The Apple Watch Series 3, though a few generations old, still packs a punch with a variety of features that can enhance daily life. Whether you’re a new owner or considering an upgrade, this guide will explore the 30+ features you can take advantage of with your Apple Watch Series 3.
1. Track Your Daily Activity
The Apple Watch Series 3 helps monitor your daily activity through its built-in accelerometer and gyroscope.
- Activity Rings: Track your movement, exercise, and standing time.
- Daily Goals: Set and monitor personal fitness goals.
2. Monitor Your Heart Rate
Keep an eye on your cardiovascular health.
- Heart Rate App: Measure your current, resting, and recovery heart rate.
- Heart Rate Notifications: Receive alerts for unusually high or low heart rates.
3. Use GPS for Navigation
The built-in GPS allows you to navigate without your phone.
- Outdoor Workouts: Track your route, distance, and pace during outdoor activities.
- Maps: Get turn-by-turn directions directly on your wrist.
4. Swim with It
The Apple Watch Series 3 is water-resistant up to 50 meters.
- Swim Tracking: Track your laps, distance, and calories burned during swimming.
- Water Lock: Activate Water Lock mode to prevent accidental taps while swimming.
5. Receive Notifications
Stay updated without constantly checking your phone.
- Messages: Read and respond to text messages.
- Calls: Answer or decline calls directly from your watch.
- Emails: Receive email notifications and view content.
6. Monitor Your Sleep
Track your sleep patterns with third-party apps.
- Sleep Analysis: Use apps like AutoSleep or Sleep++ for comprehensive sleep tracking.
- Bedtime Reminders: Set reminders to help you establish a consistent sleep routine.
7. Stream Music
Enjoy your favorite tunes on the go.
- Apple Music: Stream music from Apple Music with a cellular plan.
- Offline Playback: Download playlists for offline listening.
8. Use Siri
The virtual assistant can perform a variety of tasks.
- Voice Commands: Ask Siri to send messages, set reminders, or provide weather updates.
- Control Smart Home Devices: Use Siri to control compatible smart home devices.
9. Pay with Apple Pay
Make payments conveniently from your wrist.
- Contactless Payments: Use Apple Pay for secure and quick transactions.
- In-Store Purchases: Pay at participating retailers without needing your wallet.
10. Track Workouts
Monitor different types of physical activities.
- Workout App: Choose from various workout types like running, cycling, or yoga.
- Heart Rate Monitoring: Track your heart rate throughout the workout.
11. Get Weather Updates
Stay informed about current and future weather conditions.
- Weather App: Check the current temperature, forecast, and weather alerts.
- Complications: Add weather complications to your watch face for quick updates.
12. Manage Your Calendar
Keep track of your schedule and appointments.
- Calendar App: View your upcoming events and appointments.
- Reminders: Set reminders for important tasks and events.
13. Use the Stopwatch and Timer
Keep track of time with built-in tools.
- Stopwatch: Track elapsed time for activities or events.
- Timer: Set timers for cooking, workouts, or other tasks.
14. Find Your iPhone
Locate your misplaced iPhone with ease.
- Find My iPhone: Use the Find My app to make your iPhone play a sound.
- Ping Sound: Help locate your iPhone if it’s nearby.
15. Track Your Wellness
Monitor various aspects of your health.
- Breathe App: Practice breathing exercises to reduce stress.
- Health App Integration: Sync with the Health app for a comprehensive view of your health metrics.
16. Set Alarms and Reminders
Stay organized with alarms and reminders.
- Alarms: Set alarms for waking up or reminders.
- Reminders App: Create and manage reminders for daily tasks.
17. Control Music Playback
Manage your music directly from your wrist.
- Play/Pause: Control playback of music on your paired iPhone or Apple Watch.
- Volume Control: Adjust the volume without reaching for your phone.
See Also: What Is The Most Durable Apple Watch
18. Use a Compass
Navigate with the built-in compass feature.
- Compass App: Access directional information and bearings.
- Outdoor Adventures: Use the compass for hiking or other outdoor activities.
19. Check Your Blood Oxygen Levels
Measure your blood oxygen saturation.
- Blood Oxygen App: Use the app to measure and monitor your blood oxygen levels.
- Health Insights: Gain insights into your respiratory health.
20. Access Emergency SOS
Get help quickly in emergencies.
- Emergency SOS: Press and hold the side button to call emergency services.
- Medical ID: Provide important medical information to first responders.
21. Customize Watch Faces
Personalize your watch with various watch faces.
- Face Gallery: Choose from a range of watch faces and complications.
- Customization: Adjust colors, styles, and complications to suit your preferences.
22. Track Menstrual Cycle
Monitor menstrual health with the Health app.
- Cycle Tracking: Log your menstrual cycle and symptoms.
- Notifications: Receive notifications and insights related to your cycle.
23. Stay Connected with Family and Friends
Keep in touch without needing your phone.
- Messages and Calls: Communicate with friends and family directly from your watch.
- Walkie-Talkie: Use the Walkie-Talkie feature for instant voice communication.
24. Track Your Workouts with GPS
Get accurate tracking for outdoor activities.
- Outdoor Workouts: Use GPS to track distance, pace, and route for activities like running or cycling.
- Fitness Metrics: Analyze workout performance with detailed metrics.
25. Get Directions with Maps
Navigate efficiently with the Maps app.
- Turn-by-Turn Navigation: Receive directions directly on your watch.
- Haptic Feedback: Feel vibrations for navigation prompts.
26. Use Third-Party Apps
Enhance functionality with additional apps.
- App Store: Download and install a variety of third-party apps.
- Fitness and Health: Explore apps for tracking different fitness and health metrics.
27. Manage Notifications
Control the notifications you receive.
- Notification Settings: Customize which apps send notifications to your watch.
- Do Not Disturb: Activate Do Not Disturb mode to minimize interruptions.
28. Control HomeKit Devices
Manage your smart home with HomeKit.
- Home App: Control compatible smart home devices from your wrist.
- Scenes and Automations: Activate pre-set scenes or automations.
29. Track Flights
Monitor flight information conveniently.
- Flight Tracking Apps: Use third-party apps to track flight status and details.
- Notifications: Receive updates about flight delays or gate changes.
30. Explore Health Trends
Review long-term health trends.
- Health Trends: Analyze trends and patterns in your health data over time.
- Insights: Gain insights into your overall health and wellness.
Conclusion
The Apple Watch Series 3 remains a versatile and valuable device for tracking fitness, managing daily tasks, and staying connected. By exploring and utilizing these features, you can maximize the potential of your Apple Watch and enhance your everyday life.