Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
I've found that if you want to renew your appreciation for an Apple product, just spend 20 minutes on focused research and learn a few new functions that you previously didn't know about or use... there's often MUCH more they can do than we're normally aware of.
 
I've found that if you want to renew your appreciation for an Apple product, just spend 20 minutes on focused research and learn a few new functions that you previously didn't know about or use... there's often MUCH more they can do than we're normally aware of.

So what can the watch do that seems obscure? I already use it for the work out features and my favorite feature is apple pay, but anything else? I still haven't figured out the whole putting podcasts on the watch mainly because the downloads seem like they take forever.
 
Today I will receive this 😅
FC2C23FC-BDF4-4801-87CA-22D34FA6E967.jpeg
 
You're either going to bed with 40% charge (having not made the watch sweat) or you're charging it in the afternoon

Facts. Outside of using it as a notifications manager and fitness tracker, you can't really do much with the Apple Watch as a standalone device without suffering the severe battery life consequences. I'd like AW to do more but I'm content with it as is at the moment. I think of it as a literal time keeping device and fitness tracker first with everything else just being rarely used bonuses that are there when I really need it (weather complication, the occasional Home app usage, etc.). I'm confident there are better fitness tracking watches out there but none of them have all the bonuses and everyday wearability of the Apple Watch.
 
  • Like
Reactions: PaladinGuy
Unlike an iPhone which is essential, the watch is a ‘nice to have’ notification and activity tracker to me. It’s an appliance that I “love” as much as my kettle
 
  • Like
Reactions: progx
From my experience, once you accept the Watch is more utility than dazzle, you'll be more satisfied with it. When I got my first Apple Watch in 2015, I couldn't wait to dive into it and start using it... but I wound up returning less than 30 days later. Fast forward to June 2016, I bought it again and never looked back after understanding how to use it. Once you realize it's more utility than user input (such as iPhone and iPad), you'll be much happier with it.

Since that time, I wound up updating in 2018 to the Series 3 (loved it) and now I have the Series 5 (even better). It has become a part of my daily life and operates as an extension to keep myself away from my phone too.

It was extremely useful when I locked myself out of my house, plus my phone being inside too. It was January and I wasn't properly dressed for the frigid temperatures. I was able to call my girlfriend from my Watch, she got me into the house.

You don't need to be in love with it to understand its usefulness. It's an extension of my iPhone when I don't want to be around it. Also, I hated the Cell version of it, the battery life was abysmal on the Series 3 version and wound up never using it. I'm sure it has improved since that model, but my phone was always nearby my Watch or traveling with me to be considered useful.
 
  • Like
Reactions: MayfairMissy
Unlike an iPhone which is essential, the watch is a ‘nice to have’ notification and activity tracker to me. It’s an appliance that I “love” as much as my kettle

Yeah, that's my feeling toward mine and not having to carry my phone EVERYWHERE I go.
 
Cool. Those early days must have been rough though. Not many retailers supported it back on launch. Even then I still need a physical ID and credit card for restaurants and backup to when ApplePay isn’t accepted. Since the pandemic a lot more stores have been added, but still quite a few large retailers still don’t offer it today. I want to see the day I don’t have to carry a wallet, but for me that isn’t a reality yet.
Ah well, the thing is I am in the UK! And pretty much every place accepts contactless and Apple Pay, including restaurants and the tube, etc.
 
I finally sold my Apple Watch 6. finally realized that I don’t need all the functions and the battery life is making me, along with the other Apple products placing them on a charger far too often. Growing tired of this. My current Seiko or Bulova watches last me years and as far as keeping a step counter I have my iPhone for that. 👍 No more charging, no more updates to think about, no additional warranty cost, nor functions that I never use, etc. 🤪
 

Attachments

  • BFEF85ED-D631-4113-956C-1C1172A54FE5.jpeg
    BFEF85ED-D631-4113-956C-1C1172A54FE5.jpeg
    481.3 KB · Views: 124
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: ericwn
I kind of feel this way but I think it’s because I still use my original Apple Watch Daily. You know, the one that came out in 2015. The one that when I bought it, strangers would say “IS THAT ONE OF THOSE APPLE WATCHES!!!” Bought it in October 2015 and have pretty much worn it every day since. Would be nice to have some of the newer features like the always on display. But as it is, I’ve been using the same “utility” watch face since October 2015 and it has caused burn ins. I kept saying I’d get a new watch when this one broke, but here I am nearly 6 years later and it works fine, notifies me of messages and tells me the time and weather as it always has so I still have it and use it daily. Wearing it right now.
 
  • Like
Reactions: bricktop_at
I can understand many people loosing interest with older non-cellular watches. To me the watch first became interesting when it meant I could leave my phone when going just about anywhere. Not having to carry phone in my shorts in the summer. Not having to bring any cards with me when I am on the go. Just the carkey and a watch.

AW6 Cellular is a very complete package imho. Turning off most notifications and going phoneless makes you a more social being as well. :)
 
Last edited:
I can understand many people loosing interest with older non-cellular watches. To me the watch first became interesting when it meant I could leave my phone when going just about anywhere. Not having to carry phone in my shorts in the summer. Not having to bring any cards with me when I am on the go. Just the carkey and a watch.

AW6 Cellular is a very complete package imho. Turning off most notifications and going phoneless makes you a more social being as well. :)

Do you then just leave the driver’s license in the vehicle?
 
Over the last twelve months I have started to fall out of love with my Apple Watch.
I was smart and avoided the initial watch and the 1 series and entered ownership at series 2. Non cellular.
I promptly started hitting movement goals daily, responding to the occasional message with a thumbs up and boosting my heating system with 30mins extra juice. All good, with a hint of novelty.
Then the four came. With cellular. Then a yearly carrot subscription for more accurate weather on the watch. But then came battery drain when using the watch for podcast streaming while out and about. Annoyance set in. The watch is fine if you don't really use it. You're either going to bed with 40% charge (having not made the watch sweat) or you're charging it in the afternoon. This state of mind hung around enough to put me off the series 5 and 6.
Last December the £5 a month cellular sub was cancelled as is the Carrot sub.
The whole Apple Watch idea is about to get kicked into touch. I find this disappointing as I want to love it.

Is anyone else in the same boat?
Nope. My AppleFitness/ Health partner. Plus: best cooking assistant I've ever had...goes double for toast!
 
I really enjoy Apple products I can appreciate everything they offer, the reason at times I take off my Apple Watch and discontinue use here and there is because I'm not really a watch technology type of person. I notice that I care more for traditional watches. I change moods all the time. Sometimes I use Apple Watch for months sometimes I put it in the box for now.

watch history: Apple Watch series 0
Apple Watch SE

Ps... Everything Apple

Ask me about Macs and iPhones lol
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.