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.

Watch OS 1.0 lacks the necessary security features to dissuade thieves

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated June 30, 2023

The Apple Watch contains security measures to prevent thieves from accessing your data, but it doesn't include the necessary features to dissuade thieves from trying to steal your device to begin with.

The problem stems from the lack of an Activation Lock-like feature on Watch OS 1.0.

Unlike the iPhone, if someone steals your Apple Watch, they can easily reset the device (bypass the passcode), and pair it with a new iPhone logged in to a different iCloud account. In other words, it's totally feasible to steal an Apple Watch and set it up on a different device as if you just purchased it from an Apple Store.

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Why you should be using a passcode on your Apple Watch

Jeff Benjamin ∙ Updated April 25, 2023
Passcode screen on Apple Watch

There seems to be a bit of misunderstanding when it comes to using a passcode on the Apple Watch. I've seen more than a few comments about how inconvenient it would be to have to "enter a passcode on that tiny screen every time I want to use the watch." Indeed, it would be inconvenient if that were a true statement; thankfully, it's not.

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Samsung’s answer to Apple Watch’s Digital Crown: Rotating Bezel

Christian Zibreg ∙ May 13, 2015

The Digital Crown on the Apple Watch is quintessentially Apple. Engineered with the traditional watch vocabulary in mind, the Digital Crown makes it easy to magnify content on such a small-screen device while enabling precise control and quick adjustments.

Crucially, the Digital Crown lets you interact with the Apple Watch software and apps without your fingers obscuring on-screen content. If you thought that Samsung, Apple's arch rival, would respond by ripping off the Digital Crown wholesale, think again.

The South Korean company has seemingly engineered an innovative input method of its own in preparation for “the next generation Gear device.” As first reported by SamMobile, Samsung's solution corresponds nicely with the need to navigate content without obstructing the view.

Enter a rotating, round bezel — a new way to not touch the smartwatch screen.

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How to see friends on your Apple Watch

Jeff Benjamin ∙ May 13, 2015

The Apple Watch allows you to quickly access up to 12 different contacts designated as friends. Persons on your list of friends should be contacts that you wish to stay in touch with most frequently.

Only friends have the privilege of receiving Digital Touch inputs—taps, sketches and heartbeats. You can also text, send emoji, or call friends quicker than you can with other general contacts.

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How to add friends to your Apple Watch

Jeff Benjamin ∙ May 13, 2015

One of the primary features of the Apple Watch is the quick way in which it allows you to get in touch with friends. Only friends are allowed to use the Digital Touch feature on Apple Watch, and those added to your list of friends can also be quickly called or messaged using handy shortcuts.

On initial Apple Watch setup, up to 12 of your favorite contacts from your paired iPhone will automatically be added to your list of friends. If you don’t have any favorite contacts, or if you wish to change, remove or add contacts to your Friends list, then this Apple Watch tutorial is for you.

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How to customize the color palette for Digital Touch on Apple Watch

Jeff Benjamin ∙ May 12, 2015

Are you finding the seven colors on the Digital Touch color palette a little restrictive? Wouldn't it be cool if you could customize the color palette?

Although you can only use one color at any given time for a sketch or a tap, it is possible to customize the color that you use outside of the six stock colors. Check out our tutorial to see how.

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Apple Watch cases: a look at the Spigen lineup

Sébastien Page ∙ Updated May 18, 2015

Using a case on iPhone or iPad is a no brainer for many people because they are devices that are subject to accidental damages, including slipping out of your hand and hitting the concrete floor, or getting scratched while in your pocket. If using a case on these devices makes lots of sense, there is, at first look, less incentive to use a case on Apple Watch.

But that's just at first look though, because after talking to a few of my friends that do have a more active lifestyle than I do, most seemed to agree that, should they own an Apple Watch, they would likely use a case on it to not only protect the device from the elements, but also to protect it from their own inflicted damages.

My friend Guy, for example, works with his hands and handles tools all day. Using an Apple Watch without a case is not even an option if he wants to keep it intact. So is the case for my friend Kelsey who works out a lot and is worried she might accidentally hit the watch and scratch it on one of the many workout equipments she uses. Whatever your use case might be, if you have a need for extra protection, you might want to take a look at this selection of Apple Watch cases by Spigen.

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Lunatik launches Kickstarter for rugged ‘Epik’ Apple Watch kit

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

Lunatik, the company who in many ways sparked the Apple-wearable frenzy with its TikTok watch kits for the iPod Nano, has launched a new Kickstarter. Returning to its roots, the team has developed a rugged case/strap kit for 42mm Apple Watch models.

Dubbed the 'Epik,' the kit features a case forged from aluminum alloy and premium performance materials. It fits around a strapless Apple Watch, and can be paired with either a silicon sport strap or a premium aluminum link bracelet with a butterfly clasp.

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Google arrives on Apple Watch in update for News & Weather app

Cody Lee ∙ Updated October 14, 2018

Google has updated its News & Weather app today, bringing the software to version 1.7. The update includes various performance and stability improvements, and more significant to us, support for the Apple Watch.

This is essentially the first appearance on Apple's wearable for Google, who runs a competing wearable platform called Android Wear. The move, however, isn't surprising, given the company's sizable presence on iOS.

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Lock or unlock your Mac right from your wrist with MacID for Apple Watch

Christian Zibreg ∙ May 12, 2015

MacID, a cool app by developer Kane Cheshire that lets you lock and unlock your Mac using Touch ID on your iPhone, or your passcode, is now available on the Apple Watch.

If you want to unlock your Mac right from your wrist, and own an Apple Watch, you should grab the new MacID 1.2 for iPhone, a $3.99 download from the App Store. You can even use the Apple Watch app to see what's playing on iTunes or Spotify, and start screensavers on your Mac.

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