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.

You can now buy a brand new Apple Watch for just $249

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated October 16, 2018

You'd be hard-pressed to find a deal that tops the $100 Apple Watch instant discount Best Buy is giving to its customers. The big box electronics retailer is offering the huge discount via its online store as well as in physical locations.

Discounts are being offered on all Apple Watch models that Best Buy carries, which include models from the entry-level Sport line (aluminum) and the mid-tier Apple Watch line (stainless steel). That means that you can score the 38mm Apple Watch Sport model, the cheapest watch that Apple sells, for a mere $249.

watchOS 2.1 for Apple Watch is out with new language support and bug fixes

Christian Zibreg ∙ December 8, 2015

In a flurry of software updates released today, Apple hasn't forgotten about the Apple Watch. The new watchOS 2.1 software update is available for your watch, bringing out new language support and bug fixes to improve your experience.

Available through the companion Watch app on your iPhone, the 57.1-megabyte download introduces an expanded support for system languages, adds support for right-to-left user interface, Siri dictation in Arabic and more.

Apple reportedly planning Apple Watch 2 media event in March 2016

Christian Zibreg ∙ December 8, 2015

Citing sources with knowledge of the plans, 9to5Mac is reporting that Apple is planning a media event in March of next year to unveil a second-generation Apple Watch, with the possible announcement of a rumored four-inch iPhone refresh in tow as well.

If true, the company would start shipping the second-generation watch in April, a year following the original model's debut in April of 2015.

Pedometer++ embraces Apple Watch in a big way

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated November 9, 2016

Pedometer++ is one of the best step-counting apps in the App Store, with its developer David Smith managing to keep it alive with meaningful updates. In fact, Apple's 2013 introduction of a dedicated motion coprocessor in iPhones that tracks movement in a power-friendly manner has helped breathe new life into Pedometer++.

Ever since the watch's April 2015 debut I've been wondering how the app would fit into my fitness routine.

My primary concern at the time was whether or not a dedicated step-counting app made sense given the Apple Watch's robust fitness and motion tracking capabilities.

But as it turns out, a bright future lies ahead of Pedometer++ and today's feature-packed update proves my point. The new version fully embraces the Apple Watch with a comprehensive, fluid and native watchOS 2 app, complications, more accurate data sync than Apple's Health app and more.

Apple honors World AIDS Day with (RED) apps, products, accessories and more

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated November 9, 2016

Apple logos on the company's retail stores around the world have turned bright red today, and that means one thing: it's honoring the World AIDS Day. In the App Store, Apple and (RED) joined forces with developer Supercell, with 100 percent of proceeds from customers who buy (RED) packs for Supercell's games going to the Global Fund to fight AIDS.

And via its homepage at Apple.com, the company is inviting customers to help the initiative by purchasing (RED)-branded products like Macs, iPhones, iPads, iPods, Watches and accessories such as Beats headphones, the Smart Cover for the iPad Air and the Smart Case for the iPad Air 2.

Hangouts for iOS now supports Apple Watch, gains quick-replying from notifications and more

Christian Zibreg ∙ December 1, 2015

Google Hangouts, the search giant's instant messaging and VoIP mobile client, was updated in the App Store last evening with several new features and refinements.

For starters, Apple Watch owners can now respond to instant messages received from other Hangout users directly on their wrist and also from the notification banner on their iPhone, iPod touch or iPad (provided they use iOS 9.1).

Early Best Buy Black Friday deals: up to $100 off Apple Watch, $125 off iPad Air 2

Cody Lee ∙ Updated October 19, 2018

Heads up holiday shoppers. Best Buy is offering early access to some of its Black Friday deals in a limited-time, online-only sale. Until midnight tonight (CT), you can take advantage of discounts of up to $100 on Apple Watch, $125 off iPad Air 2, and various other promotional prices.

For Apple Watch, Best Buy is taking $50 off Sport models and $100 off of Stainless Steel models—easily one of the best deals we've seen on Apple's smartwatch. And for iPad, the retailer is knocking $100 off select 16GB and 64GB Air 2 models, and as much as $125 off of 128GB models.

These hacks enable custom Apple Watch faces and 3D Touch gestures on iPad Pro via Apple Pencil

Christian Zibreg ∙ November 24, 2015

watchOS 2, the operating system powering Apple's wearable gizmo, includes support for third-party complications on select watch faces designed to support them.

But as far as watch faces themselves go, users are limited to a handful of built-in styles as Apple's software development kit (SDK) doesn't allow for downloadable watch faces yet.

As it turns out, a quick hack that prolific iOS developer Hamza Sood posted on Twitter back in August (no, it didn't fly under our radar) gets around Apple's limitations and permits unofficial development and installation of custom faces for Apple's wearable device.

And earlier this morning, Sood also posted another hack which brings 3D Touch Peek and Pop gestures to the iPad Pro via the Apple Pencil's pressure sensing technology.

Vine rolls out Apple Watch app and new ways to discover and watch videos

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated October 13, 2018

Twitter-owned Vine, a short-form video sharing service, is now available on the Apple Watch with a native watchOS 2 app that streams best videos from Featured and Favorites sections to your wrist.

A Vine complication is available as well so you can track your account's loops and access the native app from your watch face. In addition to the Apple Watch app, this edition of Vine includes features that make it easier to make and discover audio remixes on the service and more.

Orzly DuoStand lets you charge your Apple Watch and iPhone 6s at the same time

Lory Gil ∙ Updated January 28, 2019

If you have an Apple Watch, you have an iPhone. So, why not display them on the same stand when charging them? Orzly makes a dual charging dock that holds both devices so you can set them up on your nightstand or desktop for a sleeker look.

The DuoStand is made from anodized aluminum to match your other Apple products, like the MacBook or iMac. It has a slim, minimalist design representative of the aesthetic that we know so well from Apple.

Griffin WatchStand Charging Station: a solid two-in-one dock with some trade-offs

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 19, 2018

Earlier this month I reviewed the Belkin Charge Dock, a stylish dock for your iPhone and Apple Watch. I praised it for its classy, minimalistic design and embedded chargers, but knew that its steep $130 price tag would be a turnoff for many potential buyers.

This time around I want to tell you about a more affordable option—the Griffin WatchStand Charging Station. It too offers space for your iPhone and Apple Watch to rest and recharge, at less than half the price, but that savings does come with a few tradeoffs.

First, there's design. I don't think the WatchStand looks bad—in fact, Sebastien called its identical smaller sibling "sleek"—but I also don't think it looks anywhere near as good as the Belkin. Second, there are no cables included, meaning you have to supply your own.

So does the WatchStand's price and functionality offset these shortcomings? Let's find out.

Official Magnetic Charging Dock for Apple Watch launches for $79

Christian Zibreg ∙ November 18, 2015

Following yesterday's leaked packaging of an official Apple-branded dock for the Apple Watch, the Magnetic Charging Dock is going on sale this morning via the Apple Online Store and company-owned retail stores in the United States, Germany and a few other markets.

The accessory is priced at $79 and includes a two-meter Lightning cable that attaches to the base of the dock. The Magnetic Charging Dock supports your watch in either portrait or landscape orientation, which is really handy given the Nightstand mode in watchOS 2.