Bonus - dumping my and my son's cellular watches saves me $40+ month on my mobile bill (after all taxes and sh_t fees it's "more" than $10/device).
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
I gave up my Apple Watch after 9 years and feel free.
- Thread starter CheffyDude
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
Okay I really get a kick out of this thread lol I have a awse2 and I only really use it when I go out and not at home where I take it off and don’t use it I use it when I leave home because I get tired of pulling my phone out to use it my watch allows me enough functions that I can get by with it without having to pull my phone out all the time!
I’m thinking of doing this, too. It’s the thought of giving Apple another $5,000 through the rest of my life on newer Watches and throwing away previous Watches because Apple (like other manufacturers) obsolete them and stop offering battery replacements. Same with iPhone. For now I’ve just been keeping devices as long as I can, but that still feels a bit wasteful.
I have and still use when possible my first Apple Watch, a nice stainless steel with nice bands, but it will eventually get to the point where it can only be used in the off/time-only mode, and later, its battery will become a spicy pillow. Then what do I do? Junk it? That’s pretty insane. If it were a real watch that wouldn’t happen, and anyway there are repair shops.
One of the main reasons I first got a watch was that the iPhone sizes started getting bigger and bigger. But if I just switch to a dumb phone…
I have and still use when possible my first Apple Watch, a nice stainless steel with nice bands, but it will eventually get to the point where it can only be used in the off/time-only mode, and later, its battery will become a spicy pillow. Then what do I do? Junk it? That’s pretty insane. If it were a real watch that wouldn’t happen, and anyway there are repair shops.
One of the main reasons I first got a watch was that the iPhone sizes started getting bigger and bigger. But if I just switch to a dumb phone…
One of the biggest reasons I have 20 plus computers around me all day is because in light of what I do with them, my iPhone sucks. It is unable to do in the manner I am used to with computers the tasks I might set it to. I am faster at typing than I am poking at single characters on a screen keyboard. While there are various ways to make an iPhone/iPad function more like a real computer, the reality (to me) is that it's not the same. There are things I can do faster and easier on a computer.
This seems to me to be the same between an Apple Watch and an iPhone. While there are things you can do with the AW, the iPhone is just going to be better at it.
Now there are some things my iPhone does better (phone calls for instance) and I imagine there are things the AW does better than the iPhone. But for me, each device has a purpose and there are things I will always use a computer for and things I will always use a phone for. But I'm not interested in a compromised experience while using one device in a manner it's not (to me) best suited for.
And that is how I see the Apple Watch.
Last edited:
These are good points. I have a Seiko Kinetic I got in 1996-1997. Still not obsolete.
No. It's OK if you don't want an Apple Watch or any other smartwatch on the market. You have your reasons, and I have mine for keeping my U2.
I find sensors in AW invaluable. Rarely used it as a watch though.
Really? Comparing Apple Watch vs mechanical watch and iPhone and flip phone doesn’t really work. Especially since you need iPhone to fully utilize an Apple Watch.
I've been closing my rings daily since 2018, been wearing an AW since the beginning. I took it off for the last month for jury duty. It's been freeing. I no longer felt like a slave to those rings, or any other kinds of metrics. I've re-learned to listen to my body when working out, or just generally throughout the day.
Unfortunately, at some point, I had a bit of a heart related health scare. The ER cleared me not finding anything physically wrong with me, despite my symptoms. More or less just told me it was stress and anxiety (serving on grand jury and helping run a business would do that, I suppose?) and recommended a cardiologist for further examination.
Decided at that point, maybe I should keep my AW on for now. I decided to use iOS 18/watchOS' new pause ring feature. I'll just keep that on indefinitely. I turned off all notifications. My Apple Watch is more or less just a health tracker now. I'd like to get a smart ring to replace it eventually.
Unfortunately, at some point, I had a bit of a heart related health scare. The ER cleared me not finding anything physically wrong with me, despite my symptoms. More or less just told me it was stress and anxiety (serving on grand jury and helping run a business would do that, I suppose?) and recommended a cardiologist for further examination.
Decided at that point, maybe I should keep my AW on for now. I decided to use iOS 18/watchOS' new pause ring feature. I'll just keep that on indefinitely. I turned off all notifications. My Apple Watch is more or less just a health tracker now. I'd like to get a smart ring to replace it eventually.
I can understand the sentiment. I wish apple made a fitness watch first, and a smartwatch second.
I have an Apple Watch, but I just don't use the smartwatch stuff. I don't get notifications on it (disabled), I don't answer calls, respond to texts, use Apple Pay on it, check the weather, use Siri. I just track my activities, workouts and check the time. That's it.
I wish someone made a watch that integrated with fitness to the extent the Apple Watch does, without all the extra stuff I don't want. I don't even need an oled screen, and a transflective would be fine.
Sigh.
I have an Apple Watch, but I just don't use the smartwatch stuff. I don't get notifications on it (disabled), I don't answer calls, respond to texts, use Apple Pay on it, check the weather, use Siri. I just track my activities, workouts and check the time. That's it.
I wish someone made a watch that integrated with fitness to the extent the Apple Watch does, without all the extra stuff I don't want. I don't even need an oled screen, and a transflective would be fine.
Sigh.
Odd flex, but on brand for todays average MacRumors poster.
Having used fitness watches from garmin to polar for over two decades, I like the AW much better. It’s a Swiss Army knife, and I use some of the feature across the board. If I needed a fitness watch, I would just garmin or polar. Disable what you don’t need, or get a fitness watch.
I have Ultra 2 at the moment. I already have a buyer for it lined up but the Ultra 3 is allegedly the same except maybe the addition of a darker color so upgrade is less appealing than ever. I have a Gshock on my window sill right now (solar atomic) so who knows.
I have a Garmin that I trust for running. AW on one wrist, Garmin on the other (for runs only).
Sure I could just shut off the features on AW that bother me, but why pay $799 for a device and not use it's features?
I have a Garmin that I trust for running. AW on one wrist, Garmin on the other (for runs only).
Sure I could just shut off the features on AW that bother me, but why pay $799 for a device and not use it's features?
Fact - my AW7-SS drained from 99% to 81% just sitting on my counter today.
Not fun.
My 1980s-spec Casio has a battery through 2034.
Not fun.
My 1980s-spec Casio has a battery through 2034.
But it's a damn fine notification light. Also it is that fitness thing, that motivates you, to be more active.
But i get it, maybe I shouldn't spend €600 on my next notification LED, when my AW6 dies. It feels free just to think about it. Good thread.
No product is 100% suitable for everybody. If you no longer find the AW no longer suitable, then sell it. Don't try and compare a sophisticated computer (with cellular phone connection no less) on your wrist to an ordinary Casio digital watch. I still have my AW5 in stainless with polished gold finish. I don't use all it features, but I do use Apple Pay all the time. I am turning 80 next month and the fall alarm is a important feature which can CALL the EMS if necessary. I check the ECG occasionally, never detected AFIB. My brother has AFIB and his AW has warned him several times. The polished gold is beautiful, not a scratch on it, same for the crystal. I will debate upgrading or getting a new battery in my.
Do what works for you. My Apple Watch is my one most useful Apple product. For me it’s all about health and tracking data. Integration with other Apple products helps too, but it’s the only thing I’ve found that helps me get the exercise I need. I was okay before getting an Apple Watch, but since getting a Series 4, I’ve been entirely consistent at exercising. That cuts down on healthcare costs and will long-term.
I think you misunderstood my reply. My comment was that since he had already stopped using the Apple watch then use a flip phone instead of the iPhone. It's a more significant disconnect than the watch.
What put me off owning an Apple watch is the short battery life. I have an Amazfit GTS 3 which has about 10 day battery life. As I have an "always checking" (OCD??) type of personality I frequently look at battery usage when I don't need to do this! Plus a good reason to avoid sleep tracking. I limit the notifications on my Amazfit and rarely use the Alexa or music functions. It does not have ApplePay though but I use my iPhone or credit cards. I do love my iPhone 15 Plus because of its extended battery life and larger screen. I am of the age when smart phones did not exist in my youth and wonder how I ever managed my social life way back meeting friends in the city - it was a good excuse to check out the bars, night clubs etc looking for them. And if you found a cute stranger the rule was just to ignore your friends... add "fickle" to the "always checking"
It's not "essential" for everyone. If you have employment requirements then I can understand but for personal use I can't see any situation where someone couldn't ditch a smartphone. It's like a drug so not easy at all though. I love my iPhone but once in a while I take a few months off for the mental health benefits
I've had every model up to series 7. I found the watch bug and now have a few "proper" watches. i must admit though, I've been tempted lately to jump back in. Ill of course wait to see what's released on the 9th.
I've been wearing an Apple Watch since the first generation (late April 2015).
Since then, I've sold a Rolex, a Grand Seiko, 2 Casio G-Shocks, and 1 Garmin cycling computer on eBay,
On my 3rd Apple Watch now. Will probably get the new one as my screen and battery are starting to die (Series 6). Always get the basic aluminum GPS only model. Might even try the next SE if it has an always on screen.
I think all my apple watches have set me back less than $10/month since the first one.
I find the always precise time, different time zones, GPS tracking for running and cycling, and Apple Pay extremely useful. Oh yes, .. the Fitness app has lots of bugs.
Since then, I've sold a Rolex, a Grand Seiko, 2 Casio G-Shocks, and 1 Garmin cycling computer on eBay,
On my 3rd Apple Watch now. Will probably get the new one as my screen and battery are starting to die (Series 6). Always get the basic aluminum GPS only model. Might even try the next SE if it has an always on screen.
I think all my apple watches have set me back less than $10/month since the first one.
I find the always precise time, different time zones, GPS tracking for running and cycling, and Apple Pay extremely useful. Oh yes, .. the Fitness app has lots of bugs.
Apple Watch is not attractive to me, at all. Sorry Apple.
I'm on probably 3rd Polar Watch, had maybe 2 Garmin earlier (also too much functions for me).
I want the time fast, plus a good training/ activity/ puls/ sleep watch, that's all. I get notes from the phone too on it. No need to be disturbed of that, can use tbe settings that is appropriate.
Never felt drawn to the Apple watch at all. To big and bulky etc etc.
I have thin wrists, so round watch is much nicer on me.
So it will be a new Polar next time too, but the battery is still fairly ok - charge it 3-4 times/week, comparing 1-2 times or less/week as new 😁
I'm on probably 3rd Polar Watch, had maybe 2 Garmin earlier (also too much functions for me).
I want the time fast, plus a good training/ activity/ puls/ sleep watch, that's all. I get notes from the phone too on it. No need to be disturbed of that, can use tbe settings that is appropriate.
Never felt drawn to the Apple watch at all. To big and bulky etc etc.
I have thin wrists, so round watch is much nicer on me.
So it will be a new Polar next time too, but the battery is still fairly ok - charge it 3-4 times/week, comparing 1-2 times or less/week as new 😁
Last edited:
I sort of do. I take my watch off until I want to wear one. Currently have an almost even tan from not wearing but for several days.
I don’t wear a smartwatch every day anymore but will switch to a mechanical watch if an event or outing calls for it to complete the look. I agree it is somewhat freeing. One less thing to keep track of or impulsively “check”.
Replacement batteries, when eligible, for the wife and I this year instead of upgrading.
