Three Apple Watch Features You Probably Aren't Using But Should Consider, According to Apple's Vice President of Fitness Technology.

Apple has begun celebrating the tenth anniversary of the Apple Watch, coinciding with the release of the latest models: the Apple Watch Series 10 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2 at a special event on September 9, 2024. This date marks exactly ten years since the original smartwatch was introduced, although the device did not reach users' wrists until April 24, 2015. Thus, the celebration of the Apple Watch’s birthday extends far beyond a single day.

Over the course of a decade, Apple has made numerous modifications to the design of the watch, increasing its size without taking up too much space on the wrist, along with improving its functions and technology. In this context, Apple’s Vice President of Fitness Technologies, Jay Blahnik, shared his thoughts on the standout features and recommended some that many users might be overlooking.

Since its launch, the Apple Watch has disrupted a traditional approach to fitness, which was initially tied to fashion, with luxury models such as Hermès. However, it has maintained a focus on physical activity, symbolized by the three Activity Rings, which continue to be a defining feature for many users. Unlike other brands like Garmin or Polar, Apple has positioned itself as a more accessible alternative, aimed at a broad audience, mostly iPhone users, rather than just athletes.

Blahnik highlighted that the Activity app and the Workout app have been essential in motivating people to move more, regardless of whether they exercise regularly or not. "We’ve seen both athletes delve deeper into their daily activity and those who never considered themselves athletes start to track their walks with their dogs," he commented.

As Apple continues to develop new features, it has realized that different aspects motivate different people. As a result, tools have been created that cater to both the average user and the more demanding ones. Among the many features of the Apple Watch, Blahnik emphasized his appreciation for Apple Pay, a resource he considers highly underrated.

He also mentioned the customization of the Activity Rings, which allows for a greater degree of personalization than in the past. Speaking about more recent features, he also highlighted the effort score notification after every activity, which has proven to be an effective way for users to connect with their workout routine, even if they are not training for a specific competition.

Finally, Blahnik stressed the relevance of sharing activity, suggesting that doing so can increase motivation and personal accountability. "It's a very simple and effective method that fosters a level of commitment among friends," he concluded.

In summary, with its inclusive approach and customizable features, the Apple Watch has successfully attracted both casual users and dedicated athletes over the course of a decade.