Brief Summary
This video shares a variety of hidden features and tips for Apple Watch users, covering everything from hands-free photo taking and text replacements to customizing watch faces and utilizing a hidden browser. It also touches on fitness tracking enhancements, speaker tricks, and accessibility features.
- Hands-free photo taking and app opening gestures
- Text replacements for quick typing
- Customizing watch faces based on activity
- Utilizing a hidden browser
- Fitness tracking calibration and insights
Apple Watch tips
The video introduces a collection of lesser-known features and tips for Apple Watch users, emphasizing that even long-time users may discover something new. It highlights the presenter's extensive experience with Apple Watches since the original Series 0. The tips are demonstrated on a Series 11 watch, but are largely compatible with other Apple Watch models running watchOS 26.
Hands free photos
The Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 (or later) allow for hands-free photo capture using double tap and wrist flick gestures. To enable this, ensure that both double tap and wrist flick are activated in the watch's settings under the gestures menu, and that the double tap action is set to "select" the Smart Stack option. Position the iPhone, open the camera app (which can also be done via voice command), and use the double tap gesture on the watch to open the camera within the Smart Stack, then again to take the photo. A wrist flick gesture exits the camera.
App list trick
Compatible Apple Watch models can open the app list with a quick double tap followed by a wrist flick gesture performed rapidly. This provides a hands-free method to access the app list directly from the watch face.
Text replacements
Text replacements can be set up on the iPhone to simplify typing on the Apple Watch. By navigating to settings, then keyboard, and then text replacement, users can assign short text shortcuts that automatically expand into longer phrases. For example, typing "EML" can be set to automatically input a full email address.
MOFT bands
The video promotes MOFT Snap Duo Watch Bands, which feature two colors per band, offering four possible looks. The bands are highlighted for their soft, flexible, and comfortable design, suitable for all-day and night wear, and their secure magnetic closure. They are easy to attach to the Apple Watch with bi-directional connectors.
Swipe watch face
The ability to swipe left and right to change watch faces, a feature that was available in earlier versions of watchOS, can be reinstated in watchOS 10. This is done by going to settings, then clock, and enabling the "swipe to switch watch face" option.
Watch face automation
The video details how to automatically change the Apple Watch face after a workout using the Shortcuts app. First, create a custom watch face with desired complications, such as sleep score, activity rings, and battery percentage. Then, in the Shortcuts app, create a new automation triggered by the "workout ends" event. Configure the automation to "set watch face" to the custom face created earlier. The video suggests restarting both the Apple Watch and iPhone if the automation doesn't immediately work.
Hidden browser
A hidden, basic browser is accessible on the Apple Watch by opening links sent via iMessage. While very simple, this allows viewing web pages on the wrist without needing to use the iPhone. There are also third-party browser apps available for download that offer more features.
3 speaker tricks
The video outlines three speaker-related capabilities of the Apple Watch. First, the voice assistant can read notifications aloud. Second, Series 10 Ultra 2 and later models can play music and podcasts through the speaker, with volume adjustable via the digital crown. Third, YouTube videos can be watched with audio using a third-party app called Wrist Tube.
Fastest charging
To fast charge an Apple Watch Series 7 or later, an Apple Watch Ultra, or an SE3, use a USB-C charging puck with an aluminum ring and a 20-watt or higher power adapter. However, fast charging may be restricted in countries with Wireless Power Transfer (WPT) regulations if the charger is marked with "WPT".
Sleep score tricks
The Apple Watch provides a sleep score out of 100, which is also retroactive. This can be found in the Health app by searching for "sleep" and then tapping "show in charts". The sleep score feature works with any sleep data logged, even from third-party wearables synced to Apple Health via Health Kit.
Calibrate Apple Watch
To calibrate the Apple Watch for accurate distance, pace, and calorie measurements, reset fitness calibration data in the watch app under privacy. Then, in the iPhone's settings under privacy and security, ensure that motion calibration and distance is enabled within system services under location services. Perform a 20-minute outdoor walk or run with GPS, allowing the Apple Watch to calibrate the accelerometer with your stride length.
Auto track detection
When starting an outdoor run workout, the Apple Watch can automatically detect when you're at a track using GPS and maps data. Users can select the lane they are in for the most accurate measurements. Double tap to start the workout hands-free.
Fitness stats wrapped
A third-party app called Fitness Wrapped provides a visual overview of fitness stats, similar to wrapped features in apps like Apple Music and Spotify. It offers a free tier with monthly and yearly overviews, and a paid tier that unlocks previous years' data.
Time in daylight
The Apple Watch automatically tracks time spent in sunlight, which can be viewed in the Health app by searching for "time in daylight". This is particularly useful for monitoring children's daylight exposure, as it can help lower the risk of myopia.
Control iPhone
The Apple Watch can control a nearby iPhone through an accessibility feature. In the watch's settings, under accessibility, find "control nearby devices". Once enabled, the Apple Watch can connect to an iPhone or iPad signed into the same Apple ID and on the same network, allowing control of the control center, app switcher, notification center, and more. Gestures can also be customized for specific actions.
Head gestures
When using AirPods with an Apple Watch, head gestures can dismiss notifications during a workout. This feature needs to be enabled in the iPhone's settings app. Shaking your head can dismiss calls or notifications, which is helpful when hands-free operation is needed, such as when walking a dog or biking.
