Apple Watch: 10 Features Beginners Should Know About

Each Apple Watch comes with many “never-before-seen” features that other companies will just copy and paste into their own smartwatch series.

Therefore, I thought that this would be a great time to make an article that lists some of the most useful features that the Apple Watch can offer to you.

Face ID

Apple Watch comes with a Face ID feature although it works a bit differently. It’s not used to unlock the watch. Rather, Face ID allows you to unlock your iPhone by looking at your smartwatch.

It does not, however, validate your identity for usage with Apple Pay or other password-protected apps. Overall, if you don’t have an iPhone, then you won’t really be able to utilize the Face ID on Apple Watch.

eSIM Technology

Apple watches for cellular utilize eSIM technology, thus the watch doesn’t really have a SIM card. Instead, it uses your iPhone(if you have one) to connect to your carrier’s network.

Therefore, you will be required to input your iPhone number during setup when adding a cellular plan for your watch; after you do, the watch will be able to connect with that carrier.

In other words, the same phone number will be used for both your iPhone and Apple Watch.

The monthly cost for your iPhone includes a fee from the carriers who support the Apple Watch eSIM. Usually, this starts at $10 per month.

GPS

A GPS feature that functions similarly to those found in smartphones is included in the Apple Watch. It will let you track your movement everywhere you go and may be used to track your jogging and fitness activities.

It’s very useful for runners because they can download the maps from their phones and then use them without needing to take their phones with them.

Temperature sensor

A temperature sensor is not present in every smartwatch made by Apple. In actuality, it’s considerably rarer than having blood oxygen and heart rate sensors.

Only the Series 8, Ultra, and SE(2nd Gen) models of the Apple Watch now include two temperature sensors—one on the back, close to your skin, and the other just beneath the display.

This functionality works in a rather simple manner. Every five seconds, Apple Watch takes a temperature reading while you’re sleeping. This style reduces environmental bias, which increases accuracy.

The data is then processed by algorithms to provide an aggregate for each night that you can view in the Health application.

Car Crash Detection

It’s important to mention that this feature works like an extension of the Fall Detection feature that Apple Watches already have.

Only Apple Watch Series 8, Ultra, and SE(2nd Gen) models come with the car crash detection feature. According to Apple, “This was made feasible by a sophisticated sensor-fusion algorithm that uses a new, more potent gyroscope and accelerometer”.

Apple utilizes such information to compare what happened to the Apple Watch with “real-world accident” data that was simulated by the product’s makers to determine whether an accident actually took place.

Then, the Apple Watch enables medical alerts, automatically contacts emergency services, and gives them a rough estimation of your location.

NFC capabilities

The Apple Watch has a lot of cool features, but one of the coolest and most convenient is that it has NFC (Near-Field Communication) built right in.

NFC lets you use your Apple watch to pay for things by tapping it against an NFC reader—and that means you don’t need to pull out your phone or wallet.

This will be especially useful if you’re on the go and don’t want to take your phone out of your pocket or bag every time you need to make a payment.

Vibrating alarm

The Apple Watch comes with a vibrating alarm though it can only be enabled in silent mode. You can set the alarm to wake you up without making a sound, and it will gently vibrate on your wrist to let you know that it’s time to get up.

This is especially useful if you want to avoid disturbing people around when in a busy area, such as an airline. If you are one of these people who have difficulties waking up with conventional alarms, then this is a great solution for you.

Oximeter(Blood Oxygen App)

Apple Watch comes with an oximeter feature that’s used to measure the oxygen levels in your blood, including your heart rate. However, it’s not as accurate as an actual professional oximeter that’s used in hospitals.

It can be used to monitor the exercise-related air quality and airflow of oxygen in your blood to assist in managing asthma and other lung disorders. 

Or perhaps you wish to track your level of fitness over time as a part of a workout routine? There too, the oximeter can be useful!

Remote Control Camera App

The Apple Watch comes with a Remote Control Camera App that allows you to use your watch as a remote control for your iPhone’s camera.

Your Apple Watch must be close enough to your iPhone through Bluetooth for it to serve as a camera remote (about 10 meters).

Additionally, you may utilize it to set a shutter timer, which will give you enough time to get ready for the picture.

Glucose monitor(Coming Soon?!)

As you have seen in this article, the Apple Watch has a lot of helpful medical applications that can measure your heart rate, blood oxygen, and stress levels.

However, Apple Watches don’t have a glucose monitor application that can measure blood sugar levels.

There have been rumors that Apple is aiming to include that in their future series but there is no official announcement yet.

Conclusion

The Apple Watch is a device for anyone. Whether you’re someone who wants to track your activity and exercise or use it as a convenient way to gain access to a wide range of apps and notifications, it has something for everyone.

The introduction of car crash detection gives it the potential to save the lives of millions of people. Nevertheless, the pricing is quite high but I believe it’s definitely worth it. If you want to save some money, you can always purchase a refurbished Apple Watch.