Everything you need to know about the Apple Watch

March 19, 2015

The Apple Watch is still a few weeks away, but fervor over it continues to build.

With that fervor comes questions — lots and lots of questions — about what the Watch can do, how you'll be able to wear it, where you'll be able to buy it, how it works when you're not around your phone, and more. But never fear: iMore is here to answer anything you might want to know.

Whether you're considering getting a Watch, curious about Apple's newest gadget, or just want to try one on in stores, here's everything you need to know about the Apple Watch.

The basics

When can I buy an Apple Watch?

Officially, the Apple Watch goes on sale April 24, but you can pre-order one starting April 10 from the Apple.com online store or the Apple Store app. There was some discussion about whether or not the Apple Watch Edition would be available for pre-order, but it looks like you'll be able to pre-order it alongside the Sport and regular Apple Watch from Apple's online store.

You'll also be able to try on the Watch at your local Apple Store beginning April 10 with an in-store reservation.

Where can I buy an Apple Watch?

You'll be able to buy an Apple Watch via the Apple Online Store, through the Apple Store app, or at an Apple Retail Store. There are also pop-up stores overseas appearing in luxury department stores, so it's entirely possible that you may be able to buy Apple Watch from non-Apple Store locations. TBD.

Free - Apple Store app - Download now

What devices do I need to own to use an Apple Watch?

To use an Apple Watch, you'll need an iPhone 5 or later running iOS 8.2 or later. If you have an older iPhone, you won't be able to pair the Watch and take advantage of the majority of its features. (And no, you can't pair the Watch with an iPad or iPod touch.)

What comes with an Apple Watch?

When you purchase an Apple Watch, you'll get the Watch case (body) itself, its corresponding band (or, in the case of the Sport models, two bands — small and large), a magnetic charging cable, USB power adapter, and a quick start booklet. If you purchase an Edition, you'll also get a case that doubles as a magnetic charging dock.

Do I need any special software to sync Apple Watch?

The Apple Watch app is installed by default on an iPhone 5 or later running iOS 8.2 or later, so you should be all set to pair sync your Watch to your iPhone when you get it: Just open up the app, tap My Watch, then tap Start Pairing.

The Apple Watch store experience

Can I try on the different watches and bands before I buy them?

Absolutely. Starting April 10, your local Apple Store will have Apple Watch collections on display for trying on and for any questions you might have. You can make an appointment before going into the store, similar to how the Genius Bar or One to One sessions currently work, but Apple will also reportedly take walk-ins. (You may just have to wait longer for your turn.)

According to rumors, appointments will run 15-minutes each, with 10 try-on stations per installation. Experts will be on hand for Edition try ons at participating stores.

Apple Watch will be showcased in special versions of the standard retail tables. Down the center of the tables are square cubbies with transparent tops that keep the watches safe yet visible. If you want to try one on, an Apple Retail employee can use a special badge to unlock a drawer beneath the table containing sample watches.

Specially modified versions of the iPad mini may be used to allow you to browse and choose from the different varieties of Apple Watch available, much as the full-sized iPad store displays currently do for other products.

Apple Watch Edition is a different story. Apple has said it's a limited release and will be available from limited locations. We're guessing that means the major flagship stores. If you want to try on an Edition, check with your store before heading over.

How will Apple Watch be sold at retail?

We don't know for sure, but it's likely that on April 24, you'll be able to either pick up your pre-order from an Apple Store or make an appointment to try on a watch and purchase it on the spot. We're not sure what the crowd or line situation is going to look like yet, as Watch purchases could conceivably take a lot longer to process (due to trying on bands, et cetera) than average launch day iPhone sales.

How will Apple Watch Edition be sold at retail?

Apple Watch Edition will be available in limited quantities at select Apple Retail Stores — we're guessing the major flagship locations — and a very few other, high-end retailers. We don't yet know who those retailers are, but if we had to take a gander, we'd expect high-end department stores and jewelry shops to be the most likely candidates.

As with try-ons, check with your store before heading over.

The Watch's exterior

What kinds of Apple Watches can I buy?

The Apple Watch comes in two sizes, measured by height — 38mm and 42mm — as well as in three different collections: Sport (aluminum case), Watch (steel case), and Edition (rose or yellow gold case). Each collection has a specific set of bands paired to it, though you'll be able to mix and match bands from every collection but Edition by purchasing them separately.

Buyers guide: Which Apple Watch collection should I get?

How can I tell which size is right for me?

As a lady with fairly petite wrists, I actually found both the 38mm and 42mm acceptably-sized, though I slightly prefer the 38mm. If you want to take a gander yourself, I suggest downloading the Apple Store app, tapping on a Watch collection from the Featured page, tapping View Pricing, then selecting Compare case sizes. This lets you generate a pixel preview of the two Watch sizes. It's not as nice as trying on a Watch in person, but it's a good substitute.

Buyers guide: Should you get the 38mm or 42mm Apple Watch?

Are there any differences between the Watch models aside from what the body is made out of?

The primary differences are the metals each model is made from. In addition, while Sport models use Ion-X glass and a composite back, Watch and Edition models use sapphire crystal and a ceramic back. The Ion-X glass may not be as strong as sapphire, but it should protect against most daily wear.

How big is each Watch? How much do they weigh?

You can find each individual Watch and band weight over on the Store section of Apple.com, but I'm also going to recommend visiting Rob Griffiths's website: The Many Tricks co-founder put together a great spreadsheet of Watch and band sizes as well as weights.

What will they cost?

Pricing for each collection depends on what style and band you're picking up. The Sport starts at $349; the Watch starts at $549 and goes up to $1099; and the Edition starts at $10,000 and goes up to $17,000.

What bands are available for each watch collection?

Each collection has a specific set of bands designed for it, which means you may only be able to pick certain bands when purchasing your watch to start. That said, all bands are interchangeable as long as you stay within the 38mm or 42mm sizing range, and you'll be able to purchase most every band separately if you want to mix and match.

The Sport collection is limited to Sport bands, while the Watch collection is the largest, featuring the Sport Band, Classic Buckle, Milanese Loop, Modern Buckle, Link Bracelet, and Leather Loop. Of those bands, most every one is available in 38mm and 42mm sizing; only the Modern Buckle and Leather Loop are restricted to 38mm and 42mm only, respectively.

The Edition's bands are special, as they include gold highlights and can't be purchased separately (though you can add a separately purchased band to your Edition watch). Edition options include a Black and White Sport Band, a 38mm Rose Gray Modern Buckle, 42mm Black Classic Buckle, 38mm Bright Red Modern Buckle, and 42mm Midnight Blue Classic Buckle.

Each band also comes in a variety of wrist sizes — to check which size you should pick up, check out Apple's sizing guide.

Buyers guide: Which Apple Watch Sport Band should you get?

Can I buy bands separately?

Yup! They'll be available through Apple's online store and retail stores, though they may not be in stock immediately on the 24th.

What kinds of sensors does the Watch have?

Every Apple Watch, regardless of collection, comes equipped with a variety of sensors, including:

a heart rate sensor (for measuring your heart rate during activities)
accelerometer & gyroscope (for measuring steps, standing and sitting, and stairs climbed)
ambient light sensor (for saving the battery and keeping your screen dim when appropriate)

What kind of screen does the Watch have?

All models have a Retina display; the 38mm model is 272x340 pixels, while the 42mm model is 312x390 pixels. The Sport's screen is covered in Ion-X glass; the Watch and Edition models have a sapphire crystal display.

Though Apple has not confirmed it, all Apple Watch displays are widely believed to be OLED (organic light-emitting diode) which are more energy efficient and offer deeper blacks than LCD panels.

Can I shower or go swimming with the Apple Watch?

Apple's CEO, Tim Cook, said he routinely showers in his Apple Watch (though he also said he doesn't dive with it.)

The Watch is officially water-resistant per the IPX7 under IEC standard 60529: This means you can get it wet and exercise with it and you should be fine, but submersion under three feet for more than thirty minutes isn't recommended. So, I'd strongly caution against swimming.

It's also worth noting that Apple's leather bands are not water resistant, so if you want to exercise with your Watch, you may want to use a Sport Band.

How long will the battery last?

Apple's current tests suggest an average battery life of 18 hours for the 38mm, with the 42mm model offering slightly better (though unmentioned) averages.

Apple's Battery Information page provides more detailed breakdowns of how that battery life translates when using the Watch for specific applications, like running, audio playback, talk time, and more.

In general, though, the company generally recommends charging it once a night. The Watch charges up pretty fast, however, if you've accidentally forgotten to do so: 1.5 hours will get the battery up to 80 percent, while 2.5 hours is average for a full charge time.

How do I charge the Watch?

The Apple Watch charges through induction. That means it doesn't need to have an exposed port just for charging.

When you purchase a Watch, it comes with a magnetic charging cable; plug one end into the wall or a USB socket, and the other end magnetically snaps onto the back of the Watch.

Can you upgrade the hardware inside the Watch?

Apple hasn't said one way or the other, but unfortunately, we're guessing not so much.

Interacting with the Watch

What can you do with an Apple Watch?

Lots. And lots and lots and lots. The Watch is essentially designed to replace your iPhone for most quick tasks, including querying Siri, getting directions, quick messages to your friends, answering phone calls, and more.

What apps will be available on the Watch?

Again: lots! Apple has a big list of apps on its website that will ship on launch day, and we're sure we'll hear about many more in the coming months.

What can't you do with an Apple Watch?

The Apple Watch requires your iPhone be in proximity distance so that it can piggyback off its internet connection; without an iPhone, the Watch can't access any online activities. Even with an iPhone, your Watch won't be able to do any Go Go Gadget wizardry like FaceTime — there's no front-facing camera in the Apple Watch. (And holding your wrist up to your face for prolonged periods of time is exhausting. We don't recommend it.)

How much stuff can I store on an Apple Watch?

You'll be able to store up to 2GB of offline music playlists, and up to 75MB of offline photos. These can be accessed at any time, with or without an iPhone.

The remainder of the Apple Watch's 8GB of storage, not including the WatchOS itself, will be available for apps.

Will the Apple Watch drain my iPhone's battery?

Not from what we've heard — the Watch uses Bluetooth 4.0 LE (Low Energy) to keep any battery drainage to a minimum — but we'll have to do some hands-on testing when the Watch comes out in April.

How will I update the software on my Apple Watch?

Apple hasn't addressed how WatchOS software updates will be handled on the Apple Watch, but it's not hard to imagine they'll be staged through the iPhone's Apple Watch app and then pushed across over the paired connection.

What apps come pre-installed on the Apple Watch?

The Apple Watch comes with the following built-in apps: Messages, Phone, Mail, Calendar, Activity, Workout, Maps, Passbook, Siri, Music, Camera Remote, (Apple TV/iTunes) Remote, Weather, Stocks, Photos, Alarm, Stopwatch, Timer, World Clock and Settings.

How do I use Apple Pay with the Watch? It doesn't have Touch ID!

Though the Watch itself doesn't have Touch ID, it borrows your iPhone's Touch ID authentication or password-protection to initially unlock itself for Apple Pay.

When you first strap the Watch to your wrist, you enter in your passcode or unlock your phone with Touch ID. The Watch is then unlocked and authorized for Apple Pay and stays that way until you break skin contact (i.e. remove the Watch). The same sensors that can read heart rate can tell if the Watch is removed.

Once removed, you'll have to re-enter a passcode or authenticate on your phone to reconnect your access to Apple Pay.

As long as you've authorized the Watch, all you have to do is double-press its side button to bring up the Apple Pay interface, then bring it close enough to an NFC reader to pay for your item.

Unlike an iPhone, you need to press a button so that you don't accidentally pay for things by bringing your wrist too close to NFC terminals; the iPhone has the Touch ID sensor to confirm, but the Watch is automatically set up to confirm as long as you have the Apple Pay interface open.

Do I have to have an iPhone 6 or 6 Plus to use Apple Pay?

Nope. You'll be able to use Apple Pay on the Watch when it's paired with an iPhone 5, 5c, 5s, 6, or 6 Plus.

How will the Apple Watch protect my privacy?

Like the iPhone and iPad, the Apple Watch uses a variant of iOS, with all the security protections that iOS offers. When it comes to authentication, as noted above, breaking skin contact disables the Watch; you'll have to enter a passcode to reenable it.

The Watch's tethered connection with your iPhone also means that, if lost, it won't retain a data connection, nor access to any of your personal accounts — your social networks, mail, et cetera.

How do you control an Apple Watch?

The Apple Watch has two physical buttons — the Digital Crown and the side button — along with a variety of gestures on the device itself. (Here are all the controls currently known or rumored.)

Using the Digital Crown, you can scroll through lists or zoom in and out on the home screen, maps, photos, and more. Pressing the Crown once will send you to the home screen; pressing and holding activates Siri; a double-press switches between your watch face and the last app you used; and a triple-press activates accessibility features (if you have them turned on).

The side button is primarily designed as a quick shortcut to pull up your favorite contacts: Press once to bring up your Friends area to quickly communicate with your buddies. A press and hold turns the Watch off, much like the iPhone's On/Off switch; and a double-press activates Apple Pay.

You'll also be able to tap, swipe, and Force Touch the Watch's screen. Tapping and swiping works just like it does on an iPhone; Force Touch is a special deeper press — feeling much like a click on a trackpad — that activates contextual menus within the Watch's various applications.

Can I use Siri on the Apple Watch?

Yes! Just hold down the digital crown the way you would the Home button on your iPhone, and Siri will pop right up. Better yet, simply raise your wrist and say: "Hey, Siri!"

Can I make phone calls on the Apple Watch, like in sci-fi?

Also yes! There's a phone app on your Apple Watch just like your iPhone. It works similarly to Continuity's call relay feature on the iPad — transiting the call from your Watch, through your iPhone, and onto your carrier's network.

For comfort and battery life reasons, however, you'll want to keep Apple Watch calls brief and handoff anything longer to your iPhone.

Does the Apple Watch include Accessibility features?

Three for three! Although Apple hasn't listed specific features yet, we've seen early indications of VoiceOver, Zoom, Grayscale, Bold, Reduce Motion, Mono Audio, and more.

The Apple Watch as a watch

So how well does the Watch work as, well, a watch?

Pretty well, actually! Apple maintains that the watch is accurate to +/- 50 milliseconds of the global time standard; when connected to the iPhone, the Watch constantly checks against the standard to make sure it's keeping time accurately.

How many different watch faces are there?

There are nine different faces available at launch, including Chronograph, Color, Modular, Utility, Mickey Mouse, Simple, Motion, Solar, and Astronomy. Each has their own distinctive take on the watch face, and all can be customized with digital complications.

Wait, customizations and complications?

Yes! Some Watch faces include customizations that you can perform, for example, changing the color.

In addition, you have the option of adding any of Apple's pre-built "complications" to your watch face, which include alarm alerts, the current moon phase, a timer, any upcoming calendar events, stocks, weather, your current activity, stopwatch, a world clock, and the day's sunrise/sunset.

Some Watch faces have room for more complications than others.

Can I still use the watch if my battery's low?

Absolutely. If you want to save your remaining drips of battery power solely for watch usage, you can enter Power Reserve mode. When your battery hits a certain percentage, the Watch will do this automatically; otherwise, you'll be able to enable it manually.

The Apple Watch and communication

What are these crazy new ways you can communicate with the Apple Watch?

Though you'll be able to send good old-fashioned text and audio messages to your iPhone contacts through the Apple Watch, you'll also be able to send quick sketches, custom taps, customizable emoji, or even your heartbeat to your other Apple Watch-wearing friends.

Can just anyone send me their heartbeat? That's creepy.

Just like on iMessage, they'll need to have you as a contact to do so.

Can I send sketches or taps to people without an Apple Watch?

Not as far as Apple has announced.

Will the messages I send be stored anywhere?

Traditional text and audio messages, yes. They'll be stored the same way messages are stored on your iPhone. Taps, heartbeats, emoji, and sketches look to be Snapchat-style — send and forget.

The Apple Watch and third-party apps

How will I find Apple Watch apps?

iOS 8.2 for iPhone includes an Apple Watch app. The Apple Watch app includes an Apple Watch App Store. You can use it just like you use the regular App Store to check out featured apps and to browse the complete catalog.

How can I download apps to my Apple Watch?

Also with the Apple Watch app! Once you find an app you like in the Apple Watch App Store, you can download and install it. The app itself will go on your iPhone and the Watch-specific functionality will be sent to your Apple Watch — that includes Glances and WatchKit apps.

How can I remove apps from my Watch?

Apple hasn't demonstrated how to remove Apple Watch apps yet, though it's not hard to imagine deleting the associated app from your iPhone will delete the Glance or WatchKit app from your Watch.

It's also possible Apple will have some form of on-device or in-Apple Watch app management as well.

The Apple Watch and fitness

How do the fitness monitors work?

The Apple Watch monitors your heartbeat, steps, movement, and distance using the Heart Rate sensor on its rear casing, the built-in Accelerometer, and Wi-Fi and GPS from your iPhone.

How does Apple Watch know when I need to stand or sit?

The sit/stand formula for the Apple Watch is calculated around standing at least once an hour while you're active and awake. If you've stood or moved around for at least one minute in twelve different hours of the day, you'll complete the Stand ring on the Watch's Activity tracker.

Will Apple Watch be good for non-running activities?

It looks like it, yes! The Heart Rate monitor will help you track your non-step-based activities — including things like swimming, biking, weight lifting, and even (I hope) roller derby — and suggest caloric burn goals for the future.

The Apple Watch can also work with cardio equipment like rowing machines.

Can the Watch track my fitness even when I leave my iPhone behind?

It can! All the Watch's fitness data is stored locally until you meet back up with your iPhone. The only thing the Watch won't be able to track is distance, as that requires your phone's GPS chip.

Can third-party apps use the Watch's fitness data?

Only if you give them permission.

The Apple Watch and the iPhone

How do you pair a Watch with your iPhone?

Open up the Apple Watch app on your iPhone, select the My Watch tab, and tap Start Pairing.

How do you unpair a Watch with your iPhone?

There will be an Unpair iPhone button within the same Apple Watch app. When unpairing, you're given the option to save a backup of your Watch's pairing data, in case you want to repair it in the future (or you have multiple watches you're switching between).

How far away can I be from my iPhone before it disconnects?

Traditional Bluetooth range is around 30-50 feet, but your Apple Watch has an advantage if your phone is connected to Wi-Fi. When you connect to a Wi-Fi network, your Watch will remain in contact with your phone anywhere in the building where you're covered by that network. For example, you can be upstairs in your bedroom and take a call while your phone is downstairs on the couch.

Can you pair an Apple Watch and another Bluetooth device to your iPhone at the same time?

Apple hasn't provided any information yet concerning pairing multiple Bluetooth devices to your iPhone alongside the Apple Watch, including Bluetooth headphones and hearing aids; that said, considering you can pair a pair of Bluetooth headphones to your Watch, we imagine you'll be able to use both at once.

Can you pair multiple Apple Watches with the same iPhone?

Right now you can only pair one iPhone with one Apple Watch. If you want to pair with a second Apple Watch, you need to unpair the first watch — at which point a backup will be made to preserve its state — and then pair again with the second watch.

Can you use an Apple Watch with multiple iPhones?

Same as above. If you want to pair an Apple Watch with a different iPhone, you have to unpair the first, then pair again with the second.

Please tell me you'll be able to adjust settings on the iPhone instead of having to tap around on the Apple Watch forever?

Never fear: That's what the built-in Apple Watch app is for. Once paired, you'll be able to adjust your notifications, taptic feedback, and all sorts of other settings goodies.

What if my iPhone isn't around? Will my Apple Watch be useless?

Nope. Even though the Watch doesn't have access to a data connection, you'll still be able to do a fair amount with the device. Timekeeping, for one, will continue to work as advertised, and you'll be able to set alarms and timers, see your calendar details, and more.

You'll also still be able to groove along to any music playlists you've stored on your device (up to 2GB) and continue tracking your fitness — your heartbeat, step counts, stairs climbed, and stand-sit ratio is all stored locally while you're away from your iPhone, and will be uploaded to the Health app as soon as you're within pairing distance again. You won't be able to track distance or specific routes, however, as the Watch has no GPS receiver.

Even Apple Pay works while you're away from your iPhone: The Watch stores your Apple Pay cards as unique tokens on the device; when you activate Apple Pay near an NFC reader, the Watch uses the terminal to transmit and confirm your payment. The same goes with Passbook: Any gift cards, boarding passes, or loyalty cards you've added on your iPhone are automatically synced with the Watch. You don't have to worry about having your iPhone on you if you pick up Starbucks after a run, for example.

Now, there are still some apps that won't be functional when your iPhone is away, including messaging, Mail, Phone, Maps, Camera Remote, Weather, and Stocks. These all rely on either active data connections or GPS signals, neither of which an Apple Watch can do without an iPhone. Siri, too, will likely be MIA, as it requires a data connection to process commands. You'll also only be able to access music and photos stored on your device; your other photos are safe and sound, but inaccessible until you once again connect to your phone.

Third-party apps remain a bit of a mystery at this point: There are some apps that may be able to function offline, but as Watch apps are currently Handoff connections with your iPhone, it remains to be seen as to just what those apps can do.

Apple Watch and accessories

What kinds of accessories will I be able to buy?

After launch, you'll be able to buy Apple band accessories along with spare 1m and 2m charging cables for $29 and $39, respectively.

There are also plenty of third parties currently building decorative charging stands for the Watch, some of which may be available in April or May.

Will Apple release a set of wireless headphones for the Watch?

There's been no indication as of yet, though Apple's Beats brand currently offers a set of $200 wireless in-ear headphones.

Will I be able to buy third-party bands?

Too early to say, though I think it's telling that Apple has already dedicated a section of its online store to Bands, just as it does for cases and other popular third-party accessories.

Other questions?

Any other questions about the Apple Watch? Sound off in the comments, and we'll try our best to answer them for you.

Rene Ritchie, Ally Kazmucha, and Peter Cohen contributed to this gigantic 4500-words-and-counting document.

Apple Watch