Your Apple Watch can do more than you think
Most users only use about twenty percent of their smartwatch's true capabilities. They check messages, track their steps, and check the weather. That's it. But here's the surprise: you're missing out on features that make your daily life so much easier.
Take Water Lock —perfect for swimmers who didn't know their watch could lock underwater. Or Theater Mode , which dims your screen without having to fiddle with settings. And how about Handoff ? Start a task on your watch, finish it on your iPhone. No hassle of copying or starting over.
These features have been hidden in your watch for months. You just have to discover them. Time to finally use that other eighty percent of your Apple Watch.
Useful links
- Apple Watch collection - discover all available models
- iPhone collection - for perfect synchronization with your watch
- Accessories - straps and chargers for your Apple Watch
Hidden treasures in your watch
Your Apple Watch has dozens of features that most users have never heard of. These possibilities are hidden in menus, waiting to be activated via special gestures, or go unnoticed because Apple rarely promotes them. Time to discover these hidden gems.
Noise app: protect your hearing
The Noise app continuously measures the noise level around you. You'll receive a warning when harmful decibels are reached. Perfect for concerts, construction sites, or busy cafes. The app runs completely in the background without draining your battery. Activate it via the Watch app on your iPhone under "Sounds." Set your threshold to 90 decibels for long-term exposure.
The measurements are automatically saved in the Health app. This allows you to build a history of your noise exposure. This is useful if you notice your hearing deteriorating – you have evidence of harmful situations.
School Time mode for adults
School time isn't just for kids. This feature blocks all distractions during work or study. Apps become inaccessible, notifications disappear. Only the time remains visible. Perfect for deep work sessions or important meetings.
Activate School Time from the Control Panel. Swipe up from your watch face and tap the child bubble icon. You can set schedules or turn it on and off manually. Partners appreciate this feature during dinner parties—your phone stays in your pocket, and your watch won't disturb you.
Breathing exercises that really work
The Mindfulness app does more than you think. Besides the standard breathing exercise, you can customize sessions based on your heart rate. The watch measures your current stress level and adjusts the rhythm accordingly.
Reflection function
New since watchOS 8: the Reflection feature. Short thought exercises that help you find focus. The app asks questions like "What are you grateful for?" or "What gives you energy?" You don't have to share the answers—it's the thought process that counts.
Set daily reminders for moments of reflection. Ideal during coffee breaks or before bed. Combined with heart rate monitoring, it shows you when you're most relaxed.
Sleep tracking without hassle
Your watch automatically tracks your sleep. No buttons, no apps to open. Wear it at night and get a report in the morning. The new sleep stages feature (since watchOS 9) distinguishes between REM, core, and light sleep.
Wind Down routine
The Wind Down feature prepares you for sleep. An hour before bedtime, your screen dims and notifications turn off. You can add calming apps like podcasts or meditation. The watch learns from your patterns and adjusts suggestions accordingly.
Combine Wind Down with your smart lights via HomeKit. Your lights will dim automatically. The alarm uses haptic feedback—vibrations that gradually intensify. Partners can sleep through the night while you wake up.
Photography tricks with your wrist
Your watch acts as a camera remote for your iPhone. Open the Camera app on your watch, place your phone on a tripod or against a wall. You'll see a live preview on your wrist. Tap to take photos, hold for burst mode.
The timer function also works from your wrist. Set a three-second or ten-second time limit for group photos. Zoom in and out with the Digital Crown. Switch between the front and rear cameras with a single tap.
ProRAW support
With an iPhone 12 Pro or later, you can take ProRAW photos through your watch. The files are larger but offer more editing options. Enable ProRAW in your phone's Camera settings.
Navigation without a phone
Your Apple Watch Series 5 or later has a built-in compass. This works without an iPhone connection. Download offline maps in the Maps app for navigation without internet. Handy when hiking in nature reserves.
The Backtrack feature (watchOS 9) automatically remembers your route. Lost while hiking? Activate Backtrack and retrace your steps. The compass also shows elevation changes – useful for mountain hikers.
Advanced workout features
The Workout app includes hidden workout modes. Swipe right during a workout to control music without pausing. Double-tap with two fingers to pause—handy when wearing gloves.
Customized workouts
Create your own interval training schedules. Set warm-up, work, and rest periods. The watch coaches you with vibrations and audio cues. Ideal for HIIT training or running routines.
The multisport function automatically switches between sports. Start swimming, transition to cycling, and finish running. Perfect triathlon training without pressing buttons during your workout.
Medical functions that save lives
Fall detection is disabled by default for users under 65. Enable it manually via the Watch app. After a hard fall, the watch will automatically call emergency services if you don't respond.
The ECG function (Series 4 and newer) detects irregular heart rhythms. Place your finger on the Digital Crown for thirty seconds. You can share the results with your doctor. This function is medically approved but does not replace a doctor's appointment.
Medicine reminders
The Medication app (watchOS 9) reminds you to take your pills. Log your medications, including dosages and times. The watch warns you of dangerous combinations. Share your medication list with family members in case of emergencies.
Battery tips for marathon use
Power saving mode extends battery life to 72 hours. Only the time, steps, and emergency alerts remain active. Perfect for multi-day hikes. Activate it in Settings > Battery.
Turn off the always-on display for 30% more battery life. The screen turns off when you lower your wrist. Reduce background app refreshes for apps you rarely use. Every percent counts during long days.
Accessibility features for everyone
AssistiveTouch lets you control your watch without touching it. Pinch or make a fist for navigation. Handy with wet hands or winter gloves. Activate it via Accessibility in the Watch app.
The Zoom feature enlarges the entire screen. Turn the Digital Crown to zoom in and out. Drag with two fingers to navigate. VoiceOver reads screen content aloud—not only for the visually impaired but also while driving.
These features are already built into your watch. They're just waiting to be discovered. Experiment, customize them to your liking. Your Apple Watch can do so much more than just count steps and display messages. Finally, use that other eighty percent.
Get the most out of your Apple Watch
So your Apple Watch is packed with features you've probably never heard of. From the Noise app that protects your hearing to Backtrack that guides you back—these are practical tools that improve your daily life.
It takes a little time to figure everything out and set it up, but it's worth it. Start small with one or two features that appeal to you. For a complete overview of all Apple Watch models and their specific capabilities, you can always browse around. This way, you'll finally get the most out of that smart thing on your wrist.
