Apple Watch

Stay up-to-date on the latest Apple Watch news, and learn how to get the most out of your device with our comprehensive tutorials. From updates to features to troubleshooting tips, we’ve got you covered.

Seven cool things Apple Watch can do without its paired iPhone

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated June 25, 2016

Designed as a versatile companion to the iPhone, the Apple Watch uses the GPS and Wi-Fi in your iPhone to give you the full experience. That's why the very first step before you can start using the Watch is pairing it to an iPhone in iOS's Apple Watch application.

But even though the wearable device wasn't conceived as a standalone product, it can still do a few tricks on its own, without having a paired iPhone in range. Here are seven different things the Apple Watch can do without being tethered to an iPhone.

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Is Apple Watch draining your iPhone’s battery too fast? This may help

Christian Zibreg ∙ April 27, 2015

Contrary to popular belief, the Apple Watch has a pretty remarkable battery, a notion driven home by even the toughest of critics and reviewers.

Now that first shipments have arrived into the hands of consumers, and people have spent a day or two with their device, reports are coming in that the wearable device is in some cases dramatically draining the battery of an iPhone it's paired to.

Our own Oliver Haslam has underscored the phenomenon in his hands-on with the Watch based on his first 24 hours with the device, as did others including former Engadget editor Ryan Block. What gives?

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24 hours with the Apple Watch

Oliver Haslam ∙ April 26, 2015

I told you last week that I had an Apple Watch on order and that to get to that point I had gone through a few different emotions before eventually landing on one that had me rather excited about Apple's first wearable and the future that it could have. As I write this I have had my Apple Watch on my wrist for a little over a full day, and I thought someone somewhere might be interested in how I feel about the purchase. I also wanted to share one or two things I have noticed after spending my first day with the Apple Watch, too.

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Charge your iPhone and Apple Watch simultaneously with these dual USB chargers

Cody Lee ∙ Updated March 19, 2019

The first night I took off my Apple Watch, I ran into a problem. I went to plug the charger into the outlet behind my nightstand, and I realized both spots were taken—1 by my iPhone alarm dock and the other by my lamp. So I started looking into dual USB chargers.

Figuring I wasn't the only one coming up a plug short, I decided to share my findings here on iDB. I've compiled a list of 8 dual USB chargers that I feel are worth checking out. They vary in price and design, and as usual, I've only included those with high ratings, making sure they are some of the best dual USB chargers you can use with your iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch.

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Exclusive Apple Watch-inspired wallpapers

Jim Gresham ∙ Updated April 30, 2018

This past week marks the Apple Watch release date, April 24, 2015. Although the date has come under fire, at least a few pre-orders were filled and May/June ship dates are seeing movement. Since the pre-order launch on April 10, Apple removed the April 24 date from the online Apple Stores and Angela Ahrendts released an internal memo all but confirming in-store sales are not going to happen until around June.

Inside, we have the single largest wallpaper selection in an iDB post. Thanks to some great work by Jason Zigrino and Efrain Roa, there are enough images in there to keep you busy while waiting for your device. There are images for iPhone, iPad, and desktop in a wide range of colors that will match any new Apple Watch you are hoping to have in your hands.

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Apple Watch gets beat to hell for science [Video]

Jake Smith ∙ April 25, 2015

While many of you are probably holding on to your precious Apple Watch with care, CNET took it upon themselves to see what will ruin the wearable, so you don't have to. We're taken through several everyday scenarios of how the Apple Watch could get ruined in the kitchen. It actually holds up pretty well. 

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How to pair and set up an Apple Watch with your iPhone

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated April 30, 2018

Before you can begin using your Apple Watch as it was meant to be used, you'll need to pair it with an iPhone. Keep in mind that you must have an iPhone 5 or later in order to pair with an Apple Watch. You'll also need to make sure that the iPhone is running iOS 8.2 or later, since this firmware includes the Apple Watch companion app needed to initiate the pairing process.

In this tutorial, I'll show you how to identify your iPhone's firmware, and how to pair your Apple Watch using the Apple Watch companion app.

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10 great pairs of Bluetooth headphones for your new Apple Watch

Cody Lee ∙ Updated March 19, 2019

If you're wanting to listen to music privately, directly from your Apple Watch, you're going to need a pair of Bluetooth headphones. So for those of you who picked up a Watch this weekend, and don't already own Bluetooth headphones, we've put together a list of some we think are worth checking out.

The list contains 10 options, ordered from cheapest to most expensive, and it features various styles and price points for all tastes and budgets. It's also been curated to only include headphones that have received positive reviews from well-respected publications, or customers on websites like Amazon.

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Apple Watch unboxing and hardware overview

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated April 30, 2018

After what seemed like an immeasurable wait, I finally got my UPS delivery, and the Apple Watch is now in hand. Unfortunately, I only received one of the two watches that I purchased—a 38mm Apple Watch Sport with a white band. I'm not complaining though, at least I got something on launch day.

Watch our unboxing video for a full look at what's inside. I've also included an overview of the Apple Watch hardware mated with my giddy commentary.

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