Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

Will apple watch help with phone addiction?

C

Ceviche Lover

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Jul 15, 2012
271
420
Hey guys,


I've come to the conclusion that I spend WAY too much time on my phone. Mostly spending time on social media and Youtube. I'm considering getting an Apple Watch(with LTE) so I can leave my phone when I am out and about and still be able to send/recieve calls and text messages(I don't do either of much). I want to be more present in my environment and not people one of those people who are glued to their phones when they're out. What's funny is what made me to come to this realization is I was looking at some basketball videos on Youtube which led me down a rabbit hole of watching videos of malls in the 80s/90s and it brought back lots of memories, the biggest one being everyone being in the moment and enjoying themselves with family/friends because smartphones didn't exist back then.


Has the Apple Watch helped you stay off your phone? I know it is easy to say just don't use your phone, but it is difficult. I get a little anxious only because I feel like I might miss an important call or text but the watch would fix that.

BTW I am considering getting a Series 3 only because If it does help me I would probably get a Series 6 in the fall. Are there any major differences between Series 3 and 5? I don't really anticipate using the watch for anything other than calls/texts and possibly exercise.
 
I found that it did. A lot.


Because unimportant notifications are just a glance at the wrist and don't bother pulling out the phone.

Because you don't pull out the phone, you don't end up getting distracted by "i'll just check X while i'm on my phone", etc.

You also feel less disconnected leaving the phone on charge at the other end of the house, or on your desk at work, etc.. Important stuff will come through to the watch, including calls.

AS to differences between s3 and up - the jump from s3 to s4 was 2x performance. The jump from s4 to s5 is basically always on screen and minor other differences. Performance is the same. S6 isn't out yet, but will hopefully improve performance.

If you can stretch to an s4 and up i recommend it. I've had s2, s4 - GF has S3 and the S4+ faces are nicer, performance finally feels "good enough" (rather than "this is neat, but i wish it was faster!"), etc. But if you want to dip a toe in the water and can get s3 cheap, go for it.

Just be aware the s3 to s4 and up is a big jump in performance, nicer faces, etc.
 
My watch has definitely helped me keep my phone in my pocket when I’m out or at work. I think I’ll get a cellular watch next time.

At the moment, not so much because of constantly reading about COVID-19:rolleyes:
 
Last edited:
Sometimes I go out without my Phone (I do have an Apple Watch but it isn't cellular) when I feel like I'm too distracted by having easy access to everything. Maybe try that sometimes without getting an Apple Watch.
 
I've found it's been really helpful particularly during this lockdown. I effectively leave my phone on the charger in the corner of the house and know I'll get notified of important messages/calls. It takes away the worry that you just pull your phone out and scroll twitter because you're a bit bored and don't focus on family/children around you because of it.

It does mean my iPad is getting more use though as I use that for reading articles etc. which are more 'wholesome' than social!
 
  • Like
Reactions: throAU
That is totally up to the user. If you train yourself to put your phone down more and rely on your watch by just getting notifications, iMessages and quick glances (Not browsing your iPhone as much) it will definitely help with your iPhone addiction.
However, it can have a reverse effect if you allow it..by using your phone the same as you do now on top of having the watch. I know for myself, I leave my phone away from me more since I have my watch on so for me it helps.
 
It has made me use my phone less because I can just glance at my wrist and decide whether something needs my attention or if it's frivolous.
 
I have most of my notifications turned off on my phone. I allow text and phone calls only. It does help, I tend to look at my phone a lot less. I'd make sure you turn off notifications on your watch for everything you don't deem critical. I feel email is not a critical tool, nor Facebook, or Instagram... It allows me to be more present; I just bring my AirPods which allow for quality phone calls and a little bit better Siri experience. I also have apple Pay set up so I can pay with my watch.
 
I keep all notifications off other than calls, texts and emails but do find that when I’m out, I can monitor all from the watch which saves getting my phone out.
 
I agree with all of the above. It really depends on the user, but in my car it has cut down on my phone usage a ton.

I’m like probably everyone else who keeps their phone with them on the off chance of missing an important call or text. Even though they are extremely rare, they still happen. I bought my cellular watch for running, but have found that, as a side effect of having it, I leave my phone on my desk at home or in the office frequently now, and don’t even think about it. I have my watch and if I get an important call or text, I can still get notified.

As someone mentioned above, looking at the notification on my watch instead of my phone keeps me from falling into that trap of reading the text that I just got, and then checking my email or whatever and then wasting the next hour scrolling on my phone.

As far as the V3 vs newer goes, if you truly think that you will upgrade when the 6 comes out, then I’d say go for the Series 3. I had a 2, a 3 and a 5. The 3 was my favorite watch. The one thing I will mention is that the Series 4/5 hav a ceramic back vs the 3, which results in better cellular connectivity. I live in a fringe overage area and the SEries 5 has definitely got better cellular coverage. If you generally already have good LTE coverage where you are, this might not be a issue, but if you have weak signal around where you move, it might be worth considering.

If you think there’s a good chance you won’t upgrade to a 6, then it might be worth it to spring for a 4/5 for the faster performance. Although the 3 is still a great watch today. It just won’t be as future proof as a newer model .
 
mk313 said:
I agree with all of the above. It really depends on the user, but in my car it has cut down on my phone usage a ton.
Click to expand...

Good thing that you’re not staring at your phone while in the car too much - hope the watch doesn’t distract too much either.

As someone who got into a bad car accident with a driver who was on her phone I can only beg everyone to stay off their devices and focus on the road.
 
ericwn said:
Good thing that you’re not staring at your phone while in the car too much - hope the watch doesn’t distract too much either.

As someone who got into a bad car accident with a driver who was on her phone I can only beg everyone to stay off their devices and focus on the road.
Click to expand...

sorry, I was typing that on my phone. I meant to say in my case, not my car.
 
I use my 11" iPad more than my iPhone 11 pro at home. But the LTE S5 is great, even in our big house/property don't have to have the phone near me, and walking the dog etc don't need to take it. I surf in it too so don't have to take my iPhone and leave in the car.
Even more useful in these times now. It's only $5 a month here.
 
Yes. It is not always very convenient to check too many notifications or apps on Apple Watch. So, it might help.

You can turn off notifications for chat apps and such on the watch. And even when I get notifications on Apple Watch, I postpone checking it immediately and continue doing my work.

I always think I will see it comfortably on the iPhone once I finish this work.

So, yes, Apple Watch, in a way, makes sure that I do not rush to look in detail at every notification I get. It helps prioritize what to attend and what to omit for later.

Certainly, you can leave your iPhone behind and still have favorite music (with Bluetooth earphones), workout tracking, and receive important calls and texts with the cellular version of Apple Watch.

When compared with Series 3, you get twice the faster processor and 30% larger display in Series 5. Apart from this, always-on display, ECG, and fall detection are useful additions in Series 5.

But if your only usages are occasional texts, calls, and exercise, then the cellular version of either series will serve you well
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back