Latest from Woman and Home in Apple-watch

I’ve worn an Apple Watch for 7 years – the Series 11 is the only one I’d recommend thanks to its exceptional health monitoring tools

Kerrie Hughes — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 17:28:05 +0000

It might seem like an obvious thing to say to upgrade to the newest version of Apple's smartwatch, but as someone who has worn an Apple Watch for over seven years now, I can tell you this isn't something I have previously advised.

Every year, Apple brings out a new iteration of its core products - Apple Watch, iPhone, MacBook, etc – it's the one thing that both infuriates and delights me about the tech giant. If you're into new shiny things, you only have to wait 12 months. If you're not, just a year later, there is a better version of the device you just spent hundreds on.

But over the years, I have realised no matter what the update, the basic functions of an Apple Watch – the things most people want them for and use every day – don't change. This is why it is important to understand what each update brings, and whether the shiny new release offers enough 'new' that you value to warrant the extra spend.

I have tested every Apple Watch since Series 5 (2019), the focus being how easy it is to use and how comfortable it is to wear, battery life, health and productivity features, and fitness and sleep tracking.

Apple is now on Series 11, that's seven new versions I have used over the same amount of years, and not once has enough changed to convince me I need a new watch. Until now. And while this is specific to my needs, I believe this upgrade is one many will appreciate enough to invest in.

I've been wearing the Apple Watch Series 11 every day, all day (bar charging time) since it was released back in September this year. Here's why it's the only Series I would upgrade to...

Apple

Watch Series 11, 42mm

Apple Watch Series 11 review: Overview

The Apple Watch Series 11 was released in September 2025, and the standout features were all about health. This immediately piqued my interest, as I mentioned in my Apple Watch Series 10 review last year, the health and fitness features in this device were the driving factors in getting one initially.

Yes, it promised all the other things you would expect in a yearly update - improved battery life, better screen, more connection capabilities and an ultra-sleek and comfy design. But the headliner is a new feature that can detect signs of chronic high blood pressure (hypertension). Plus, enhanced sleep features now mean you can get your very own 'sleep score' each day.

The battery life now covers a full 24 hours, which is a great improvement on the 18 hours of the Series 10 and something all Apple Watch wearers will be happy about it. Charging time remains the same, needing just a 15-minute connection to Apple's USB-C magnetic fast charging cable to power it for eight hours.

The display has been upgraded to Ion-X glass, which is reported to be two times more scratch-resistant than its predecessor - a welcome addition if, like me, you have small wrists and the added bulk of the watch means you often misjudge distance.

Apple Watch Series 11 also features Workout Buddy, which is an in-built AI tool that can help motivate you during a workout or provide insight to help you plan a session.

The Apple Watch Series 10 (left) and Series 11 (right) look identical - any differences, bar a tougher glass display on the 11, are on the inside (Image credit: Future)

Apple Watch Series 11 review: Specifications

Apple Watch Series 11
Spec	Series 10 46mm	Series 10 42mm
RRP	£429	£369
Size	46 x 39 x 9.7 (mm) Fits 140–245mm wrists	42 x 36 x 9.7 (mm) Fits 130–200mm wrists
Weight	36.9 g	29.7 g
Materials	Aluminium	Aluminium
Screen	326 x 326 px Retina LTPO3 display, wide-angle OLED, Ion‑X front glass	326 x 326 px Retina LTPO3 display, wide-angle OLED, Ion‑X front glass
Battery life	Up to 24 hours of normal use, up to 38 hours in low power mode	Up to 24 hours of normal use, up to 38 hours in low power mode
GPS	L1 GPS, GNSS, Galileo and BeiDou	L1 GPS, GNSS, Galileo and BeiDou
Waterproof	5 ATM (50 metres)	5 ATM (50 metres)

Apple Watch Series 11 review: Smartwatch features

As the years have passed, my needs when it comes to having a smartwatch have changed, and more recently, the productivity apps it has (like reminders, to-do, Siri, alarms, lists - I could go on) and the health features have become my most used functions. I have spoken previously at length about how much Apple Watch eases my mental load (and anxiety at forgetting everything!), and thankfully, that is very much still the case.

But it's the new health feature in this iteration that has really won me over. A new high blood pressure detector in Apple Watch Series 11 is a game-changer. I suffered from chronic high blood pressure during and post-pregnancy after my last baby four years ago. And while it has been normal for a while now, I still regularly need blood pressure checks, and have an anxiety-inducing blood pressure cuff at home that, before getting the Series 11, I had to use every month.

An optical heart sensor on the back of the Apple Watch analyses pulse waves over a period of 30 days. During that time, if it identifies any trends with blood pressure, it will send an alert advising you to use a separate blood pressure cuff for accurate readings.

The fact that I have a detector strapped to my wrist, which 99% of the time I forget os there, is such a comfort. Knowing if my body shows any signs of hypertension, my watch will pick it up, is a reassurance I can't put a price on. The Apple website says the development of the tool "included advanced machine learning tools and studies with over 100,000 participants, which was then validated in a clinical study".

This feature gives me the same level of comfort as the in-built ECG monitor did a couple of years ago when I was experiencing heart palpitations. Mid-40s and in the midst of perimenopause, it enabled me to log any abnormality in my heart rate, without constant visits to the GP. And, eventually, after downloading the data from my Apple Watch, it helped with my decision to go on HRT.

It's in-built health monitors like this that really make the Series 11 stand out, and the reason I now wouldn't be without one.

Apple Watch Series 11 review: Design

When the Series 10 launched last year, Apple really shouted about its 'refined' design, which felt like a stretch, being that it really didn't look that different. However, long gone are the days when I expected a completely new design. Nowadays, the design update is all about how it feels to wear and its durability.

The size, shape and weight haven't changed with this model, but it does introduce Ion‑X front glass, which Apple says is '2x better scratch resistance'. For a lower initial price than the Series 10 (it retailed at £30 more on release than the Series 11), this is a very welcome touch.

One thing I will say is, and this may just be me not liking or being used to wearing a watch to sleep, I don't find it particularly comfortable to sleep in. It's the lightest, slimmest version, but still, the bulk on my very small wrists feels restrictive when sleeping. The always-on face that I love about the Apple Watch during the day has also woken me up on occasion - this is totally my own fault, as you can switch this off for sleep mode. I often forget and then am woken by the light a few hours later. So I don't take advantage of the sleep features as much as I would like, but this is really a case of me persevering and seeing if I can get comfortable wearing it at night.

(Image credit: Future)

Apple Watch Series 11 review: Battery life

We're getting there, finally. If you've ever read any of my previous Apple Watch reviews, you will know the Apple Watch battery life has been one of my biggest frustrations with the device. And I'm not the only one - with other smartwatches on the market offering multiple days without needing a charge and Apple's genius, for years, I have wondered why this is such a big stumbling block for them.

The Series 5 I started with, I remember being very happy to be able to track my sleep with it, only to find the only way I could do that would be to not wear it during the day, as the battery simply couldn't cope. Thankfully, that has got better with each iteration, albeit sometimes marginally.

But the Series 11 puts the Apple Watch in a new league, breaking the what for so long seemed so unattainable 24-hour marker. Having tested it, I can confirm it does, indeed, last 24 hours without charge, but there is zero movement on that. I wore it all day from 7 am after a full charge to 7 am the next morning, and I think it ran out a few minutes before I plugged it in. With fast charge (15 minutes gets you another 8 hours), it was back up and running, which is hard to complain about considering how far it has come, and the Series 10 only managed 18 hours (max).

It will always be the biggest weakness for me (and Apple, probably, those tiny batteries have a lot to do), but it's great to see the company's commitment to continually improve it and let users really get the most out of all-day use. And I'm happy to report the longevity of this model is by far the best of all the models I've tested.

The Apple Watch fast charger enables around eight hours of use after 10-15 minutes on charge (Image credit: Future)

Apple Watch Series 11 review: Fitness tracking

I sit at a desk all day, all week, and if it weren't for my Apple Watch (and Mobvoi treadmill), I would be significantly less active than I am now. I love the gym, and if I could would be in there five days a week. But with three kids, a busy job and a house to maintain, I often I have to squeeze workouts in wherever possible - often at home.

The Series 11 follows its predecessor with so many workout options now you would really have to be doing some incredibly niche not to find it on there. The Fitness app on Apple Watch Series 11 has a refreshed look, not so different that it's confusing, just some minor tweaks to help access other features while using it a little easier.

Training Load - introduced in Series 10 - remains, which is great for anyone who needs more insight into intensity and duration of training to help dial workouts up or down if more rest is needed. This feature elevated the Apple Watch as a fitness tracker, the Training Load function bringing it more in line with more sport-specific devices like Coros Pace 3 or the Garmin Forerunner 265.

'Way to go! That was your fastest 5K ever' features on the Apple website as something the new Workout Buddy feature offers. Powered by Apple Intelligence, an in-built 'buddy' acts as your number one cheerleader while training, and can send audible prompts to keep you motivated.

I always train alone, and so I have found this added feature really encouraging at times, and at others quite distracting (and a little annoying, actually). I am a big fan of Apple Fitness+ and follow its strength program every single week, and so tend to exercise without Workout Buddy on as I need to hear the coaches during each session.

Apple Watch still isn't quite there as a fitness tracker that will satisfy serious fitness enthusiasts, but Apple's commitment to continually improving it is really clear. I think, like me, most people want a tracker to keep tabs on the amount of movement they do each day, stay active and perhaps get a little fist bump for their efforts, and Apple Watch delivers that (and much more) in an easy-to-understand and use way.

The Apple Watch Series 10 has a bigger, brighter display, and is almost 10 percent thinner than previous models (Image credit: Future)

Apple Watch Series 10 review: Sleep tracking

Apple Watch Series 11 brings with it a new feature - Sleep Score. I mentioned earlier, I find sleeping in my watch quite uncomfortable, so I am still testing this feature, and will update this review with more insight when I have it.

But what I can say is the Sleep Score feature measures your sleep over time - you have to have at least seven nights of data for it to produce any results. After that, you get a daily sleep score out of 100 to rate sleep quality, which is based on how long you were asleep, awake and consistency.

If you're someone who struggles with sleep or wants to improve it, I can see that this would be really helpful data to have to help understand current patterns and how they could potentially be improved. Let me just get past the slightly bizarre constricting sensation I feel when wearing it in bed, and I will provide feedback on any useful findings very soon.

(Image credit: Future)

Apple Watch Series 10 review: Health & Safety

Last year, I used the ECG sensor to identify some irregular heart patterns, which I was able to download and take to my doctor. This was so useful as every time I visited the GP, the symptoms would stop, and even when I wore an ECG for a day, they miraculously disappeared. The ECG remains on Series 11, which is invaluable for me. I often experience palpitations still, and have used this function to record every time it happens so I can download and present data to my GP during a check-up.

The addition of the high blood pressure detector, as well as the fall and crash detection, compass app to ensure I don't get lost on long walks, is all hugely reassuring when it comes to keeping on top of my health and wellbeing. But the most treasured safety feature for me is Check In, which isn't new to Series 11, but something every Apple Watch wearer should know and use.

I use it a lot now the evenings are darker, when I am walking home from work, or out on a run - I can start a Check In for the duration to let family or friends know when I am done. I also use it to let loved ones know I have arrived safely at my destination. It's peace of mind you can't put a price on.

Is Apple Watch 11 worth it?

When it comes to upgrades, this is the first Apple Watch I have been highly recommending to my friends. Now in my mid-40s, this particular device seems to lend itself very well to my age group, with Sleep Score and high blood pressure detectors, particularly.

I have and always will shout about the amazing productivity apps within Apple Watch, which make such a difference to my life, and little has changed in that respect with this iteration.

So, as always, it really depends on what you, as an individual, want and need from a wearable like this. The Series 11 is well-suited to me because of the now extensive health features that can help with conditions that affect my age group. So from that respect, it absolutely is worth it.

However, if monitoring your sleep and health closely is not a high priority, and you simply want the basics Apple Watch can offer, the Series 10 is still an incredibly capable device that, now that the Series 11 is out, you can get hold of for significantly less. But, if maintaining and improving health and wellbeing is something of real importance, the Series 11 is unrivalled.

Forget fitness tracking, the Apple Watch Series 10 helps ease my mental load like nothing else

Kerrie Hughes — Wed, 09 Apr 2025 17:00:20 +0000

It's been six months since the release of the Apple Watch Series 10. While this iteration might look the same, there's much more to this than meets the eye, which long-term users and iPhone owners will particularly appreciate.

As a long-time lover of Apple products, I have been wearing an Apple Watch since Series 5 (released back in 2019). Since then, I have explored ways this device can really add value to everyday life and where it falls short.

With all the updates, I focus testing on how easy it is to use and how comfortable it is, the battery life, health and productivity features, and fitness and sleep tracking.

I have been wearing the Apple Watch Series 10 all day, every day (bar charging time) for the last three months to fully understand its capabilities as one of the best fitness trackers. Here are my honest thoughts.

Apple Watch Series 10 review: Overview

The Apple Watch 10 was released in September 2024, and with it came the biggest and brightest screen yet, sitting on top of the thinnest design yet (almost 10 percent thinner than the Apple Watch Series 9, 8, and 7, to be exact).

The Series 10 has all the functionality of its predecessor, with some new features thrown in alongside its new 'refined' display. Health-wise, advanced sensors mean the watch can now help detect sleep apnea - a condition affecting breathing during sleep. A new water temperature and depth sensor will be a welcome addition for those looking for more insight on swimming workouts.

Arguably one of the top smartwatches on the market, the Apple Watch Series 10 includes 20 main workout options, with a huge variety of more niche sports available in the 'Add Workout' section.

With battery life being one of the biggest downsides to the Apple Watch, it's great to see improvements in this area. Although the battery life is still so far off other leading trackers, like the best Garmin watch, Apple has reduced the charge time as a way of solving the issue. The Series 10 needs a connection to Apple's USB-C magnetic fast charging cable for just 15 minutes for enough juice to last eight hours.

The Apple Watch Series 10 (far right) screen is 30 percent bigger than all previous versions (Series 7, far left, Series 9, middle) (Image credit: Future)

Apple Watch Series 10 review: Specifications

Apple Watch Series 10
Spec	Series 10 46mm	Series 10 42mm
RRP	£429	£399
Size	46 x 39 x 9.7 (mm) Fits 140–245mm wrists	42 x 36 x 9.7 (mm) Fits 130–200mm wrists
Weight	36.4 g	30 g
Materials	Aluminium	Aluminium
Screen	326 x 326 px Retina LTPO3 display, wide-angle OLED	326 x 326 px Retina LTPO3 display, wide-angle OLED
Battery life	Up to 18 hours of normal use, up to 36 hours in low power mode	Up to 18 hours of normal use, up to 36 hours in low power mode
GPS	L1 GPS, GNSS, Galileo and BeiDou	L1 GPS, GNSS, Galileo and BeiDou
Waterproof	5 ATM (50 metres)	5 ATM (50 metres)

Apple

Watch Series 10, 42mm

Who is the Apple Watch Series 10 for?

For iPhone users, it’s hard to recommend a smartwatch that will complement daily life so well, for obvious reasons. The device pairs seamlessly with other Apple products - provided you can run iOS 18 or later - making it easy to use the productivity, fitness, and health and safety features and control your smart home devices.

There are better smartwatches available for hardcore athletes who specialise in one discipline and need sport-specific insights. Although the Apple Watch Series 10 has plenty of insights for runners and cyclists, for example, and more than enough to see you through training for your first 5km to a marathon, it's not the best choice.

The battery life is one of the limitations. If you are an ultra-runner or someone who likes to go a couple of days between charging your fitness tracker, whatever the reason, the Apple Watch is unlikely to suit you. It only lasts 18 hours in normal mode, which isn't even a full day.

But, from my experience, the Apple Watch has more than enough insight for the average gym-goer and adds a whole lot more assistance for everyday life on top. This is what other, more sport-specialised watches can't compete with.

The Apple Watch Series 10 is a no-brainer for those with an iPhone, and the fact that it's the same price as the Apple Watch Series 9 alone means it's worth opting for the newer model.

Apple Watch Series 10 review: Smartwatch features

Wanting a fitness tracker was my main driver for buying an Apple Watch all those years ago. In 2025, the fitness tracking features are still ones I use daily and wouldn't be without, but the smartwatch features are the ones that have truly kept me buying the newest Apple Watch when I needed an upgrade. The Apple Watch Series 10 is no different.

As a busy mum of three, the reminders, timers, alarms, to-do lists, and nudges to take a moment to breathe and move regularly are the productivity and wellbeing features I use daily – all of them go a long way to help ease my mental load.

Yes, my iPhone can do all of the above, but my Apple Watch offers me the freedom to spend time outdoors and away from a screen while still feeling connected and supported. Being able to set a timer so I can go outside with the children while the tea is cooking might seem like a small, almost insignificant thing, but it's support I find invaluable every day.

Apple Watch Series 10 review: Design

Apple made a pretty big deal of the 'refined' design of the Series 10, with it being the thinnest one with the biggest, most advanced display yet. And while I can fully appreciate the attention to detail, it doesn't actually look any different. However, I noticed a difference when wearing the watch.

The watch fits much more comfortably under long sleeves. While it's only a small amount thinner, it makes a difference in terms of me accidentally knocking it on things, which means wear and tear on the watch is less. After three months of heavy every day use, my watch face still looks new (the strap maybe not so much, I hasten to add).

Having particularly small wrists, I was apprehensive about the upgraded screen but I was pleasantly surprised to find it doesn't feel that much bigger on. I also really appreciated how much more content the extra screen size allows when viewing notifications.

There's not much difference with the keyboard though. Before this version, I would actively avoid using the ridiculously small and seemingly impossible-to-use keyboard on my Apple Watch. That hasn't changed. It's still painfully small and not at all nice to use.

The OLED screen is now brighter from a wider angle too. I never thought it was too dim on an angle, but this might be a welcome tweak for those whose eyes are particularly sensitive to light.

The Apple Watch Series 10 has a bigger, brighter display, and is almost 10 percent thinner than previous models (Image credit: Future)

Apple Watch Series 10 review: Battery life

I know I'm not the only one who feels incredibly frustrated by the battery life on the Apple Watch. Go to any forum or Apple Watch Q&A with the product team, and it's one of the first questions to be asked. It is, by far, the device's biggest weakness.

I remember being excited to get my first Apple Watch to track sleep, but I was very quickly disappointed when I realised the only way I could do so would be to sacrifice using it during the day. Fast forward a couple of models and six years, and if it wasn't for the new fast-charging function, this wouldn't have changed. Even with the Apple Watch Series 10, you still only get 18 hours in normal mode. Or, if you're happy to have your watch in Low Battery Mode, you can have 36 hours.

However, credit where credit's due. Apple is clearly aware that battery life is an issue, and with every iteration of the Apple Watch, it gets marginally better. The company quickly cottoned on that users were having to choose between using the watch during the day or at night, so they introduced the fast-charging function.

The fast-charging function has been improved in Series 10, and I have really noticed how much more use I get on a single charge (which takes about 30 minutes).

I also really like how I can use the fast charging cable for 10-15 minutes and while it won't fill the battery fully, it gives me enough to get through the night. It's a definite improvement. I rely on quick charges here and there to get me through each day and night with enough juice.

To quote the Apple website, the Series 10 is ‘the fastest-charging Apple Watch ever’. And while I haven't run the exact tests to know this to be true, I do know the longevity of the battery life on this model is better than any I have used so far.

The Apple Watch fast charger enables around eight hours of use after 10-15 minutes on charge (Image credit: Future)

Apple Watch Series 10 review: Fitness tracking

Fitness tracking has always been one of the main reasons I wear an Apple Watch. Sitting at a desk all day, I wouldn't be without a way to track my movement and keep me accountable. The Series 10 comes with all the same fitness options as the Series 9, which is now so varied that you'd be hard pushed to find an exercise not on there.

As the models have evolved, so too have the fitness tracking features on the Apple Watch. What started out being very top line - swimming, running, cycling, for example - has become much more granular. For Series 10, the focus is diving, with a new depth gauge and water temperature sensor for swimming workouts.

The Training Load feature is my favourite, however. This feature works out the intensity and duration of your movements over time. It then provides data to help inform you when you can push a bit harder or when recovery might be needed. While it was also available on the Series 9, it brings the Apple Watch Series 10 in line with advanced watches like the Coros Pace 3 or the Garmin Forerunner 265.

Having used a WHOOP 4.0 for 12 months alongside my Apple Watch last year, Apple's training load offering is very basic. But with the WHOOP, I rarely looked at or needed the fine detail to help me decide what level of exercise to do each day. The top-line information is what most will need, and that's what the Apple Watch provides with this new feature.

For serious fitness enthusiasts and athletes it won't be enough, but for the majority, the information here provides the right amount of context without being confusing or overwhelming.

I wouldn't be without an Apple Watch to keep me motivated to move and accountable (Image credit: Future)

Apple Watch Series 10 review: Sleep tracking

If you're new to sleep tracking, I'll start by saying that wearing a smartwatch to bed takes a bit of getting used to – I find it weirdly constricting. But, I keep it on as I'm a big fan of some of the sleep features on the Apple Watch Series 10.

The haptic alarm is one of them. This is an alarm that vibrates when it is time to wake up, instead of ringing. I find it a much more relaxing way to wake up. All Apple needs to add now (please) is some strong wake-up lights, and I'll be ready to lose my Lumi Sunrise alarm.

The sleep feature tracks the amount of REM, core, and deep sleep, and any awake time, to help identify sleep patterns and any potential health concerns. In the sleep app, this is clearly broken down into graphs for the day, week, month and six months, which can go a long way to helping you understand how your sleep might be affecting your daily life - good and bad.

New to the sleep feature with Apple Watch 10 is a sleep apnea monitor, which you won't know about unless you need it - which is really the point. The app is set up to recognise disturbances in your breathing while asleep and notify you if and when that happens. You can then download a chart of your breathing disturbances, along with a explanation of the notification to take to a healthcare professional for expert advice.

I hope I won't ever need to use this feature, but I feel reassured to know it is there and can potentially detect a problem early on.

(Image credit: Future)

Apple Watch Series 10 review: Health & Safety

As someone who relied heavily on the ECG health sensor when I was experiencing heart palpitations last year, I am a big advocate for the health features on the Apple Watch. Having a device that can accurately monitor your health vitals and the assistance this can provide in detecting any potential medical issues is key.

The slight downside to this, however, is the anxiety you might feel having any health issues brought to your attention. I have only experienced an alert to a potential problem once, but the delivery of it, despite being very helpful, still made me feel very anxious in that moment.

I was also very happy to see that the safety features on the Apple Watch are still very much present. I often use the check-in facility to give me and my family members peace of mind.

Is Apple Watch 10 worth it?

While the Apple Watch 10 doesn't look much different to its predecessors, I would say of the last few iterations, this is the one I am most pleased with. All of the incremental updates - including the bigger, thinner screen - give it a really premium feel.

If you are a previous Apple Watch owner, I would weigh up whether the new look and features - like sleep apnea detection, for example - are enough to justify the spend. I have tested seven different versions of Apple Watch now, and for many of them I have been hard pushed to notice the difference - very little felt 'new'. I'm pleased to report, however, the Apple Watch Series 10 isn't one of them.

Unless you own the Apple Watch Series 9, the Apple Watch Series 10 is going to be a significant upgrade from your current fitness tracker, offering more in terms of smartwatch features and fitness tracking capabilities, so it's well worth the spend if you can.

What is the cheapest Apple Watch on Cyber Monday? Where to find a deal for under £199

grace.walsh@futurenet.com (Grace Walsh) — Mon, 02 Dec 2024 08:13:02 +0000

Looking for the cheapest Apple Watch today? I have you covered. With Cyber Monday here and Black Friday weekend drawing to a close, there's only so much time left to score a saving before the new year.

The cheapest Apple Watch for Cyber Monday is currently the Apple Watch SE (40mm) GPS for £149 at Currys, down from £219. While it's not the biggest saving I've seen today, this watch is now at its lowest-ever price in the UK.

But, if the Apple Watch SE isn't for you and you're looking for something more advanced, we've also found deals on the Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, and Ultra.

It's rare to see an Apple Watch SE deal - for that deal not to come from Amazon is even rarer. Currys has swooped in here with the cheapest Apple Watch deal for Cyber Monday, with £40 off. This is the lowest price the watch has reached in the UK. View Deal

The £50 saving on the Apple Watch Series 9 makes this the deal with the biggest saving for Black Friday and Cyber Monday so far. View Deal

Apple Watch SE: Quick review

The Apple Watch SE 40mm is the latest SE watch from the brand, offering WatchOS 10 and a suitable upgrade from the Series 7 if you're looking to make a change. It was released last year and its standouts include its lightweight body, new processor, and a choice of new colours.

Along with a range of activity profiles to monitor your workouts and the famous Activity Rings, where you can keep an eye on your movement goals and stay motivated throughout the day, the SE has a mindfulness and sleep app to help you balance activity and recovery. The sleep app records how much time you spend in three sleep zones (REM, Core and Deep sleep), much like many of the best fitness trackers.

The biggest feature addition to this watch is the Car Crash detection feature, which does as the name suggests. If you get involved in a car accident, the watch will ask you if you're okay and, if you don't respond, it'll call the emergency services for you.

It does lack some features though, being the more budget-friendly watch - such as the always-on display and advanced fitness-focused tracking features on the Apple Watch Series 9, for instance. As they are relatively the same price, it's worth weighing up Apple Watch vs Fitbit if your heart isn't set on the Apple Watch SE.

Apple Watch Series 9: Quick review

As our Apple Watch Series 9 review reveals, this watch took a big step forward when it was released last year. With a new operating system came the 'double tap' feature that makes more of the connectivity between watch and iPhone, enabling you to do pre-set actions with a tap of your thumb and index finger - like answer a call or stop a timer. It also has a brighter display, faster charging, and faster Siri features so you can get more done faster.

This watch also has more safety features like fall detection and Emergency SOS, alongside a suite of impressive health and fitness sensors. Runners will love the precise GPS points on the running track and deeper on-watch insights into their running style, like vertical oscillation. It also has more indoor cycling features, allowing you to turn your watch into your phone into your bike computer. Of course, all the basics are there too - you can record over 30 activity types, track your steps, monitor your sleep, and so much more. I loved this watch - it's certainly my favourite out of the current lineup.

It still only promises 18 hours of battery life between charges though, so if that's a sticking point for you, why not consider a watch like the underrated Garmin Vivoactive 5 deal live right now? Or weigh up Garmin vs Apple Watch at least.

More Cyber Monday Apple Watch deals

The newest Apple Watch is also on sale and this time, Amazon has the best deal, with £20 off the Apple Watch Series 10. This one has been called a 'thinstant classic', being the thinnest design ever made. It also has the biggest display and faster charging than earlier models, alongside impressive new features.View Deal

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is the all-singing, all-dancing watch, designed to tick all the boxes for those with an outdoor lifestyle looking to take on adventures. It has a rugged design and a larger watch face than others, with more advanced features and sensors. Now £30 off at Amazon!View Deal

Save £20 on the Apple Watch SE 2, the latest model, with the sport band. The only real difference here between this watch and our cheapest deal is the watch band. This one is made of silicone while the other is woven. View Deal

7 ways Apple Watch makes my life easier (it's £85 off today if you want one too)

Kerrie Hughes — Wed, 17 Jul 2024 15:26:01 +0000

I've owned an Apple Watch for a while now, I bought the series 7 a few years back and it has always served me well. But when the Apple Watch Series 9 was released, it came with features I knew I'd find helpful.

Which is why, when I saw the Apple Watch Series 9 reduced by £85 on Amazon, I thought I'd share some of the ways this clever little companion has improved my life recently.

As a 40-something with three young kids, a full-time job and a house that no matter how much I clean never seems to look any tidier, I need all the organisational help I can get. Also a regular gym-goer, I've been after a device to track fitness and, ideally, monitor my cycle and symptoms that hint strongly that I'm either in or rapidly approaching perimenopause.

There's a reason the Apple Watch holds a firm spot in our round up of the best fitness trackers for women. It packs much of the functionality of a phone in a more compact, convenient, and less distracting design - but more so has some key features, which, at my age, are incredibly useful and reassuring. Here are nine reasons I wish I'd bought an Apple Watch sooner...

Editors Choice

Apple Watch Series 9: ~~was £399~~ now £314 at Amazon
Have written about Apple products for over a decade now, I know how rare it is to see such a big discount on the Apple Watch. Having worn this exact model for the last couple of months, I can highly recommend it to anyone on the hunt for a new smartwatch. VIEW DEAL ON

Apple Watch benefits: 7 ways it makes my life easier

1. It helps with perimenopause

Having two babies in close succession in my early 40s, at the same time as entering a time most commonly associated with perimenopause has meant my cycle (and hormones) have been all over the place for the last few years.

When the Apple Watch 9 was released, it came with even more of a focus on women's health – specifically a new skin temperature sensor to estimate the likely day of ovulation and improve period predictions. But the Cycle Tracking does so much more, including being able to log other symptoms, as well as body temperature, which is particularly helpful for this stage of my life.

Rapidly approaching 45, I have been to the doctors multiple times about what I believe are perimenopause symptoms – mood swings, night sweats, tiredness etc. The device not only makes capturing this information really easy, but the data it has collected is helping build a picture of my overall health, and my GP to monitor any reoccurring symptoms.

While the Apple Watch should not be used to replace medical care, I also found the ECG feature really helpful recently when suffering from heart palpitations. I could already feel there was an irregularity, but the confirmation the Apple Watch provided was the push I needed to make an appointment with a doctor.

I use the ECG function to help monitor my symptoms, and share with my GP (Image credit: Future)

2. It reduces my screen time

I wish I could say I could survive without my phone, but I can't. I fully admit I rely on it too much and use it too much. My main resolution for 2024 is to become less reliant on my phone, and specifically use it less when I'm with the kids. While I don't want to swap one device for another, I'm finding the Apple Watch offers me a new found freedom from my screen.

My phone is vital to me to contact and be contacted – mainly in relation to the children – and it goes everywhere with me for those reasons. However, this also means I'm often distracted by the plethora of other functions a phone offers – messages, social media, online shopping etc.

My watch still enables me to be contacted, and contact others, and it has a lot of the other stuff too. But the size of the device means I have no desire to use it for anything else. Being attached to me physically, I have also found I am much more likely to filter out notifications I would usually leave turned on my phone.

Turning off your notifications is one of the best Apple Watch tips around, but my watch allows me peace of mind to leave my phone at home. I can enjoy my surroundings, rather than mindlessly burying my head in a screen. I've listed a few other things the Apple Watch is great for here, but I'd be happy to have invested the money in one for this reason alone.

3. It means I need less 'stuff'

I'm at a time in my life when I leave the house with what feels like the kitchen sink, just incase one of the kids is thirsty, hungry, needs changing, has an accident, all of the above. So anything that means I have less to carry and have more hands free is a win in my book. With Apple Pay set up, my Apple Watch means I don't always have to take my wallet or phone, which might seem like something simple, but genuinely makes all the difference, convenience-wise.

4. It finds things

As much as I hate to say it, my phone goes everywhere with me. To the gym for my music, the supermarket for my shopping list, the kids' bedroom for the torch to help retrieve the world's smallest toy from the world's smallest gap. But in the madness of life and three small people who find it a 'fun' game to hide Mummy's phone, I often lose it. And when I do, I can guarantee it's always on silent so the simple solution of calling it to find it suddenly isn't so simple.

Probably one of, if not the, most used apps on my Apple Watch is 'Find My'. My phone and Watch are connected, so I simply tap Find iPhone on my watch and it makes my phone play a sound, even when it is on silent. I cannot tell you how many times I have found my phone using this feature in the last few weeks alone.

This function would also work with Apple AirTags, which I've also just purchased to put on my keys as they too have a habit of disappearing. Find My is brilliant if you prone to losing things (or have small people who take great pleasure in hiding them), and is a great security feature too. Should you have an Apple device stolen, with this previously enabled you can see its exact location (even when switched off) .

5. It motivates me to move

I could talk for hours on all the fitness functionality the Apple Watch has. It's one of the devices biggest selling points, and one of the main reasons many people, me included, buy one. It can give you really detailed insight to your physical ability and performance, as well as the best times to train, rest and recovery needed.

But it's not just for athletes, the Apple Watch has features you can switch on to help boost your overall wellbeing in simple but very effective ways. You either love or hate the 'Time to Stand' reminders, which prompt you to move for at least one minute for 12 different hours in the day.

As someone who sits down at a desk all day and often forgets to move for hours, I'm a big fan of this feature. Not only does it get me away from my desk and some blood flowing back through my legs, I love the highly achievable goal to be less sedentary each day (and little pat on the back it gives me when I reach it). You can also really easily track your daily step count, and set a realistic goal for the amount of calories you want to burn each day.

If you're after a tracker specifically for fitness, but don't need all the bells and whistles of an Apple Watch, our round up of the best fitbits is well worth a look. They have all been tried and tested by our very own fitness editor, so you can easily see which model is best for you.

6. It's like having my very own PA

I often feel like my head is going to explode with everything I have to remember. But now, using Siri on my Apple Watch, I simply instruct the voice assistant to remind me of my to-do list day-to-day, at the times I'm most likely to action them. When it comes to easing mental load, this has been a game-changer for me.

7. It tells the time

Forgive me for pointing out the obvious, but this one was a surprise for me. I was so distracted by all the other fancy things an Apple Watch can do, I totally overlooked how helpful I would find having it's main purpose of telling the time so readily available again. For so long I relied on digging out my phone to know the time, and in doing so, would no doubt be distracted by social media in the process. Being able to simply just know the time, and not lose any in the process, is a huge benefit for me.

FAQs

Which is better, a Fitbit or Apple Watch?

The answer to this really depends on what you want one of these devices for. It's worth weighing up Fitbit or Apple Watch though as they are both high-quality wearables, however the Fitbit is, as the name suggests, designed specifically to track health and fitness.

Earlier in the year our fitness editor conducted a thorough Fitbit Inspire 3 review, and scored it a solid four out of five stars. It's highly affordable, much more so than the Apple Watch, and so if fitness if your focus, and you're on a budget, the Fitbit is the way to go.

The next thing I'll be exploring on my Apple Watch is sleep tracking – although with three young kids under the same roof, I'm already dreading the results. But I'm hopeful the Apple Watch sleep tracker combined with a sunrise alarm clock will give me the best chance of more consistent, quality sleep.

This Apple Watch Series 9 deal is the best one yet - now £85 off for a limited time

grace.walsh@futurenet.com (Grace Walsh) — Tue, 16 Jul 2024 07:40:56 +0000

The Apple Watch sale is the crème de la crème of Amazon Prime Day where fitness trackers are concerned. Now live, this is the time to pick up a deal on the latest and greatest of the range with the best savings I've seen so far all year.

The Apple Watch Series 9 is one of the best fitness trackers you can buy. Being one of the newest releases from the brand, it offers all the latest technology and must-have features in a streamlined design and variety of colourways. Now £314.99 down from £399.99 (save £85) for a limited time only at Amazon.

Also on sale, you'll find the Apple Watch SE down to £192 from £219.99 (save £27.99). While it's not as impressive as the saving on the Series 9, it's certainly not to be sniffed at if you're looking to upgrade your fitness tracker this summer.

Wondering which one to go for? As woman&home's digital health editor, I've got you covered with a brief lowdown on the Apple Watch Series 9 and SE, both on sale for Amazon Prime Day.

Apple Watch sale - quick links

Apple Watch Series 9: ~~Was £399.99~~ Now £314 (save £85) at Amazon
Apple Watch SE: ~~Was £219~~ Now £192 (save £27) at Amazon
Apple AirPods (3rd Gen): ~~Was £179.99~~ Now £139.99 (save £40) at Amazon
Apple AirTag (4 pack): ~~Was £119~~ Now £84 (save £35) at Amazon

The best Apple Watch sale deals

Apple Watch Series 9: ~~Was £399.99~~ Now £314 (save £85) at Amazon
As soon as I reviewed the Apple Watch Series 9, I knew it was one of the top fitness trackers on the market. The design is so seamless, making it easy to log your workouts, view detailed exercise insights, track your sleep and stress levels, and make the most of the lifestyle features on your favourite apps. It also offers advanced health-monitoring sensors like an ECG. It also looks great on the wrist, with various available colourways and band options.View Deal

Apple Watch SE: ~~Was £219~~ Now £192 (save £27) at Amazon
The Apple Watch SE is also excellent for tracking workouts, sleep quality and quantity, and accessing apps on the wrist. Its seamless design is a little bigger than the Series 9 but I didn't find it very noticeable after wearing it a few times. The SE doesn't quite match up to the Series 9 in terms of features and advanced sensors but where price and practicality are concerned, it's a top-tier fitness tracker and a worthy investment - especially with this saving.View Deal

What's the difference between the Apple Watch Series 9 and SE?

The processor and advanced health monitoring features are the main differences between the Apple Watch Series 9 and SE. The Series 9 is the newest Apple Watch and has the latest processor, which allows for advanced features like the double tap (where you can tap your fingers together to allow a pre-set action on your watch, should you find yourself without a spare hand), faster Siri processing, and precision finding for your devices (so you can track your Apple devices to the specific spot in your home, rather than the general location). The SE does not offer this.

Where advanced health monitoring features are concerned, the Apple Watch Series 9 has an ECG sensor (which can detect abnormalities in heart rate), a blood oxygen sensor (which can measure oxygen saturation in the blood), and a temperature sensor (which can be very useful for accurate cycle tracking). The SE also doesn't offer these - but if these are of particular interest, it's also worth weighing up the Apple Watch vs Oura Ring while you're in the Apple Watch sale.

The retina display on the Series 9 is also 1,000 nits more, meaning it'll be brighter and clearer, and it offers an always-on function so you can view the screen constantly should you wish.

Design-wise, they look almost identical and fairly similar to the newest Fitbit smartwatch. However, you can buy the Apple Watch Series 9 in a stainless steel case and you can't get this material with the SE where aluminium is the only option.

Is one better than the other? That depends on what you're looking for in your fitness tracker. The Series 9 is the best in general as it offers a range of very impressive fitness and health monitoring features (right down to running and cycling-specific metrics you won't find on the best Fitbits or even on Garmin devices).

However, if you're just looking for a device to track your workouts, monitor your steps, keep an eye on your sleep habits, and make the most of the lifestyle assistance via apps on your wrist in the Apple Watch sale, the SE is an excellent choice.

It's also worth checking out your options, however. The Garmin sale has also launched with up to 30% off a great range of fitness trackers, many of which are now under £250. The Prime Day Fitbit deals are also off to a good start with a £30 saving on the latest Fitbit Charge 6.

Do you need to be a Prime Member for the Apple Watch sale?

Yes, on July 16 and 17, you do need to be a Prime member to make the most of any deals branded with the red 'Prime Day Deal' banner. If the product doesn't have this banner, you don't need to be a member to scoop the saving.

On sign-up to Amazon Prime, you'll get a 30-day trial to test out the scheme and you'll be able to save in the general Amazon sale over the next two days. You'll also benefit from the speedy Prime delivery service and have access to hundreds of television shows and films.

Is Amazon an authorised retailer for Apple products?

Amazon is an authorised retailer of Apple products per the brand's website, so when you buy from the online retailer, you can be sure you're getting an authentic product. However, always shop directly from Apple's Amazon page rather than the general marketplace to be sure you're getting a legitimate product.

The same goes for renewed devices on Amazon. These aren't available in the Amazon Prime Apple sale, but you'll find previous series of Apple Watch on Amazon for a significantly lower price than you'd see elsewhere - the condition being that they've been pre-owned and restored.

The Apple Watch Series 9 is a great fitness tracker - but could this cheaper option be even better?

grace.walsh@futurenet.com (Grace Walsh) — Sat, 17 Feb 2024 19:00:28 +0000

If you're looking to buy a new smartwatch in 2024, you've probably had the Apple Watch Series 9 vs SE debate. The two devices make up two out of three of the brand's smartwatches on sale this year and with a considerable £180 price difference between them, it's a good idea to weigh up the pros and cons of each.

The Apple Watch Series 9 and the Apple Watch SE are joined by the Apple Watch Ultra 2 to create three of the best fitness trackers right now. There's no doubt about it, from their superior lifestyle integration features to the fascinating insights they can offer into our health and wellbeing, any variety of the newest Apple Watch is a great buy.

But it doesn't take a tech whizz to notice that, unlike the Ultra 2, the Apple Watch Series 9 and SE are very similar to each other. From design to some features, you're not alone if you're confused by their similarities. Here, we reveal the main differences between the two and the underrated features of both to help you choose the one right for you.

Apple Watch Series 9 vs SE

An overview

Apple Watch Series 9

The Apple Watch Series 9 is the latest all-rounder in the brand's collection, offering a brighter display than ever before, a longer battery life in Low Power Mode, two exciting new integrated features to make life easier, and a huge list of health monitoring features Starting at £399 for the aluminium casing, the Apple Watch Series 9 is also the more expensive option of the two.

Buy if: you're looking for a big upgrade from an older model of the Apple Watch or an alternative brand

Avoid if: you don't need advanced fitness tracking features and aren't bothered by the latest feature updates

Apple Watch SE (2022)

The Apple Watch SE is billed as the brand's entry-level smartwatch and fitness tracker. It covers all the essentials - from tracking your steps to your sleep cycle - without the more premium sensors. extensive colour choices, and longer battery life. At £219 to start though, it's almost £200 cheaper than the Apple Watch Series 9.

Currently on sale at Amazon for £209.

Buy if: you're looking all the best parts of an Apple Watch at a lower price point, and you don't mind the low battery life

Avoid if: you're looking to make serious strides in your fitness as sensors like Sp02 (blood oxygen level tracking) can be useful for this

Design

The design of the Apple Watch Series 9 vs SE stumps many people. But despite initial appearances, this is one of the ways the two devices differ the most.

The Apple Watch Series 9 offers a 45mm or 41mm case in either aluminium or stainless steel. At 45mm or 41mm in height and 28mm in width, it's also relatively rectangular shaped, compared to the square shape of the Apple Watch SE. The SE measures 44mm or 40mm in height by 38mm in height, so although it's only a small difference if you opt for the larger size, it is noticeable on the wrist. The Apple Watch SE also comes with an aluminium casing only, without the sturdier stainless steel option.

When it comes to personalising the Apple Watch, colour plays a big role. Will you go for the minimalist neutral tones or maximalist pink and red? If you prefer bright and bold, your only option of the two is the Apple Watch Series 9 as the SE only comes in the basic offering of Midnight (black), Starlight (gold), and Silver. Of course, you can change the colour of your band with either watch and there are plenty of options available for all sizes - including in the collaborations with Nike and Hermès - but the choice of casing colour is limited.

The design of the Apple Watch Series 9 (right) vs SE (left) looks almost the same - with some key differences. (Image credit: Apple)

Features

With the announcement of the Apple Watch Series 9 came one impressive new feature: the Double Tap. Part of the S9 SiP, the new chip in the device, the Double Tap feature lets users carry out a whole range of actions on their watch simply by tapping their forefinger and thumb together.

You can make the most of all the Apple Watch tips and tricks with this device. For example, answer and end phone calls; pause, end, and resume a timer or stopwatch; play and pause music or podcasts; take a photo with the Camera Remote in the Camera app; and perhaps most importantly for those who enjoy a lie-in at the weekend, snooze an alarm.

The Apple Watch SE doesn't offer this feature but it does host the WatchOS10, the latest software system. This means, regardless of which watch you choose, you can access third-party apps, customise your favourite faces, send and receive calls, messages, and emails, and use Siri faster than ever before with the Apple assistance now hosted directly on the watch.

Apple Watch Series 9 vs SE: Both are great options - it all depends on personal preference. The Apple Watch can make your life easier but of the Double Tap feature doesn't sound like something you want or need and you'd prefer to save the £180, then the Apple Watch SE sounds like it could be the one for you. However, taking the Double Tap in combination with all the other advanced features might mean the Apple Watch Series 9 is a better choice for you.

Health and fitness tracking

Most people choose an Apple Watch over a manual timekeeper to keep an eye on their health and fitness. Whether it's monitoring your step count when doing walking as a workout or trying to learn how to sleep better with insights into your sleep cycle, both the Apple Watch Series 9 and SE can do this.

The big difference here is the ECG (electrocardiogram) and SpO2 (blood oxygen) tracking. The first isn't too important unless you want to use your Apple Watch for monitoring any potential cardiac events - then the Apple Watch Series 9 is a must-have over the SE. The budget-friendly model doesn't have this sensor. It does, however, offer notifications of abnormally high or low heart rates like the Series 9. None of these are diagnostic tools but they offer a useful history of heart health, should you need to see a doctor.

In the same way that the ECG can help keep an eye on our heart health without providing any diagnostic information, the SpO2 blood oxygen sensor can keep an eye on our respiratory health. Most people have a blood oxygen saturation level of at least 90%. However, those with conditions like sleep apnea or lung disease, or those with a respiratory infection, may have a saturation level much lower than this. Your blood oxygen levels can also deliver some useful insights into how your fitness is improving, per a report by Training Peaks, one of the best fitness apps.

Apple Watch Series 9 vs SE: Unless the ECG and SpO2 sensors are particularly important to you for health reasons, or you're looking to examine your cardiovascular fitness in microscopic detail, the Apple Watch SE will be more than enough for tracking your daily step count, exercise, sleep cycles, stress levels, and more.

Many other fitness trackers, including various Fitbit types, also offer SpO2 and ECG sensors so these are also worth considering.

Battery life

Both the Apple Watch Series 9 and the Apple Watch SE promise 18 hours of battery life between charges. In my experience with the Apple Watch Series 9, this 18 hours is also very dependent on how you use the watch. For example, if you spend most of those 18 hours in Workout mode, following a Map route, playing music, or with a high brightness on the display, the battery is going to drop faster.

The big difference in battery life between the Apple Watch Series 9 vs SE, however, is that the advanced Series 9 offers a Low Power Mode. In Low Power Mode, you'll notice the Apple Watch Series 9 loses some of its premium features, however. This includes:

'Always On' display - you'll need to raise your wrist to bring the display to life
Double Tap
Heart rate notifications for an irregular rhythm, high or low heart rate
Heart rate measurements in the background
Blood oxygen measurements in the background
Workout reminders

Apple Watch Series 9 vs SE: The Apple Watch Series 9 wins out here - but only marginally. While both devices only promise 18 hours of battery life as standard, the advanced watch offers up to 36 hours in Low Power Mode.

If you're struggling to reconcile the price of either Apple Watch with the limited battery life, then it may be worth looking at Fitbit vs Apple Watch. The Fitbit Sense 2 (£219), for instance, offers many advanced health tracking features and promises up to 6 days of battery life with a singular charge.

The Apple Watch SE (40mm, left) has a squarer casing with a smaller displace face compared to the Apple Watch Series 9 (45mm, right). (Image credit: Apple )

Display

The standout key difference between the Apple Watch Series 9 vs SE in the display is the size. Others will point out that the brightness between the two is significantly different - the Apple Watch Series 9 offers 2,000 nits, double that of the SE - but in testing the Series 9, I didn't find this made too much of a difference day-to-day.

The size difference between the displays is something to consider, however. The Apple Watch SE has a screen size of 1.57 inches, almost half an inch smaller than the 1.9 inches that makes up the screen of the Apple Watch Series 9. The premium model also offers an edge-to-edge screen design, whereas the SE covers some of the screen with a black border. If you're anything like me and would need a larger font than most on your Apple Watch, you may find the Apple Watch SE limits you. If you struggle to see what's on the screen without having to peer at the device, it's going to make it much harder to use the smartwatch day to day.

This is a common problem among many fitness trackers though, including the best Fitbits, given that all the technology needs to fit into a device no larger than the average wrist.

Not only is it larger and brighter though, the Apple Watch Series 9 offers an 'Always On' display so you can see the time on your watch like you would on a manual accessory - although this will limit the battery life even further. The Apple Watch SE has no such function - users need to raise their watch to see the face.

Apple Watch Series 9 vs SE: The Apple Watch Series 9 is a better option when it comes to both the quality and size of the display on the watch.

Price

This is the big stickler and top of the list of things to know before you buy a fitness tracker. The price will ultimately decide which Apple Watch you should buy. The Apple Watch Series 9 starts at £399 in price, for the aluminium casing, rising quickly to £699 for a stainless steel casing.

That's only £100 less than the starting price for the Apple Watch Ultra 2, which features a titanium casing and several more fitness tracking and GPS features, so if these are of interest then the Ultra 2 is worth adding to the consideration list.

The Apple Watch SE (40mm) starts at £219 and, at the time of writing, I've spotted several deals from the likes of Amazon and John Lewis bringing the price down to around £200. Opting for the 44mm hikes the price up to £249, which is the same £30 price difference between the two sizes of the Apple Watch Series 9 as well.

Apple Watch Series 9 vs SE: All in all, there's a price difference of £180 for the two standard models. The advanced Apple Watch Series 9 is the better model should the £399 price tag not put you off - but if this isn't in your budget, the £219 Apple Watch SE is a great alternative choice.

Apple Watch 9 vs SE: Which is right for you?

Taking budget out of the equation for the moment, the Apple Watch Series 9 is the best of the two. It's truly an all-singing-all-dancing fitness tracker. If you've already been working out for a few years and are looking to improve your fitness with minute health-tracking insights, this is the one for you. It also contains the most up-to-date software and unique features, and it's housed in an accessible design that makes it easier to use than ever before.

The Apple Watch SE is most suitable for those who are new to the world of fitness trackers. Perhaps, those who aren't so sure if a fitness tracker is right for them and their health goals in the first place, and definitely anyone who is new to exercise itself so isn't looking for software and sensors that can do it all.

With this in mind, if you are looking to buy a fitness tracker in the coming days or weeks, it's also worth questioning - are fitness trackers worth it in 2024? They aren't suitable for everyone and not everyone needs one. Plus, with more insights than ever before into our health and fitness, trackers and smartwatches of all brands can be a double-edged sword when it comes to learning about our health.

Apple Watch Series 9 review - the perfect choice for a big upgrade

grace.walsh@futurenet.com (Grace Walsh) — Sun, 04 Feb 2024 18:00:06 +0000

The new year has begun and with health goals taking the top spot in many resolutions lists, there's truly been no better time to invest in a new smartwatch - bring in the Apple Watch Series 9.

Like many people, I'm always looking to better understand and improve the main pillars of my health: nutrition, fitness, sleep, and stress. If I can do this while making my day-to-day life easier with a pick of the best fitness trackers, even better.

As woman&home's digital health editor, a keen runner, cyclist, and gym-goer, I was excited to take the Apple Watch Series 9 for a spin. I used the device consistently for two weeks to see how it measured up, wearing it throughout the day, overnight, and during all my exercise activities.

Apple Watch Series 9: An overview

The Apple Watch Series 9 is one of the top smartwatches around today - a hard title to give, considering all the options available from both the brand and competitors. However, what sets the Apple Watch Series 9 apart from the others is the new seamless lifestyle and activity integration features. If you want a watch that can assist you through life - whether that's making and receiving phone calls and messages or taking a picture - as well as one you can use for advanced monitoring of your health and fitness, this is a great option.

The limited battery life of previous models remains a problem but new features, such as the Double Tap, a faster processor, and on-wrist Siri, help to create this new and improved watch.

Apple Watch Series 9: Specifications

RRP: From £399
Size: 41 x 35 x 10.7 (41mm option) or 45 x 38 x 10.7 (45mm option)
Weight: 32.1g (aluminium)
Material: Aluminium or stainless steel casing with a variety of bands available
In-built GPS: Yes
Battery life: 18 hours
Waterproof: No - swimproof only, up to 50m

How much does the Apple Watch Series 9 cost?

The Apple Watch Series 9 is available to buy now with an aluminium casing from £399 or in a stainless steel casing from £699.

In both cases, this is the price of the 41mm option, although the watch does come in a slightly larger 45mm size for additional cost - from £429 in aluminium and from £749 in stainless steel.

You can also buy the watch with two connectivity choices: GPS (the cheaper option, but you'll always need to have your phone nearby to make/receive phone calls and messages, but you can use the GPS function without your phone) and GPS + Cellular (the more expensive option, where you can link your cellular data plan to use the watch on its own as a stand-in phone).

The band you choose for your Apple Watch also makes a difference to the price. Opt for sweat-resistant rubber or eco-friendly textile materials and you'll pay upwards of £499 but opt for a stainless steel band (Milanese loop or Link Closure) and the price tag could go up to as much as £749.

The lowest price you'll be able to buy the Apple Watch Series 9 for is £399 - with an aluminium case (in your choice of colour), at 41mm, with GPS connectivity, and a textile or rubber band - direct from the retailer.

Design of the Apple Watch Series 9

In my mind, the Apple Watch has always - ever since its first release in 2015 - scored big points for design. It's one of the only smartwatches or fitness trackers that can slip seamlessly between work and play, without users even having to change the wristband. The Series 9 is no different with its sleek, curved edges elevated slightly from the wrist, rotating Digital Crown, side button, microphone, speaker, and two size options. It even weighs the same as the previous model with a truly lightweight feel that makes you forget you're even wearing it.

There are colour options from across the spectrum. Fans of quiet luxury will be happy to see the Midnight (black), Starlight (gold), and Silver colour options back for the casings and bands, while the maximalists among us will love the red and pink options, complete with equally loud band choices. Truly something for everyone. If you're looking for an Apple Watch that reinvents the brand's finely crafted wheel, this isn't it.

However, some minor elements of the design have changed. Moving into a new era, Apple has released the Series 9 with eco-friendly credentials behind it. Recycled materials are used both inside and outside the watch, with new textile band options made from 82% recycled tarn. Some versions of the Sport Band also now have a textured feel with unique speckle designs in each one thanks to the recycling process. It's an unexpected, yet pleasant, twist to the silicone band design.

Casings are now made from recycled aluminium and batteries are made from recycled cobalt. The brand also aims to offset the electricity used when charging the device and reduce emissions from shipping the devices by using less packaging, to reduce the space needed in shipping containers.

The Apple Watch Series 9 features a very similar design to previous models with the Digital Crown, side button, and retina display. (Image credit: Apple)

What new features does the Apple Watch Series 9 have?

I found there was very little new in the design of the Apple Watch Series 9 but the same certainly can't be said for the features on the device. This is the first Apple Watch model in a couple of years that's gone through major internal changes, with new hardware in the S9 processor actually making a difference to day-to-day functionality.

The feature that jumped out at me immediately was the Double Tap, a new feature that allows the user to simply tap their thumb and index finger together to enable various actions - anything from stopping music or a timer to answering a phone call. In a world where most of us are trying to (literally) do a million things at once, I found this to be a genuinely useful tool and it's one of the ways an Apple Watch can make your life easier. You'll need to hold your watch up as if you're checking the time before tapping your fingers together - otherwise, it could be triggered accidentally - but I found it was easy enough to remember to do this.

For the very first time, Siri is also available on the device. This means Apple's electronic assistant doesn't have to connect to the cloud to process your questions and requests. Not only is this notably faster but it means that all your health data stays on your watch, so you can ask Siri how much longer you need to stand for today to meet your goal or when your period is due (provided you have cycle tracking enabled), safe in the knowledge that data won't be shared with anyone. After a year of highly publicised privacy concerns around how our health apps use that all-important data, this should come as a welcome relief.

However, some of the new features aren't worth writing home about just yet. The Apple Watch Series 9 has something called second-generation Ultra Wideband technology - this helps with the 'Find Devices' element of the watch. In theory, the development is a good one. Once your watch is connected to your phone, iPad, or Air-tagged devices, you can have crystal-clear, step-by-step directional instructions on where to find them. For those who often lose their car keys or misplace their phone, it's a winning feature - but it's only available for devices that also have this specific Ultra Wideband chip. This is only the iPhone 15, the Apple Watch Series 9, and the Apple Watch Ultra 2 currently. So, watch this space.

Fitness tracking on the Apple Watch Series 9

When it came down to the nitty-gritty of activity tracking, I was very impressed with the Apple Watch Series 9. This device runs OS10, the brand's newest operating system for the watch. It wasn't my first time experiencing all the new benefits OS10 has to offer, as I'd previously updated by Apple Watch Series 7 to run the software, testing out the Series 9 reminded me just how impressive it is. Naturally, as the Series 9 is the newest Apple Watch, it comes with the most up-to-date sensors and heart rate monitoring capabilities, and these worked particularly seamlessly.

Starting, pausing, and finishing a workout is just as easy as it always has been, with only a few simple swipes needed to access the Workout app on the Apple Watch. However, what you can now see in this mode has changed and it's one that cardio enthusiasts - those who enjoy the benefits of indoor cycling and running the most - will love.

My favourite fitness tracking improvement is the new metrics available on the workout view. While the insights are relatively advanced, those learning how to start running as a beginner or taking on their first 5km can benefit from the insights just as much as the marathoners. For example, as a runner, one thing you want to avoid is moving up and down too much as you move forward - and the new vertical oscillation metric can help you see the ratio between the two.

With all the focus on Zone 2 training at the moment, Apple has included a Power Zones view where you can see what zone you're working in and whether you need to push yourself a little more or dial back. For anyone looking to improve their fitness in the coming years, this will be an essential feature.

Knowing which heart rate zone you are working in, and dialing up the intensity when needed, is essential for improving your fitness. (Image credit: Future / Grace Walsh)

For cyclists, the enhancements in Bluetooth on the OS10 (and Apple Watch Series 9 by default) make connecting to and using a turbo trainer with your device the easiest it's ever been. Plus, you can now add cadence and power metrics to your workout view and use your phone as a screen for your trainer, with all your stats there to view.

Just be sure to check out our Apple Watch tips for getting the most from OS10 as there's plenty more to be had. If you're looking for real advancements in the area of fitness tracking, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is a better option though. It's designed to bring out the athlete in every wearer and has superior GPS technology that makes the most of urban dense areas and the great outdoors.

As well as heart rate, steps, floors climbed and calories burnt, sleep is a popular health metric many people - including myself - like to track. Much like the design elements of the Apple Watch Series 9 though, there's not too much difference here on this device compared to previous models. Provided you wear your watch to bed, you can record how long you're asleep, the amount of light, deep, and REM sleep you've had, and set a sleep schedule for a better sleep hygiene routine.

(Image credit: Future / Grace)

How well does the Apple Watch Series 9 perform?

Having tested around a hundred fitness trackers and smartwatches over the years, I can confidently say that the Apple Watch Series 9 performs among the best of them. Not only does the device simply work faster than previous models, its new features are far from gimmicks.

The Double Tap has helped me out on plenty of occasions: when struggling to get through the front door one evening, a podcast still playing through my headphones and my partner attempting to talk to me, it was the saving grace I needed to not feel completely sensorally overwhelmed. It's helped me out when I'm baking, hands covered in flour and needing to turn a timer off, and it allowed me to have a seamless phone call with my mum while out on a walk without having to untangle the heavy sleeve and glove combination my watch was under. Plus, it actually works every single time.

While it's a big change in the functionality of the watch, I haven't mentioned the improved brightness on the Apple Watch Series 9 yet for a reason. The brightness on the screen of this new device measures 2,000 nits - the same as the new iPhone 15 - which is up from the 1,000 nits offered by the Series 8. However, I found this level wasn't all that essential - even outside - and taking the brightness up to the highest level impacted the battery life. However, it's there if you need it.

My oldest gripe about the Apple Watch remains with the Series 9 as well. While it is very quick to charge, unlike most other smartwatches or fitness trackers, the Apple Watch doesn't see through a full day on a single charge. At most, I found I could go about 24 hours without plugging in the watch. During that time, I wore it to bed, completed a morning workout, and wore it throughout the day, but nothing too strenuous. Considering other devices I've used have lasted a minimum of 5 days, it was disappointing to see this element of the Apple Watch Series 9 hadn't been corrected. The other new release alongside the Series 9 - the Apple Watch Ultra 2 - offers 36 hours, which I would love to see on future releases of the standard watch offering. In this case, if you think you'll find the low battery life inconvenient, it's worth weighing up Apple Watch or Fitbit and Oura Ring vs Apple Watch, for example, as these devices regularly see through 7 days between charges.

The Apple Watch Series 9 is quick to charge with a magnetic charging platform that connects to the underside of the watch face. (Image credit: Future / Grace Walsh)

What is the difference between Apple Watch 8 and 9?

The Apple Watch Series 8 and Series 9 are almost identical - apart from a few key features. The newer model has a new processor which makes the device work up to 30% faster and allows for the Double Tap feature, double the display brightness (2,000 nits vs 1,000 on the Series 8), and Precision Finding for the new iPhone and Air-tagged devices.

The Series 8 holds a processor almost identical to the Apple Watch Series 6 so there won't be too much difference between the Series 8 and this older device in terms of running speed. It also doesn't offer hands-free features like the newer model.

The Apple Watch Series 8 (left) and Series 9 (right) look almost identical. (Image credit: Apple )

Both the Apple Watch Series 8 and 9 offer OS10, the newest version of Apple Watch operating system. This means that no matter which of these two devices you have, you can make better use of the screen space with Smart Stack, use the side button to bring up the Control Centre, add new watch faces to your device, and take advantage of the extensive new fitness tracking features. On-screen, the two devices also look the same.

However, while they may be similar in features, they are very different in terms of availability. It's much harder to get your hands on a brand-new Apple Watch Series 8 since they've been discontinued by the brand, given the new release. As the Series 9 has been out for a few months at the time of writing, availability of new Series 8 watches is scarce at best. Some retailers, such as Amazon and John Lewis, still stock the older model but you'll find the Series 8 and Series 9 are being sold for a similar - if not the same - price, so you might as well buy the newer model and benefit from the extra features.

Which one should I buy? Apple Watch Series 9

Should you buy the Apple Watch Series 9?

If you want to upgrade from another brand to a more premium fitness tracker, own an older version of the Apple Watch (Series 6 or earlier), or want to utilise the features of your watch hands-free, then the Apple Watch Series 9 is well worth the upgrade. It's still a serious investment at £399 but with Apple Care cover available (at cost) to help protect against accidents, and more developments in this watch's capabilities and functionality than we've seen in a few years, it's an investment I'd make time and time again.

Over the last few years, the Apple Watch has come on leaps and bounds. It's now a frontrunner in the streams of trackers and smartwatches out there, so if you're in the market for a new watch and you're looking for improved lifestyle assistance and impressive fitness tracking features to rival the likes of Garmin and Polar, the Series 9 could be for you.

Additionally, the Series 9 comes with never-before-seen features like the Double Tap, making it easier to use your watch more while touching the screen less. If you often find yourself with your hands full, this can make life a lot easier.

However, if you own a perfectly functioning Apple Watch Series 7 or 8 (and you're not too bothered about the Double Tap feature), it's worth holding off for another few years worth of upgrades before investing again. You already have the main winning features of the Series 9. There are also better, alternative Apple Watches for those who spend 99% of their time outdoors (or have plans to in the future). While the screen is reinforced on the Apple Watch Series 9 in aluminium and stainless steel, more rugged and durable alternatives are available like the Apple Watch Ultra and new Ultra 2.

Naturally, as the Apple Watch is a product of the Apple family, it works only for those with an iPhone. Android and other users may be better off with one of the best Fitbits instead.

28 Apple Watch tips and tricks you should know to improve your fitness routine

grace.walsh@futurenet.com (Grace Walsh) — Sun, 21 Jan 2024 20:00:38 +0000

Looking for some Apple Watch tips and tricks to make the most of your device? Whether you're totally new to the brand or you've just got an upgrade, understanding what's available to you at the swipe of a finger or flick of the wrist is key to using your watch.

Thanks to its premium design, excellent fitness, sleep, and general health monitoring sensors, and lifestyle integration, the Apple Watch sits among the best fitness trackers for women. Whether you opt for the shiny new Apple Watch Series 9 or stick to the best of the essentials with the Apple Watch SE, there's no end to what you can do to improve your wellbeing with one of these devices on your wrist.

As the digital health editor at woman&home, I've had my hands on all the latest versions of the Apple Watch and I've used them over the years for all my fitness endeavours, from establishing a regular stretching habit to training for a marathon. In that time, I've learnt a few tips and tricks that are essential for navigating the smartwatch, no matter what model you have. Here, with insights from doctors, personal trainers, and nutritionists, I reveal the ones you need to know.

Apple Watch tips

1. Get to know your activity rings

The Activity app has been around since the very first model of Apple Watch, created in 2015, and it's essential for those looking to get moving more this year. Clicking into the app, you'll see three rings: Move, Exercise, and Stand.

"The Move ring shows how many active calories you've burned, the Exercise ring shows how many minutes of brisk activity you've completed, and the Stand ring shows how often you've stood up to take a break from sitting," explains Nichola Ludlam-Raine, a specialist registered dietitian, who is also a fan of this particular feature. "It encourages you to be more active throughout the day, which can help with overall fitness."

To make the most of this app, take note of your current Move, Exercise, and Stand metrics for a typical week then set your goal (in the Watch app on your iPhone) to be fractionally more than this, so you have something to aim for.

Move, Exercise, and Stand activity rings on the Apple Watch can help you move more throughout the day. (Image credit: Grace Walsh / Future)

2. Connect your favourite fitness apps

Much like an iPhone, you can download many of the best fitness apps onto your Apple Watch and use them on your wrist on the go. For example, if you're going on a run and want to record a route via an app like Komoot, you can create your map on your phone and send it to the app on your watch for turn-by-turn navigation on the move. You can make the most of Apple's own workout app - Apple Fitness+ - with the device too.

The same goes for other apps, says Ludlam-Raine, who uses her Apple Watch to keep track of what she's eating and drinking throughout the day. "While the Apple Watch itself doesn’t track nutrition, it can integrate with third-party apps that do. Health apps like MyFitnessPal can sync with the Apple Health app, allowing you to keep track of your dietary intake alongside your activity data," she says. "Monitoring what you eat and how it correlates with your activity levels can be insightful for making healthier food choices and understanding the impact of diet on your fitness goals."

Once your Apple Watch is connected to your phone, compatible apps should appear automatically in the grid view.

3. Set a sleep schedule

Sleep is an often under-recognised pillar of wellness and setting a sleep schedule, especially one that you can actually stick to, is one of the best ways to get enough hours in and help you learn how to sleep better.

"You can create personalised sleep schedules to help meet your sleep goals on the Apple Watch," says Sarah Campus, a certified personal trainer and founder of LDN Mum's Fitness. This includes 45 minutes of 'Wind Down' time, where the watch will send you a notification just under an hour before your pre-set 'bedtime' to start winding up for the day.

"In the Watch app on your iPhone, tap the My Watch tab, then Sleep. Tap Track Sleep with Apple Watch to turn on this setting. You can even see estimates of how much time you spent in REM, Core, or Deep Sleep, as well as when you might have woken up."

While in your pre-scheduled Sleep time, both your phone and watch will only show the time and any other pre-set essential information so you can block out the distractions.

Find out how long you spend in the important stages of sleep by wearing your Apple Watch at night. (Image credit: Future / Grace Walsh)

4. Customise your workout modes

In my eyes, one of the greatest things about the Apple Watch is how it can work for anyone, regardless of fitness level, chosen activity, or experience. Being able to customise how your workouts appear in the Workout app is a big part of this. While those looking to run a marathon might find Split Pace and Vertical Oscillation to be useful features, those just learning how to start running as a beginner are unlikely to be too interested.

To edit what you see when you work out, go to the Workout app, scroll down to the chosen activity (e.g. Outdoor Run), and press the three dots in the top right of the individual panel. Scroll all the way down to 'Preferences' and then 'Workout Views'. Here, you can view the metrics on offer and what they mean. Then, toggle on and off the metrics you do and don't want.

5. Turn on 'Cinema' mode

In my mind, there's not a whole lot more embarrassing than having a device pinging away in an important meeting, yoga class, or in the cinema. Suddenly someone wants to get in contact with you, your device is buzzing away, and everyone's staring at you, willing you to turn it off. Cinema mode prevents that from happening.

On the right-hand side of the watch, underneath the Digital Crown is another button. Press that and the Control Center will appear. Here, you can access a whole variety of features, including Airplane Mode, Water Lock, and the torch, but also you'll see a theatrical mask. That's Cinema Mode - press once, your watch will go into Silent mode, and the screen will stay dark until you tap the screen, scroll on the Digital Crown, or tap the side button.

Cinema mode will prevent notifications and screen brightness from disturbing you, but it's different from Do Not Disturb. (Image credit: Future / Grace Walsh)

6. Take screenshots from your watch

This is one for those who love to share their workouts with others. Just like you can take a screenshot on your phone, you can take a shot of your Apple Watch and the photos will be saved onto the camera roll on your phone, ready for you to send on the group chat or upload to Instagram.

To take a screenshot, press the Digital Crown and the side button at the same time.

7. Take a picture on your phone via your watch

Instead of having to position your phone, set the timer, and then sprint back into the group when trying to take a timed photo, control your phone's camera with your Apple Watch.

Position your phone, return to the group, and open up the Camera Remote app on your watch. You can zoom in by turning the Digital Crown, adjust the exposure by tapping the area of the photo on your watch as you would on your phone, and take the photo by tapping the Shutter button. Don't worry though, you'll still have a three-second delay to make sure everyone's smiling.

You can even use your Apple Watch as a viewfinder to frame the photo while you're standing in it and adjust the phone to fit everyone in. Family Christmas card photos have just become a whole lot easier, trust me.

8. Find an app you've used recently

Accidentally closed an app you needed? No problem, just double press the Digital Crown to access a rolling view of all your recently-used apps.

Here, you can also close the apps you don't need to make scrolling through them easier in the future and to save battery life.

9. Turn off 'always on' to save battery

If you're looking to save battery, it's a good idea to disable the 'Always On' mode. This is the one that keeps the screen of your watch awake 24/7, so it's useful if you just want to glance down at your wrist to see the time throughout the day, but it's a known battery sapper.

To turn it off, tap the Digital Crown to access your apps. Scroll down to Settings, Display & Brightness, and turn the 'Always On' panel to 'Off'.

10. Get into a mindfulness routine with Breathe

Apple Watch offers one of the best mindfulness and meditation apps around, already pre-installed onto your watch.

"The Breathe app prompts you to take a few minutes each day to do deep breathing exercises," says Ludlam-Raine, who works with Ramsay Healthcare. "I find this particularly beneficial for stress management, which is an important aspect of overall health. Regularly using this feature can help to reduce stress, improve focus, and promote an overall sense of wellbeing."

Choose to log your mood or check in with a Breathe or Reflect quick session of 1 minute long. (Image credit: Future / Grace Walsh)

11. Turn on walkie-talkie

Whether you're trying to get someone's attention from the other room without shouting or trying to find them in a crowd, the walkie-talkie function can make things easier and allow you to chat in an instant without having to start a call or send a text.

You'll both need to have watchOS 5.3 or later (that's everything before and after the Apple Watch Series 5), iOS 12.4 on your phone, and the Facetime app to use this feature but it's simple enough to get going:

Open the Walkie-Talkie app on your watch, toggle the switch to green, and tap the contact in the list you want to invite.
Once your contact accepts your invite via a notification on their Apple Watch, you can talk.
Touch and hold the button to talk, let go, and your contact will be able to reply.

12. Turn on the water lock when you go swimming

The Water Lock is essential if you regularly do swimming as a workout, whether that's indoor or wild swimming. It can disable the screen of your watch while keeping the workout mode enabled to help avoid any unintended taps made by the water, and it can push water from the watch's speaker once your workout is done.

To enable the function, tap the side button on the right of your watch (under the Digital Crown). Here, you'll see an icon that looks like a water droplet. That's the water lock.

When you're done and out of the pool, press and hold the Digital Crown until it says 'Unlocked'. A couple of sounds will come from the watch immediately to clear any water from the hardware and you can carry on as normal afterwards.

The water lock feature is a useful way to make sure you don't accidentally turn off your workout or navigate away from the screen during a water-based workout. (Image credit: Future / Grace Walsh)

13. Find your iPhone

A great feature for those who find that leaving their phone, AirPods, Air-tagged purse, car keys, and other items behind comes easy to them.

To find your device, navigate via the Digital Crown to your apps. Scroll down and click on Find Devices. Here, you'll see a list of all your linked Apple devices. Click into each panel to see their last known location and you can 'Play Sound' to trigger a notification if it's lost close by to you, or see a Map view of where it was last located.

With the watchOS 10, you can get directions straight to it. Open the Find Devices app on your watch, tap the device you want directions to, tap Directions to open up the device in Maps, and then tap the route to get directions all the way there. Before you know it, you've found your missing AirPod.

14. Make the most of your reminders

Siri, Apple's digital assistant, is a pre-programmed inclusion on all Apple Watches. The Reminders app, which is also one of the best time management apps, is already installed on your list of apps. Combine the two and you have the chance to make your life a whole lot easier.

For example, when I'm planning what to eat for the week, I ask Siri - "Hey, Siri" - to create a reminder for my shopping list. Throughout the week, I add items to this shopping list via Siri and then when I'm in the supermarket (with my headphones linked to my watch, of course) I ask Siri to read out my shopping list to me.

It's one of the many features you can do without even having to touch a button. Just hold down the Digital Crown to bring Siri to your attention.

15. Snap your fingers to find a shortcut

Another winning feature for those with the latest watchOS 10 is the Double Tap. By simply tapping your thumb and index finger together on the hand that wears the watch, you can perform any number of pre-set actions.

It's one of the best Apple Watch tips for turning off a timer while cooking (so you don't have to smear whatever you're making across your watch screen) or pausing music to listen to someone speak. Needless to say, one of the many ways Apple Watch can make your life easier.

To enable Double Tap, open the Settings app and navigate to Gestures. Press Double Tap and then choose the options you'd like - including Playback: Play/Pause or Skipping music/podcasts, etc, or Smart Stack, where you can choose between Advance or Select to pick the widgets you'd like to enable with the Double Tap.

16. Race against yourself

If you, like me, tend to cover the same ground when you're exercising outdoors, I have the best tip for you. Whether you like to do walking as a workout every morning in the same loop or cover the same 5km track on a jog, your Apple Watch will recognise that you're often covering the same ground and encourage you to race against yourself, listing the timings of your previous workouts on that stretch.

Take it as an opportunity to challenge yourself for a little workout motivation - either way, you're a winner.

17. Connect your AirPods

For those all kitted out in the Apple family, it can be easier to control your devices through your Apple Watch than your phone. For example, unless you disable the function, your watch will read out your stats during your cardio workout. For those looking to get a certain time on their run or just know how far they are power walking, it can be a very useful feature.

To avoid having your stats read out for passersby to hear as well, connect your AirPods directly to your watch. It's one of the best Apple Watch tips if you want to take a call on the move from your watch or start listening to music as well.

You'll only be able to connect AirPods using this feature - but it's easy to do. Put your AirPods in paring mode, tap into Settings on your watch and navigate to Bluetooth. When you see your headphones appear in the search, choose the accessory, enter the PIN if required, and you're done.

18. Change your watch face

Along with all the many different types of Apple Watch bands you can buy, you can also customise the face of your watch via the Watch app on your paired iPhone.

Choose from a library of options - including collaborations with Nike, designs to highlight your Activity Rings, chic and sleek options for the low-maintenance user, graphics, and even portraits from your photos.

19. Record your handwashing

If you have the newest Apple Watch, which offers watchOS 10, you can pre-program a feature to time yourself washing your hands. No need to sing 'Happy Birthday' these days.

Once set up, your watch will automatically recognise that you're washing your hands and begin the 20-second bubble-themed timer.

To enable this, open the Settings app on your watch once again. Tap Handwashing and turn on the Handwashing Timer.

20. Create a Smart Stack

On the latest Apple Watch Series 9, you can create a so-called 'Smart Stack'. To find your stack as it is now, bring the device to life and scroll down with the Digital Crown to find a selection of default apps, which will likely include your Activity Rings and weather report among others.

To change up this shortcut list, hold down one of the panels. Here, you can rearrange the widgets, remove them, and add more by pressing the '+' in the top left-hand corner.

Editing your Smart Stack can help you access your favourite apps quickly and efficiently. (Image credit: Future / Grace Walsh)

21. Calculate a tip

Not everyone's a maths whizz and no doubt having a calculator to hand while paying at a restaurant is handy. Luckily, there's one on your list of apps.

There's also a feature new to the Apple Watch Series 9 and not featured on the iPhone: TIP. For one of the best Apple Watch tips, enter your bill amount (whether that's the whole thing or your portion) on the standard calculator and press 'TIP'. Here, you can edit the percentage and see the total for your bill. Gamechanger.

(Image credit: Future / Grace Walsh)

22. Take an ECG

Along with handy day-to-day fitness tracking features, the Apple Watch offers advanced health-tracking sensors and the ECG is one of them. An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a test that records the strength of electrical signals that make a heartbeat.

The ECG on the Apple Watch is not a diagnostic tool, but if you have any concerns about your heart health after the reading, you can take this to your doctor for advanced testing and potential diagnosis.

The test uses the same sensor that measures your heart rate throughout the day. It's a sensor that Dr Kathryn Basford at ZAVA Online Doctor recommends paying attention to. "Tracking your heart rate when you exercise not only allows you to monitor your progress over time but can also be used to gauge the intensity of your workouts. The World Health Organization recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week," she says.

"Your heart rate should be 50 to 70 percent of your maximum heart rate during moderate-intensity exercise, and 70 to 80 percent of your maximum heart rate during vigorous-intensity exercise."

23. Use maps to see what's around you

If you have watchOS 10, included by default on the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2, there is a Walking Radius feature you can have that shows coffee shops, restaurants, bars, and points of interest within a walkable distance.

To find a spot near you, open the Maps app on your Apple Watch. Around you, you should see a circle around the blue dot, which represents your position on the map. Anywhere within the circle is a few minutes' walk and you can adjust the radius with the Digital Crown if you're happy to go a bit further. Other models of Apple Watch also enable users to see their Maps on their wrist as well though.

Features like this are really what sets Apple Watches apart from the best Fitbits, for instance. While the Apple Watch is an all-over smartwatch, combining both lifestyle and fitness tracking features, the Fitbit mainly handles fitness tracking.

24. Connect to your cellular data plan (and leave your phone at home)

One of the best Apple Watch tips for getting the most out of your device is undoubtedly to enable cellular connection - an option presented to you when you first set up your watch or enabled via the Control Center. With this, you can use your watch as you would do your phone.

If you missed it on pairing your phone with your watch, you can press the side button (under the Digital Crown) to open the Control Center. Here, tap the cellular button and turn it on.

Connected to your data plan, you can call, text, navigate a route via Maps, pay via card, and listen to music, all with your phone at home. It's a common feature on many of the Fitbit types and other fitness trackers but if you've already paired your card with your phone, set-up is much easier with the Apple Watch.

25. Pay on the go

Whether you like to pick up a coffee after your pickleball session or find yourself with your hands full more often than not, being able to simply turn over your wrist and pay for what you need is a lifesaver.

Take up this option when setting up your Apple Watch for the first time. Alternatively, if you didn't do it the first time around, open the Apple Watch app on your paired iPhone. In the My Watch tab, open Wallet & Apple Pay and add your card.

26. Set a reminder for medications

If you take a daily medication and are at risk of forgetting it, the Apple Watch has a feature to help you remember. Making use of it is one of the best Apple Watch tips and it's a favourite of PT Campus as you can manage medications, vitamins, and supplements you take all with a swipe of your finger on your watch.

"In the Medications app on your Apple Watch, you can log your medications with reminders," she says. "You don't need to remind yourself elsewhere and it's all in one place."

It works via the Health app on your phone, so you'll need to set up your schedule in there first before heading into the watch. From there, you can find the Medications app via the Digital Crown navigation.

27. Turn off notifications

Need to focus and keep getting pinged? The next time one comes up on your watch, swipe left on the panel. Here, you'll get a choice to mute notifications for either the next hour or for the whole of the day.

The notifications will still come through but you won't be notified of their arrival.

To enable notifications again, you just need to swipe left on another notification and tap Unmute.

28. Find a comfortable strap

From soft and lightweight nylon bands to help your wrist breathe during sweaty workouts to luxe stainless steel alloy bands in silver or gold, there are a plethora of bands available to shop on the Apple website for every purpose.

It's so easy to change the bands on any watch - I do it all the time, switching between the Sports band and stainless steel depending on whether I'm taking my watch to work out or go out.

Comfort is key to making the most of your Apple watch. After all, if it's not comfortable then you're likely to stop wearing it pretty soon.

Starlight Sport Loop - £49

A new carbon-neutral addition to the range, the Starlight Sport loop is soft, breathable and lightweight. It's designed to take on sweaty workouts with a double-layer nylon weave that offers soft cushioning for the skin while allowing moisture to escape.

Sport Band - £49

Another option for working out, this silicone-based band comes in multiple colours and offers a soft and smooth material against the skin. It's durable too though, with a pin-and-tuck closure for support and a clean fit.

Gold Milanese Loop - £99

A modern, sleek, stainless steel mesh band that wraps fluidly around your wrist with a magnetic clasp to secure it. While you can wear this while working out, it's more of a lifestyle pick, one to swap in and out. It's available in multiple tones, including silver, gold, and graphite.

But remember, whether you have a Fitbit or Apple Watch, your fitness tracker isn't the be-all-and-end-all when it comes to improving your health and wellbeing. What's important is actually making the changes you're recording on your watch. As Andrew Hill, personal trainer and weight loss specialist says: "It's so important to take the data with a pinch of salt because there will be anomalies and inaccuracies. They are designed to complement your fitness journey, not to dictate it, and they will never be a replacement for advice and care from qualified individuals."

What is the newest Apple Watch in 2025? Plus, the updates you can expect

grace.walsh@futurenet.com (Grace Walsh) — Wed, 10 Jan 2024 13:56:38 +0000

The Apple Watch is one of the top devices among fitness enthusiasts and lifestyle connoisseurs who want to track their steps and sleep in style. Even though there are plenty of models to choose from, it's always the newest Apple Watch that catches our attention - and for good reason.

The Apple Watch sits high on the list of best fitness trackers. Not only does this watch offer all the essentials in fitness tracking (with plenty of workout modes, statistics, and metric measurements on offer, along with links to Apple Fitness+) and health monitoring (including sleep monitoring), but the latest models work to make daily life easier too. With new processors speeding up the device, new features, and minimal changes to the much-loved design, there's no better time to take the plunge.

While we're big fans of the Apple Watch Series 9 at woman&home, it's no longer the newest Apple Watch in the brand's lineup. The Apple Watch Series 10 was launched late last year with some impressive new features.

What is the newest Apple Watch 2025?

The Apple Watch Series 10 is the newest Apple Watch, available in a range of sizes, colours, and materials. It's the watch with the largest display - yet thinnest design yet - offering enhanced functionality, advanced health tracking, and more seamless connectivity with other devices in the family, such as AirPods and the iPhone.

The Series 10 was released in September 2024, approximately a year after the previous model. It's available to buy directly from the retailer, as well as stores like Argos, Amazon, John Lewis, Very, and many more.

Apple Watch Series 10

(Image credit: Apple)

Apple Watch Series 10

The Apple Watch Series 10 is the catch-all for the best fitness tracker from Apple. It has advanced features with fun and helpful new additions via watchOS11 and a smaller, more discreet design for lifestyle wear.

At the unveiling last year, Apple said this new watch was the largest one yet - even larger than the Apple Watch Ultra, which was also released last year. It also has the brightest display and thinnest design yet, measuring just 9.7mm - which is 10% thinner than the previous Apple Watch Series 9. The aluminium casing is also 2.4g lighter than the previous version.

While battery life remains the same at 18 hours, this is the "fastest-charging Apple Watch ever" and is "extremely power efficient", according to Apple. Battery life is one of the reasons why some people like to weigh up other brands like Garmin vs Apple Watch before buying the newest Apple Watch.

The new Apple Watch Series 10 now has a speaker too, so users can play music and podcasts out loud, and make and receive calls without needing headphones.

It's also available in a new material: titanium. This is lighter and stronger than the aluminium, which the standard watch is made from - though choosing this alternative material comes with an additional £300 on the £399 price tag, putting it in line with some of the best Garmin watches. It's also available in two new colour options: polished "jet" black and rose gold, along with the brushed silver we've seen on previous models.

There are plus points for sustainability too, with a carbon-neutral design and manufacturing process made with 100% renewable energy.

Features-wise, reviewers have been getting excited about a new one that claims to detect sleep apnea - a condition where some people temporarily stop breathing in their sleep. Up to 90% of people with the condition go undiagnosed, per the Cleveland Clinic, and it's thought to affect more than a billion people around the world.

Other top new features on the Apple Watch Series 10 worth shouting about include:

Pause your Activity Rings: The Activity Rings are the fitness tracking feature the Apple Watch became famous for all those years ago now. In the latest model, you can adjust and pause your rings and take a rest day, week, month, or custom period if you're under the weather or just want a break.
Training Load: These days, many fitness trackers offer a Training Load feature, where users can see the impact exercise is having on their body. The latest Apple Watch now has that too, bringing it up to speed with running watches like the Garmin Forerunner 165 and Coros Pace 3, for example.
Remote camera controls: One of the lesser-known apps on the Apple Watch is the remote camera control, where you can set up your iPhone and take a picture remotely through your watch. In the latest upgrade, you can pause the video recording as well.
Check In: The Check In feature allows users to virtually "check in" with a friend or family member when arriving at a destination.
Translation app: The Translate app is now available on the Apple Watch, thanks to the introduction of the speaker. You can speak your word or phrase into your watch and the device will play back the translation in your chosen language.

Apple Watch SE

(Image credit: Apple)

Apple Watch Se (2nd Gen)

The Apple Watch SE brings together exciting new features from the watchOS11, as seen on the Series 10, with a classic, bulkier design and lower price tag.

The Apple Watch SE (Generation 2) is another newer release from the brand, coming out late last year, soon after the Apple Watch Series 10. It sits on the more budget-friendly end of the spectrum as a simple fitness tracker designed for those who love to get 10,000 steps in and learn how to sleep better but aren't too bothered about advanced features.

This one looks almost identical to the previous version of the Apple Watch SE, with the thick bezel and multiple customisation options. It comes in various sizes (40mm or 44mm) and is made of 100% recycled aluminium, much like the Series 10. Colours-wise, you'll find it available in a deep navy blue called Midnight, champagne-like Starlight, or Silver, with both silicone and nylon sport loop straps available.

It has significantly more battery life though, matching the Apple Watch Series 10 with 18 hours of use between charges.

Along with many of the same features of the Apple Watch Series 10 linked to watchOS11 - like the Training Load feature, the ability to pause and adjust activity rings, and the Translate app - that the previous model didn't have, this watch has an upgraded motion sensor. This means that previously premium features, such as Crash Detection, are now available on the more budget-friendly model.

What's missing from the Apple Watch SE compared to the Apple Watch Series 10 in terms of health metrics is the Blood Oxygen app and the ECG app, which can measure irregularities in your heart rate.

Is the newest Apple Watch worth buying?

Whether you're deciding between the Apple Watch Series 10 compared to previous models, it may well be worth upgrading if you find the newer features contribute positively to your daily life. Much like how it's always worth buying the newest Fitbit, opting for the latest model of any fitness tracker guarantees (99% of the time) a better working product with up-to-date features and software. Plus, the newer the model, the longer it should last.

For those considering the Apple Watch Series 10, the improvements in screen brightness, speed, and health features make it a winner. It also offers better interconnectivity between other Apple devices, so if you're an Apple fanatic at home and on the move, it's worth opting for the Series 10.

Price-wise, the RRP of the Series 10 release is the same as the Series 9 when it launched last year: £399. Given that it's been a few months since the device was released, you'll likely find it on sale during the big shopping seasons and over Black Friday. But, for the newest Apple Watch, this £400 price tag is fairly standard and other advanced fitness trackers and smartwatches can set you back a lot more. As always though, consider what you need to know before buying a fitness tracker before making a decision.

What are the other recent releases from Apple like?

Apple Watch Ultra 2

Apple Watch Ultra 2 Cellular

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is the brand's most advanced fitness tracker, offering more than ever before in terms of features, fitness tracking, health monitoring, battery life (up to 72 hours on low power mode), and navigation. With the 2024 release of the Apple Series 10, the Ultra 2 comes in a new colourway.

Along with all the features Apple Watch lovers are used to seeing, such as quick and accurate GPS, health monitoring, and sleep tracking, the Ultra 2 comes with some updates. The main upgrades on this newer version of the Ultra include a brighter screen (double that of the previous model), a faster processor (as also featured on the Series 9), the same Double-Tap feature as the Apple Watch Series 9, and better altitude and depth sensors for hikers, climbers, and divers among us, and watersports tracking features for the scuba divers and freedivers. Many users also report that the GPS is quicker to sync, making heading off and recording a walk, run, or hike even quicker and easier. It also comes with the same carbon-neutral credentials as the Series 9.

Needless to say, the extensive advanced features, rugged design, supreme outdoor focus, and premium pricing mean this isn't a standard Apple Watch. I'd advise opting for the Series 9 over the Ultra 2 unless you're someone who relishes the thought of a 36-hour battery life and spends more time outdoors on the move than inside.

Apple Watch Series 9

The Apple Watch Series 9 was launched in September 2023. When it comes to using the watch for daily life and monitoring health and fitness, all the essentials are there: heart rate tracking, including notifications for high and low heart rate; a wide variety of workout types, everything from yoga and strength training to dance and customised options; automatic workout detection, in case you forget to start your workout; mindfulness options like breathing exercises and mood logging; and advanced health tracking around sleep, ECG monitoring, irregular heart rate, and blood oxygen.

Those interested in potentially upgrading can expect the Series 9 to work faster than other models (up to 30%, the brand says), so swiping through the best workout apps, tapping out a text, and pressing to send the device to sleep will all elicit a quicker response on the screen.

There are a couple of new features which set the Apple Watch Series 9 and previous versions apart, including better screen brightness, eco-friendly credentials (the case is produced from 100% post-consumer aluminium), double the storage (64GB compared to 32GB), and more accurate, sensitive tracking, along with another colourway (pink).

However, perhaps the biggest change is the introduction of a new processor and something called a U2 ultrawide-band chip, which offers a pretty useful feature to users who often have their hands full. When wearing the watch, you can double tap your index and thumb (on the hand wearing the watch) together to access some features, including answering and ending phone calls, launching widgets in the new Smart Stack feature (you'll know it from changing the home screen on the iPhone), ending a timer, snoozing an alarm, or playing and pausing music.

Will there be a new Apple Watch released in 2025?

Following the pattern of previous years, we can expect to see the Apple Watch Series 11, the Apple Watch Ultra 3, and the Apple Watch SE 3, with the first release in the autumn of this year.

These updates cover the entire range, offering a watch for various price points and lifestyles.