for example, as I type this post, I'm looking at a blank, black screen - after several upgrades to the internals, Apple still hasn't managed to come up with even a reduced functionality always-on display! Lame. The watch faces are BORING, in my opinion, and irritating (no seconds displayed on most of the digital clock faces, limited customization options, etc) and third-party apps still take ages to load (or are no longer available in the first place) ... Meanwhile, I see pictures of Wear OS devices that look like actual watches (round displays) with extensive watch face customization and options (granted, 99% look like garbage, to me) and always-on displays, with longer battery life, etc ... I don't know. It's beginning to look like it would be nice to switch.

So I guess I was wondering if anyone else had already done so, and if so, what your thoughts are! Thanks.

Apple has never been the choice for customization, whether you talking about PCs, MP3 players, phones, tablets or watches. Apple products have less user option, but they just tend to “work,” which is why I switched to using their products years ago.

 

[Freakonomics101]

My S2 works great for me. No boredom whatsoever. It does what I need and want it to do. The S4 would be nice but my wallet can’t justify buying it.

 

[borntrouble]

I love mine.

Can’t wait for the series 4.
Just wish it had more storage.

May I ask what you need the expanded storage for? Music?

 

[VantaNoir]

Still on the fence if I should purchase series 4 or save the money for a timepiece than can possibly be a better investment in the long run. I am more old fashion and would prefer a traditional watch unless someone can really persuade me into getting series 4. The craftsmanship of a Jaeger LeCoultre though, I know I would appreciate that for years.

 

[bbednarz]

Still on the fence if I should purchase series 4 or save the money for a timepiece than can possibly be a better investment in the long run. I am more old fashion and would prefer a traditional watch unless someone can really persuade me into getting series 4. The craftsmanship of a Jaeger LeCoultre though, I know I would appreciate that for years.

I don't know anything about watches, but I searched "Jaeger LeCoultre" in Google and the prices seem to be in another ballpark than an Apple Watch. At some of the prices I don't think it would be an either/or kind of thing. If you are spending thousands on one of those watches, what is another couple hundred for an Apple Watch too? Not that I am advocating wearing two watches at once, I think that's cringe-worthy.

Myself personally, I don't see the point in standard watches anymore. Where a smart watch will do a ton of different things, a standard watch will just tell you the time and look pretty. In my personal (biased admittedly) opinion I think the Apple Watch looks great. The ability to change the bands so easily makes it easy to go from dressed up to a work out companion.

I am sure nothing I have said will persuade you one way or the other, to each their own. Many people like standard watches and there's nothing wrong with that. Could always grab a Series 4 and try it out. Worst case scenario you return it if you don't see the utility in it.

 

[JoePa2624]

I was in the same position as OP and decided to make a switch. In the last few months I’ve tried the Huawei Watch 2 (wear os), Fitbit Ionic, Samsung Gear S3, and Garmin Felix 5. They all have their high and low points but I am now back with the Apple Watch because it offers the most well rounded experience. I would give the Samsung a close 2nd but the fitness tracking isn’t as reliable.

 

[44267547]

Still on the fence if I should purchase series 4 or save the money for a timepiece than can possibly be a better investment in the long run. I am more old fashion and would prefer a traditional watch unless someone can really persuade me into getting series 4. The craftsmanship of a Jaeger LeCoultre though, I know I would appreciate that for years.

I Really like your post for a number reasons, and as much as I never really was into watches before the Apple Watch, the Apple Watch not only convenienced me with the advancements of technology with communication and health related features, but it really has also broadened my spectrum where now I’m looking more into mechanical watches than I ever have before. I enjoy the Apple Watch for what it is, even though it does have limited support and eventually has a shorter lifespan about two years before a battery replacement might be necessary, mechanical watches obviously are more long-lasting time pieces. So I see both sides to having a tech watch _and_ a mechanical watch, but I really do enjoy looking more into mechanical watches.

 

[VantaNoir]

I don't know anything about watches, but I searched "Jaeger LeCoultre" in Google and the prices seem to be in another ballpark than an Apple Watch. At some of the prices I don't think it would be an either/or kind of thing. If you are spending thousands on one of those watches, what is another couple hundred for an Apple Watch too? Not that I am advocating wearing two watches at once, I think that's cringe-worthy.

Myself personally, I don't see the point in standard watches anymore. Where a smart watch will do a ton of different things, a standard watch will just tell you the time and look pretty. In my personal (biased admittedly) opinion I think the Apple Watch looks great. The ability to change the bands so easily makes it easy to go from dressed up to a work out companion.

I am sure nothing I have said will persuade you one way or the other, to each their own. Many people like standard watches and there's nothing wrong with that. Could always grab a Series 4 and try it out. Worst case scenario you return it if you don't see the utility in it.

I understand that a Jaeger LeCoultre is in another ballpark in terms of price compared to an Apple watch, but the main concept I was focused on was owning a very nice timepiece with a historical background of horology in a sense that I can pass on to my future kids and so forth. A watch that can outlive me and work forever given the proper maintenance. I just visited the apple website to see the many benefits of the Apple watch and it does have a lot of features that I can see myself using. There are a lot of nice features/shortcuts that can be viewed without having the phone nearby. Being into fitness, health, running and cycling, the watch is a definite plus in that aspect. I also like the versatility of changing out the bands like you mentioned. I would probably have to do that more often than most unless there was a band that can work well in physical activities and can still look elegant while going out to a fancy dinner for example. I guess to some, that shouldn't matter at all and its all personal preference. I may give it a shot considering the great benefits it has and like you said, I can always return it if I don't see the utility in it.
[doublepost=1535959484][/doublepost]

I Really like your post for a number reasons, and as much as I never really was into watches before the Apple Watch, the Apple Watch not only convenienced me with the advancements of technology with communication and health related features, but it really has also broadened my spectrum where now I’m looking more into mechanical watches than I ever have before. I enjoy the Apple Watch for what it is, even though it does have limited support and eventually has a shorter lifespan about two years before a battery replacement might be necessary, mechanical watches obviously are more long-lasting time pieces. So I see both sides to having a tech watch _and_ a mechanical watch, but I really do enjoy looking more into mechanical watches.

I am pretty certain the advancements of technology with communication and health related features will only get better with Apple watches over time. My most recent hobby/addiction has been mechanical watches. Thanks to youtube, the endless watch videos of every watch making brand and reviews of different watches brought me into a deeper realm of appreciating the watch for how its made and the historical resemblance it has in the history of watch making, the whole watch making process is truly fascinating. How much is a battery replacement anyway for the Apple Watch? The only downside of owning an Apple watch I think is the limited support it will have when time goes on, but that is already a given since new tech is always evolving for the better.
[doublepost=1535960124][/doublepost]

I was in the same position as OP and decided to make a switch. In the last few months I’ve tried the Huawei Watch 2 (wear os), Fitbit Ionic, Samsung Gear S3, and Garmin Felix 5. They all have their high and low points but I am now back with the Apple Watch because it offers the most well rounded experience. I would give the Samsung a close 2nd but the fitness tracking isn’t as reliable.

I never tried any of the other brands you mentioned except for a friends Garmin to track a running and cycling session one time and it worked well for me, no complaints at all. I can see that the Apple watch is a winner in terms of versatility and the features I would appreciate it for. A lot of positives outweigh the negative in the ways it would work for me. Just waiting for that September 12 keynote to possibly give me the information I need to make my final decision in purchasing one.

 

[sean000]

I get it, sort of. When I first strapped the Apple Watch to my wrist in July, 2015, it was the most exciting gadget I had purchased since my first iPhone (the 3G). I upgraded iPhones, but wasn’t really that wowed by another one until the iPhone X.

Most device upgrades are just about improvements more than something new. I will admit that I’ve been tempted to switch to Android and Android Wear just to try it. On the other hand I don’t mess around that much with my watch and my iPhone. They are tools, and tools that work really well for me on a daily basis. I don’t have much time to learn how to be productive with a new system these days. I’m more interested in refinements that will make already excellent products even better. If I was in a less busy stage of my life I might feel differently. I’m not saying your boredom with the watch is a sign of too much time on your hands: I know people busier than I am who are always switching tech and software because they get enjoyment out of it (I guess).

As for the desire for an always on display: I could take it or leave it. My father’s 1970’s Pulsar didn’t have an always-on display (you actually had to press a button to see the time), but I never heard him complain. That watch was awesome!

 

[Analog Kid]

I've always been bored with my Apple Watch. I wasn't sure why I'd want one, then got one anyway. Strapped it to my wrist and my first feeling was "ok, now what?". It wasn't something I could sit on the couch and play with for an hour... Friends ask if they should get one, and all I can say is "it's not an exciting new toy but if I lost mine I'd replace it in an instant."

It's a watch. It's boring. But it's very, very useful to me.

 

[OllyW]

I agree with most of your points which is why I no longer wear mine very often.

I hadn't touched it at all for six months but I've just started riding my mountain bike again so I thought it was time to blow the dust off and give it another go.

I still like the tracking and exercise monitoring features but I still dislike the looks of the watch, especially it's boring (mostly) blank display, so it will only be used as an alternative to my other mechanical watches when I'm out riding. It's a first gen and I've no idea how long it will last so I'll keep an eye on the second hand sales when the S4 is released and might grab one if I see a good bargain. I can't see myself ever buying a brand new one though unless Apple release an option with a round case and always on display.

 

[AtikCzaTok]

I understand that a Jaeger LeCoultre is in another ballpark in terms of price...... I can pass on to my future kids and so forth.....

My Father purchased a Rolex back in the 70’s, and is going to leave it to me- but I’ll immediately gift it to my Sister’s son. Why? Because it loses ~30 seconds a month, and cost ~$450 a year in maintenance.
As a 1960’s born kid- just not into mechanicals..

 

[douglasf13]

I understand that a Jaeger LeCoultre is in another ballpark in terms of price compared to an Apple watch, but the main concept I was focused on was owning a very nice timepiece with a historical background of horology in a sense that I can pass on to my future kids and so forth. A watch that can outlive me and work forever given the proper maintenance. I just visited the apple website to see the many benefits of the Apple watch and it does have a lot of features that I can see myself using. There are a lot of nice features/shortcuts that can be viewed without having the phone nearby. Being into fitness, health, running and cycling, the watch is a definite plus in that aspect. I also like the versatility of changing out the bands like you mentioned. I would probably have to do that more often than most unless there was a band that can work well in physical activities and can still look elegant while going out to a fancy dinner for example. I guess to some, that shouldn't matter at all and its all personal preference. I may give it a shot considering the great benefits it has and like you said, I can always return it if I don't see the utility in it.
[doublepost=1535959484][/doublepost]


I am pretty certain the advancements of technology with communication and health related features will only get better with Apple watches over time. My most recent hobby/addiction has been mechanical watches. Thanks to youtube, the endless watch videos of every watch making brand and reviews of different watches brought me into a deeper realm of appreciating the watch for how its made and the historical resemblance it has in the history of watch making, the whole watch making process is truly fascinating. How much is a battery replacement anyway for the Apple Watch? The only downside of owning an Apple watch I think is the limited support it will have when time goes on, but that is already a given since new tech is always evolving for the better.

The thing about mechanicals (I own several) is that we really have no idea how long they’ll be desirable. They were uncouth until the 1920s, and I’ve got a 112 year old, gold pocket watch left to me that keeps great time...but I’m not exactly wearing that thing around, and its value is not incredible.

When it comes to mechanicals, wear them with enjoyment in the now, but don’t expect them to inhabit anything other than a jewelry box in future generations.