How the Apple Watch Quickly Became One of my Everyday Essentials

I was never drawn to smart watches when I was younger. My sister got an Apple Watch for Christmas one year and I genuinely couldn’t care less. I did not see the hype, did not think I would use it, so I kept to my original watches.

Fast forward to 2023, my dad gets the new Apple Watch and offers his old one to me. I say yes, because let’s be honest even if you didn’t want it, why would you turn it down if it was offered to you for free?

I can say, since then there has not been a day that I have been without it. Well, maybe when I need to get rid of my horrendous tan line on holiday.

In the gym? Workout is getting recorded. Feeling a bit off? Heart rate is getting checked. Accidentally got lost on an evening run? Maps are a quick glance away. Honestly, what can’t it do?

Hidden Apple Watch Features That Surprised Me

Although, there are some features I didn’t even realise it had, and turn out to be surprisingly useful. Take for example, fall detection. I know what you may be thinking: ‘You’re 23, why would you need that?’ But here’s the thing, I have a medical condition that can make me drop to the floor at any given moment. Having this set up means that my emergency contacts can be informed and help can be on its way quite quickly.

Hopefully, not many of you need to worry about this feature, but it’s one of those things that’s reassuring to know about, just in case.

Apple Watch Tips and Tricks You’ll Actually Use

After wearing mine everyday, I have picked up a few handy tips that make the smartwatch experience that little bit better, and might just save you some time figuring it all out.

Quick access to your favourite apps - press the side button to open the Dock and here you can pin your most used apps such as Workout, Music, or Messages
Ping your iPhone (and vice versa) - can’t find your phone? Swipe up on your watch and press the ping button to play the sound through your phone even when it is on silent. It also works the other way, use the Find My app on your phone to ping the sound to your watch
Use Apple Pay - double click the side button to instantly bring up your wallet, just like on your phone

These little features may not be headline grabbers, but once you start using them, they quickly become some of the most valuable parts of owning an Apple Watch.

The Downside?

As much as I love my Apple Watch, if I had to be picky, there’s one thing I’d change. The battery life. I do have to charge it every day, which can be a bit of a pain. That said, my watch is about five years old, so to be fair… it might just be time for an upgrade.

It’s not a dealbreaker by any means, but it does mean you need to plan around it a little. Charging it while you shower, or winding down before bed. If you're someone who wants to track sleep and use it throughout the day, it takes a bit of routine-juggling. But honestly, the benefits far outweigh the inconvenience. Once you get used to having it on your wrist, it’s hard to imagine your day without it.

Is the Apple Watch Worth Buying?

If you’re on the fence about getting one, I’d honestly say go for it, especially if you already have an iPhone. Whether you’re into fitness, need a little help staying organised, or just like the idea of having a mini personal assistant on your wrist, the Apple Watch fits into your routine so naturally that you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it.

FAQs About the Apple Watch

What are the best features of the Apple Watch?
Fitness tracking, heart rate monitoring, Apple Pay, notifications, fall detection, and music control are among the most popular features.

Is the Apple Watch worth it in 2025?
Yes, especially if you use an iPhone. It’s a powerful, all-in-one tool for health, communication, and productivity.

Does the Apple Watch have good battery life?
Battery life is around 18–36 hours depending on usage. Newer models like the Apple Watch Ultra offer longer life.