In addition to new features like the ability to log and access Health data with Siri, this week’s watchOS 10.2 update also makes it easier to switch watch faces on your Apple Watch. Here’s how to enable the option to swipe between Apple Watch faces with watchOS 10.2.
What’s new in watchOS 10.2 is the ability to swipe left or right on watch faces to easily switch between different configurations. Prior to this week’s update, watchOS 10 required that users long-press on their watch faces, and then swipe left or right.
Long-time Apple Watch users may remember that the ability to swipe left and right to switch watch faces isn’t actually new. The feature was available for years, but Apple removed it with watchOS 10’s release in September. This led to an influx of complaints from Apple Watch users, and Apple has now reversed its decision.
Still, the default behavior in watchOS 10.2 requires the long-press gesture. To enable the ability to swipe without long-pressing first, follow these steps:
Open the Settings app on your Apple Watch.
Scroll down and choose “Clock”
Toggle on the “Swipe to Switch Face” setting
“Switch between your watch faces by swiping left or right from the edge of the screen,” Apple explains.
watchOS 10.2 beta 3 brings back gesture to swipe between watch faces
Apple has made many changes to the Apple Watch operating system interface with watchOS 10. Among these changes, watchOS 10 no longer lets users quickly swipe between different watch faces, frustrating some users. Luckily, this gesture is back with the latest beta of watchOS 10.2.
Swipe to switch Apple Watch faces with watchOS 10.2
As noted by Aaron on X (formerly Twitter), watchOS 10.2 beta 3, released earlier this week to developers and public beta testers, brings back the option to swipe on the Apple Watch screen to switch between watch faces. In previous versions, changing the watch face requires pressing the screen for a second and then scrolling through the list using the Digital Crown.
watchOS 10.2 beta 3 adds back the feature that allows you to swipe between watch faces!
I was upset that Apple had removed this gesture – I even filled out a radar during the first watchOS 10 betas, and the company told me this was an intentional change. However, it seems that more users missed this gesture on the Apple Watch.
But there are a few things to keep in mind. At least in this beta, the gesture is not enabled by default. Instead, it requires you to enable it manually in the Clock settings. The toggle is also only available on the Apple Watch – you can’t find it using the Watch app on the iPhone. At least it’s back and working like it used to.
The current version, watchOS 10.1, was released last month and introduced NameDrop, which lets users share their contact details with other people simply by holding their Apple Watch near another Apple Watch or iPhone. watchOS 10.1 also enables the Double Tap gesture for the latest Apple Watch models.
However, the watchOS 10.2 update comes along with iOS 17.2, which brings some nice improvements for iPhone users.
iOS 17.2 includes Apple’s new Journal app, first announced at WWDC. There’s also support for collaborative playlists in Apple Music, changes to Tapback reactions, and new widgets for Clock and Weather. The update also enables recording Spatial Videos for Apple Vision Pro using iPhone 15 Pro.
Apple is expected to release iOS 17.2 and watchOS 10.2 to the public by the end of the year.
As an Apple nerd first and a person who wants to workout second, GymKit equipment is super encouraging. For everyone else with an Apple Watch, it’s the best way to sync up workout data, like heart rate, distance, and calories, that might not otherwise be available or accurate.
GymKit
Depending on who you ask, GymKit is either dead or very nice to have. I don’t think GymKit has really taken to home gym equipment except for Peloton (Bike+ only, not Tread). It also takes years for gyms to cycle through their equipment.
The GymKit slow roll started five years ago, and GymKit availability at Planet Fitness still varies by location. When you spot it, GymKit equipment is easy to use. Just wave your Apple Watch near the machine’s reader, allowing you to pair. Then starting/pausing/ending a workout from the machine matches the state on the watch (and vice versa).
The GymKit part is labeled with a watch
Wallet
Another perk since the last time we were a member? Digital keycards in Apple Wallet.
Years ago, We made our pass for the Wallet app so we could check in using our watch without our phone. Far less obsessed with trying to shoehorn the phone’s functionality into the watch now.
Still, it’s very nice being able to pull up and have the pass appear on the lock screen one tap away. And if we do want to leave our phone in the car or check in from the watch, that’s easily doable.
This is something Planet Fitness does do well. Membership cards aren’t available in Apple Wallet but are digitally available in the gym’s phone and watch apps.
Apple Watch
We can also mention here that we recently tried to pull off run tracking without the watch. We already knew this, but using a run-tracking app on the phone was not ideal.
The biggest factor for us is that the iPhone has the lock screen in between you and the run tracking app. Live Activities may help on the phone, but the watch is optimized for workout tracking.
The point? Working out is more fun with the Apple Watch, and gyms that have GymKit treadmills and ellipticals are true… gems.
Vision Pro to a complete revamp of the iPad lineup, there’s a lot to be excited about. Here’s everything we know about what’s coming from Apple this year, broken down by product category.
Spoiler alert: there’s a lot in the pipeline for this year.
Vision Pro
Apple’s 2024 is expected to kick off with the release of Vision Pro, Apple’s new spatial computing headset that was first announced at WWDC 2022. Apple says that Vision Pro will be released in “early 2024” in the United States and later this year in other countries around the world.
According to reports from the likes of Bloomberg and Ming-Chi Kuo, Vision Pro is currently in mass production ahead of a launch to customers sometime in February. Vision Pro will start at $3,499, but Apple has not revealed any other pricing details for things like prescription lenses, storage configurations, and more.
Learn more about Vision Pro in our hands-on coverage from WWDC 2022. Keep up with all of the latest rumors about Vision Pro’s release date in our dedicated guide.
A complete iPad lineup overhaul
In 2023, Appledidn’t release a single new iPad. In fact, the only hardware announcement related to the iPad was the new Apple Pencil with USB-C. Exciting stuff, right?
Thankfully, 2024 is shaping up to be a far more exciting year for the iPad. Rumors suggest that Apple has new versions of every iPad it sells in the works.
iPad Air
One of the biggest changes to the iPad lineup in 2024 is expected to be the addition of a new 12.9-inch iPad Air. Currently, Apple sells one iPad Air model at 10.9 inches. This would mark the first time that Apple has sold an iPad Air in two different screen sizes.
Other than the new form factor option, we aren’t expecting many other changes to the iPad Air in terms of design or features. The only other notable difference will be a new processor, with Apple upgrading the iPad Air from its current M1 chip to the M2 for better performance and efficiency.
The new iPad Air models are expected to be announced and released sometime around March.
iPad Pro
For fans of Apple’s top-end iPad Pro models, there’s a lot to be excited about in 2024. Most notably, the iPad Pro lineup will switch to OLED display technology. Currently, the 11-inch iPad Pro uses an LCD display while the 12.9-inch uses mini-LED.
Additionally, the 2024 iPad Pro lineup will be available in 11-inch and 13-inch screen sizes. The slight increase from 12.9 inches to 13 inches could come in the form of smaller bezels, allowing Apple to increase the screen size while maintaining the same overall form factor.
The switch to OLED for the iPad Pro lineup could also unlock other changes. For example, OLED displays could theoretically allow Apple to make the iPad Pro thinner. There have also been rumors of bigger design changes coming to the iPad Pro models, but whether those design changes will debut this year remains to be seen.
On the inside, the iPad Pro models will use the latest-generation M3 processors. This will unlock improved performance and efficiency for things like pro-level apps, multitasking, and more.
All of these changes, however, will increase the iPad Pro pricing. Not only are OLED panels more expensive than LCD and mini-LED, but Apple is also planning to use the most advanced version of OLED panels on the market. As it stands today, the 11-inch iPad Pro starts at $799, while the 12.9-inch iPad Pro starts at $1,099.
You can learn more about the new OLED iPad Pro in our dedicated guide. This guide includes details about why Apple is switching to OLED and some of the benefits the change will offer.
The new iPad Pro models are likely to be announced and released sometime around March.
New Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil 3
For the new iPad Pro models, Bloomberg has reported that Apple is working on a new Magic Keyboard accessory. The new Magic Keyboard will allegedly make the iPad Pro “look more like a laptop and include a sturdier frame with aluminum.
On the other hand, the new iPad Air models will reportedly use the existing Magic Keyboard.
Meanwhile, Apple is also said to be prepping a new version of the Apple Pencil to launch alongside the new iPad Pro. Details here are still a bit sparse, but rumors have pointed to a hardware change that supports interchangeable magnetically attached tips that simulate different instruments.
iPad mini and iPad 10: Late 2024
Last but not least, Apple is working on updated versions of the base model iPad as well as the iPad mini. These devices will be updated with faster processors, likely the A16 for improved performance and efficiency improvements. No other major changes are expected.
Perhaps most notably, the introduction of the iPad 11 means that Apple will discontinue the iPad 9. The iPad 9 is the last model of the iPad to feature a Home button and a Lightning port. This will also allow Apple to discontinue the first generation Apple Pencil with a Lightning connector.
The new iPad 11 and iPad mini 7 are expected to be announced and released sometime later in 2024.
WWDC 2024
In June, Apple will likely hold its annual Worldwide Developers Conference – or WWDC – event. This will include the launch of its next round of software platforms:
iOS 18
iPadOS 18
watchOS 11
tvOS 18
macOS 15
visionOS 2
iOS 18
The headlining platform at WWDC 2024 will be iOS 18. In October, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman provided an overview of Apple’s ambitions for iOS 18, namely focused on new artificial intelligence features.
This report highlighted an “edict” within Apple and Craig Federighi’s software team to fill iOS 18 “with features running on the company’s large language model.”
Here are the ways Apple is exploring adding AI to iOS 18:
An enhanced Siri version that leverages a new AI system using large language model technology for smarter responses.
The integration of AI in the Messages app, enabling it to answer questions and complete sentences automatically.
New AI functionalities in Apple Music for generating custom playlists.
The introduction of generative AI in iWork applications like Keynote and Pages
The incorporation of generative AI tools in Xcode, aiding developers in more efficient application development
Furthermore, in a surprising move, Apple announced in October that iPhones will start supporting RCS in 2024. RCS, short for Rich Communication Services, is the modern alternative to traditional SMS and MMS. This update is set to bring several features typical of iMessage to text interactions between iPhone and Android users.
Apple indicated that RCS support will be introduced to the iPhone “later next year” through a software update. This timing hints at the possibility of integrating this feature into iOS 18.
For more details on iOS 18, check out our complete guide. iOS 18 will likely be released to developers for beta testing in June, followed by a public beta in July, and a release to the broader public in September.
More software announcements
Unfortunately, there haven’t been any details about what’s to come from Apple’s other software updates this year. We’d expect a lot of focus on visionOS, but no additional information is available.
iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro
A new year means a new iPhone, and this year that will come in the form of the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max.
For the iPhone 16 Pro models, one of the biggest changes will be that the displays are slightly larger.
The iPhone 16 Pro is expected to feature a 6.3-inch display, an increase from the 6.1-inch display of the iPhone 15 Pro. The iPhone 16 Pro Max will reportedly feature a 6.9-inch display, an increase from the 6.7-inch display of the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Each iPhone 16 model will reportedly feature a new “capture button” on the right-hand side below the power button. This button will be dedicated to capturing video, with an emphasis on capturing spatial video that can be viewed on Vision Pro.
In line with that, the iPhone 16 will feature a redesigned camera layout that allows it to capture spatial video. Currently, only the iPhone 15 Pro models can capture spatial video. Apple is clearly looking to expand spatial video features as it ramps up the launch of Vision Pro and the broader “Apple Vision” lineup.
In terms of other camera changes, Ming-Chi Kuo has reported that the iPhone 16 lineup will get an upgraded 48-megapixel ultra wide camera. This is expected to behave similarly to the 48-megapixel main camera sensor in current iPhone models, where computational photography samples the raw 48-megapixels of information to produce a 12 or 24-megapixel final output image.
The iPhone 16 Pro will add the same 5x telephoto camera that is currently available on the iPhone 15 Pro Max.
Additionally, the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus will reportedly feature an upgraded version of the Action button that is currently exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro models. The new Action button will allegedly include things like a force sensor for more flexibility.
You can find all of the details about the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro in our dedicated guides. As of right now, we expect the iPhone 16 to be announced and released in September, but that timeline could shift based on things like production and supply chain disruptions.
Apple Watch
What exactly to expect from the Apple Watch this year is unclear. Rumors have indicated that Apple is working on a major new “Apple Watch X” product, but there is still some discrepancy about whether Apple Watch X will be ready to launch this year.
The Apple Watch X has been described by Bloomberg as the biggest redesign of the Apple Watch since its launch in 2015. One of Apple’s specific focuses is on making the Apple Watch thinner.
One of the biggest changes with the Apple Watch X will be a new magnetic system for attaching bands. Apple is reportedly planning to abandon the current band attachment mechanism, with engineers determining that it simply takes up too much internal space. Apple instead hopes that it can use that space for other things, such as a larger battery.
The downside to this change, however, is that it will break compatibility with all existing Apple Watch bands. This means any Apple Watch band you have today won’t work with the Apple Watch X.
Again, there is still some uncertainty as to whether or not the Apple Watch X will be ready for 2024. It’s possible the update won’t come until 2025. It’s also not particularly clear how the Apple Watch X will fit in the Apple Watch lineup.
If Apple is ready to launch a new Apple Watch this year, we’d expect it to debut alongside the iPhone 16 lineup in September.
The Mac
If you’re a fan of the Mac, fear not. Apple has a few things in store for you in 2024 as well. The first M3-powered Macs debuted last October, starting with the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro and 24-inch iMac. This year, that transition to the M3 is expected to continue.
First up, Apple is working on new versions of the 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air powered by the M3 chip. The new MacBook Air lineup is expected to be released sometime around March 2024.
We’re also expecting a new version of the Mac Studio and Mac Pro powered by the M3 Max and M3 Ultra chips. Most recently, however, Bloomberg reported that these new desktop Macs aren’t expected “until the end of 2024 at the earliest, if not 2025.”
In fact, Bloomberg reported in November that the M3 Ultra hasn’t even started “widespread testing” inside Apple.
What about the Mac mini? That’s another unknown. The Mac mini is currently available in M2 and M2 Pro configurations. We’d assume an update to M3 and M3 Pro is coming at some point, but right now there aren’t any details on when.
New AirPods
Last but not least, we have Apple’s AirPods lineup. For 2024, Apple is reportedly prepping a major update to its entry-level AirPods, and a not-so-major change for AirPods Max.
AirPods 4
According to Bloomberg, AirPods 3 have not been as successful in sales as Apple had hoped, prompting the company to reevaluate its product range starting in 2024. The report details that both AirPods 2 and AirPods 3 are set to be phased out this year, with plans for two distinct versions of AirPods 4 in the works.
The upcoming AirPods 4 models are expected to showcase a “hybrid design” that merges elements from both the AirPods 3 and AirPods Pro. However, unlike the AirPods Pro, these new models will not include interchangeable and customizable ear tips. Another significant change is the switch from Lightning to USB-C for charging.
The two versions of the AirPods 4 will differ in certain key aspects. The higher-end variant of AirPods 4 will have features like noise cancellation and an upgraded charging case with advanced Find My integration and speakers for Find My alerts.
The new AirPods 4 lineup is likely to be released sometime later in 2024.
AirPods Max
For AirPods Max fans, the story is far less exciting. Bloomberg has reported that new AirPods Max are coming sometime in late 2024, but the only change will be a switch from Lightning to USB-C for charging. There might also be new colors.
If you were hoping for AirPods Max with a more modern chip inside, you appear to be out of luck. AirPods Max were first introduced in December 2020 and haven’t been updated since. They feature a Lightning port for charging and miss out on pretty much all of the new features Apple announced for AirPods at WWDC last year.
Wrap up
Here are some other smaller things Apple is working on, that may or may not materialize in 2025.
Apple is working on a new version of the Apple TV, but there are no details on a launch date.
There are also new smart home products in the works, including an updated HomePod with a screen. Again, there are no details on when this product might be available.
Multiple rumors have suggested that Apple is working on expanding its lineup of external displays beyond the Studio Display and Pro Display XDR. Whether these efforts materialize in 2025 remains to be seen.
Here are some other smaller things Apple is working on, that may or may not materialize in 2025.
New AirPods Pro with new health tracking features are in the works, but not expected until 2024.
Apple is working on a new version of the Apple TV, but there are no details on a launch date.
There are also new smart home products in the works, including an updated HomePod with a screen. Again, there are no details on when this product might be available.
Multiple rumors have suggested that Apple is working on expanding its lineup of external displays beyond the Studio Display and Pro Display XDR. Whether these efforts materialize in 2025 remains to be seen.
If you just unwrapped a new Apple Watch this holiday season, there are a variety of tips and tricks that can help you get the most out of your new wearable. Read on for some guidance on our favorite Apple Watch features for health, activity, customization, and more.
Setting up your Apple Watch activity rings
For many people, the Apple Watch is first and foremost a fitness-focused wearable. The key to this is a trio of rings each represented by a different color: red for move, green for exercise, and blue for stand.
By default, the green exercise ring closes when you log 30 minutes of intense activity, the blue stand or roll ring closes when you move around for at least one minute of 12 different hours, and the red move ring closes when you meet your personal goal for active calories burned in a day.
Apple also includes the ability to customize your exercise and stand goals. Maybe you’re recovering from an injury and 12 stand hours paired with 30 minutes of exercise is too much for your body to handle. People have also been calling on Apple to integrate rest days into the Apple Watch rings system, and this feature at least gives users more control over their goals.
Here’s how to change your Apple Watch move, exercise, and stand goals:
On your Apple Watch, open the Activity app.
Scroll down to the bottom and look for the “Change Goals” button.
Use the + or – buttons to adjust your goals, or use the Digital Crown.
Tap “OK” to confirm your changes.
The exercise ring can be lowered or raised in intervals of five, down to a minimum of 10 minutes or a maximum of 60 minutes. The stand goal can be changed in single-hour intervals, down to a minimum of six hours. You can’t increase the stand goal beyond the default 12-hour mark.
Customizing your watch face
The centerpiece of your Apple Watch is the watch face. On your watch face, you can add bits of information known as complications, including things such as weather, activity data, heart rate information, and much more. The easiest way to build an Apple Watch face is with the Apple Watch app on iPhone.
You can find the entire library of watch faces in the “Face Gallery” tab of the app, and as you build them, you can add faces to your personal collection. Once you create multiple watch faces, you can swipe between them from your Apple Watch, making it easy to adjust on the fly for different scenarios.
Apple Watch App Store
You can find apps built specifically for the Apple Watch in the watchOS App Store. Simply press the digital crown on your Apple Watch and look for the App Store icon. Here, you’ll be able to easily find and install dedicated Apple Watch applications without using your iPhone at all.
Sharing your activity
One of the ways I love to stay motivated with my Apple Watch is by sharing my activity data with friends and family. When you do this, you can see when your friends complete workouts, how much progress they’ve made towards their goals, and when they earn new awards.
To share your Apple Watch activity data with others, follow these steps:
Open the Fitness app on your iPhone.
Tap the sharing icon in the bottom-right corner.
Tap the “+” button in the top corner.
Start typing a name, then tap the name you’d like to add. If the other person has an Apple Watch the name will turn red.
Tap the Send button, then wait for your friend to accept your Activity request. Once accepted, you’ll receive a notification on your Apple Watch.
Set up health monitoring features
The Apple Watch is not only useful for deliberately tracking your fitness progress, but also for passively monitoring it in the background.
Fall Detection
One such feature is called Fall Detection, and it uses the gyroscope and accelerometer to detect if you’ve fallen, and more importantly, if you’ve fallen and cannot get back up. By default, Fall Detection is disabled for users under the age of 65, but you can manually enable it with these steps:
Open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone.
Tap Emergency SOS.
.Look for the Fall Detection toggle
Apple warns that more physically active users may trigger Fall Detection even when you haven’t fallen. This is due to high impact activity, and may appear as a fall.
Tap Confirm.
Heart
In the Apple Watch app on iPhone, you can also enable a suite of features that will allow your Apple Watch to help you look after your heart. Simply open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone and look for the Heart category. In this section, you can enable the following features:
Install the ECG app for taking electrocardiograms from your Apple Watch (Series 4 and later).
Set up Cardio Fitness Levels and notifications, which are a strong indicator of your overall health.
Irregular Rhythm notifications for receiving a notification when Apple Watch identifies multiple heart rhythms that may be atrial fibrillation.
High Heart Rate notifications for receiving a notification when Apple Watch detects a heart rate that rises to a certain level while you appear inactive.
Low Heart Rate notifications for receiving notification when Apple Watch detects a heart rate that falls below 50 bpm for 10 minutes.
Blood oxygen
If you’re using an Apple Watch Series 6, you also have support for taking blood oxygen readings with your device. Apple Watch can also take measurements in the background so you have data to regularly reflect on. Simply open the Watch app on your iPhone, look for the Blood Oxygen category, enable the settings as you desire.
Rein in your notifications
The Apple Watch makes it incredibly easy to stay on top of your notifications. Every time an app sends a push notification, you’ll get a tap on the wrist and hear a sound. For many people, however, this can actually be overwhelming and unnecessary.
To manage notifications on your Apple Watch, open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone and choose the Notifications category. Here, you can see a list of applications and manage notifications as necessary. My recommendation is to limit notifications as much as possible on your Apple Watch, otherwise, you might become overwhelmed.
Check out Apple Fitness+
Apple Fitness+ offers access to a library of hundreds of on-demand workouts across popular categories such as running, cycling, HIIT, rowing, yoga, and more.
Apple Fitness+ features deep integration with Apple Watch, showing live data from your Apple Watch on the screen during your workout. Plus, if you recently got a new Apple Watch, you likely have three months of free access to the service.
You can find Apple Fitness+ in the Fitness app on your iPhone or Apple TV. It’s also available on the iPad, and you can download it from the iPadOS App Store to get started.
Apple Watch accessories
Finally, you might be looking to complement your new Apple Watch with accessories such as charging docks and watch bands.
On December 27, 2023, the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 ban was put on pause thanks to a US appeals court. In a new statement, Apple has confirmed that its flagship Apple Watch models are available today from retail stores and will return to Apple.com by tomorrow at 12 p.m. PT.
Here’s Apple’s full statement:
“We are thrilled to return the full Apple Watch lineup to customers in time for the new year. Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2, including the blood oxygen feature, will become available for purchase again in the United States at Apple Stores starting today and from apple.com tomorrow by 12pm PT.”
Apple’s teams have worked tirelessly over many years to develop technology that empowers users with industry-leading health, wellness and safety features and we are pleased the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit has stayed the exclusion order while it considers our request to stay the order pending our full appeal.”
Here’s a timeline for the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2’s return to shelves:
Available from select Apple Stores today, with broader availability by Saturday, December 30.
From Apple’s website starting tomorrow, December 28, by 12 p.m. PT.
Apple also encourages customers to check in-store availability at apple.com once online sales have resumed.
Apple’s victory today puts the watch ban on hold until January 10. Apple has also submitted a software update that it believes will resolve the issue. The decision on whether or not that will satisfy the government is expected on January 12.
As Apple Stores across the United States start to close for the day, the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 sales halt is officially going into effect. Apple removed its flagship Apple Watches from its online store on Thursday, and now they’re also being removed from Apple Stores.
When Apple Stores reopen after Christmas on December 26, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Apple Watch Series 9 won’t be available.
Apple Watch sales ban: The latest news
The Apple Watch sales ban comes as part of a long-running patent dispute between Apple and the medical device company Masimo. The ITC ruled in October that the blood oxygen sensor in the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 infringes on two Masimo patents.
Following the ITC decision, the case was sent to the Biden administration for a 60-day Presidential Review Period. During this, President Biden could veto the ruling, but so far has chosen not to act. The Presidential Review Period officially ends after December 25, so it is still possible that President Biden will choose to intervene and veto the ITC decision at the last minute.
After December 25, Apple will be barred from importing or selling the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 in the United States. Apple made the decision to remove the devices from its website on December 21 and from Apple Stores after today as part of its efforts to “preemptively” comply with the ITC’s ruling.
Apple Watch no longer available from Apple Stores
Following the removal of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 from Apple’s website on Friday, the two devices are also no longer available from Apple Stores. Most Apple Stores across the United States are closing at 6 p.m. local time on Sunday.
When Apple Stores reopen on December 26, the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 will not be available to purchase. As reported by Mark Gurman, Apple Stores have been sent new marketing materials that promote the Apple Watch SE, which remains available to buy because it lacks the blood oxygen sensor.
Apple Stores in the US have received new display signage for the Apple Watch: instead of showing the Ultra 2 and Series 9 like they do today, it’s just plain and says “Apple Watch” on it. Unless Biden administration steps in in next few days, the sales pause is happening. https://t.co/FmVc3OdsTk
Apple said that it will “continue to take all measures to return Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 to customers in the U.S. as soon as possible.”
Apple also said to 9to5Mac that it will file an appeal of the ITC’s final decision with the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit on December 26.
As it stands right now, there are no further details on how long the Apple Watch will be unavailable in the United States.
For now, the devices will remain available for purchase from other outlets, including Amazon and Best Buy. Once existing supply from those retailers is exhausted, however, they won’t be able to re-stock.
December 21, 2023, Apple removed the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 from its US online store in response to an impending ITC ban. Now, more details are emerging about what the ban will mean for existing Apple Watch users when it comes to repairs and servicing.
As reported by Bloomberg, the ITC ban will impact Apple’s ability to service and replace Apple Watch models that are out of warranty. This affects Apple Watch models dating back to the Series 6, Series 7, and Series 8, as well as the first-generation Apple Watch Ultra.
Apple employees were informed of these restrictions in a memo today. Employees are being instructed to tell customers “they will be contacted when hardware replacements are allowed again.”
Apple’s customer service teams were informed in a memo this week that the company will no longer replace out-of-warranty models going back to Apple Watch Series 6. That means if a customer has a broken screen, for instance, they won’t be able to get the issue fixed by Apple. The company will still offer help that can be done via software, such as reinstalling the operating system.
What this means is that if you have an Apple Watch with a blood oxygen sensor that is not covered by warranty, you will be unable to have it serviced, repaired, or replaced in any fashion. For instance, if your Apple Watch Series 6’s screen is damaged, Apple won’t be able to help you in any way, shape, or form.
The restrictions on repairs and replacements won’t impact Apple Watch models that are still covered by warranty. This includes devices covered by Apple’s one-year warranty or covered by AppleCare+.
Additionally, Bloomberg reports that after December 25, Apple won’t be allowed to exchange a watch for a different model, even if it was purchased before the ban.
After Dec. 25, Apple also won’t be able to exchange a watch purchased before the ban, say for a different color or size, during the typical return period. Retail staff was told a product swap won’t be allowed, but Apple will replace accessories like bands. Watches can still be returned for a refund.
This seems particularly bad for Apple and customers, essentially meaning that anyone who is given an Apple Watch for Christmas can’t swap it out if they need or want a different size or color.
For now, the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 will remain available for purchase from other outlets, including Amazon and Best Buy.
The Apple Watch’s fall detection feature came to the rescue for a man in Georgia, according to a new report from Fox5 Atlanta. Mike Menand was on a hike in the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area earlier this year when his two dogs spotted a coyote in the distance, leading Menand to suffer a near-fatal fall.
“They got spooked and knocked me down and dragged me off the trail,” Menand said, referring to what happened when his dogs saw the coyote. This triggered his Apple Watch’s fall detection feature, which kicked in to call emergency services on his behalf.
“I couldn’t even get to the phone because my phone was in my pocket, which I was lying on,” Menand said. He suffered a broken leg in the accident and had a titanium rod put in his leg during surgery.
Menand said that he isn’t sure what would’ve happened if he wasn’t wearing an Apple Watch. “There’s no telling how long I would’ve been laying there,” he recalled. “I realized I couldn’t move, I couldn’t get up. I was in a lot of pain.”
In fact, just a month after Menand suffered his fall, a woman fell while hiking in the same park and did not survive. “When I read that, I thought that could’ve been me,” Menand said. “Because I was by myself, no one around me, no one really knew where I was.”
Fall detection works by intelligently detecting when a sudden fall occurs, automatically calling emergency services if the person doesn’t dismiss the alert within one minute of falling. If the person’s emergency contact information is filled out, that contact will be notified with a text message and a map of the watch’s location at the time of the fall.
Here’s how Apple Watch fall detection works, how to customize, and use it
One of Apple Watch’s potentially life-saving features is fall detection that’s paired with auto emergency SOS calling. Whether you’ve never enabled it or have but later turned it off, follow along for how Apple Watch fall detection works, how to customize, and use it.
Apple Watch fall detection can be used by anyone 18 years of age and up with the option of having it enabled just during workouts or all the time.
The feature is automatically turned on for those 55 years old+. But it’s not only valuable for the elderly, even young users have seen their lives saved by Apple Watch fall detection.
While it can be an important safety feature, Apple notes it “cannot detect all falls” and also that Apple Watch may interpret “high-impact” activity” as a fall and trigger a false alert.
If Apple Watch SE or Apple Watch Series 4 or later detects a hard fall while you’re wearing your watch, it taps you on the wrist, sounds an alarm, and displays an alert. You can choose to contact emergency services or dismiss the alert by pressing the Digital Crown, tapping Close in the upper-left corner, or tapping “I’m OK.”
How to turn on Apple Watch fall detection
Apple Watch fall detection is available for users 18 years old+ on SE and Series 4 and later
Launch the Apple Watch app on iPhone
Choose the My Watch tab in the bottom left corner
Now swipe down and tap Emergency SOS
To turn on Apple Watch fall detection, tap the toggle next to it
You can also choose if you want the feature always on or just activated during workouts
If you’re under 55, fall detection – when turned on – will default to “Only on during workouts” – but can be changed to “Always on”
It can be worth double-checking your Medical ID and emergency contacts data at the bottom of the Emergency SOS page your on, tap “Edit These Contacts in Health” to make changes
You can check your fall history (excludes when you report you didn’t fall) by heading to the Health app on iPhone > Browse tab > Other data > Number of Times Fallen.
Here’s how the process looks to turn on fall detection:
And here are more specifics on how emergency SOS calls via fall detection work:
If your Apple Watch detects that you’re moving, it waits for you to respond to the alert and won’t automatically call emergency services. If your watch detects that you’ve been immobile for about a minute, it will make the call automatically.
After the call ends, your watch sends a message to your emergency contacts with your location letting them know that your watch detected a hard fall and dialed emergency services. Your watch gets your emergency contacts from your Medical ID.
One of the more useful changes to recent Apple Watch models is support for fast charging. This allows you to quickly top off your Apple Watch battery at much faster speeds than before. There are a few things to remember, and you don’t get everything you need in the box…
Which Apple Watch models support fast charging?
The following Apple Watch variants allow for fast charging:
Apple Watch Series 7
Apple Watch Series 8
Apple Watch Series 9
Apple Watch Ultra
Apple Watch Ultra 2
Apple says that with fast charge, your Apple Watch battery level can go from 0-80% in about 45 minutes. Apple has a support document detailing the specifics of fast charging with the Apple Watch Series 7, Apple Watch Series 8, and Apple Watch Ultra.
What do you need to fast charge your Apple Watch?
Included with the Apple Watch is an Apple USB-C Magnetic Fast Charging Cable. As we’ve previously reported, the difference with this cable is that it has aluminum instead of plastic around the magnetic charger.
While Apple is including one of these cables in the box with Apple Watch Series 7, Series 8, and Ultra, you can also buy them separately so you can outfit all of your charging spots with fast charge support. The cable measures 1m in length and is available for $29. The model number for the cable is A2515, so make sure you’re buying that specific model if you purchase from a third party other than Apple or Amazon.
The second part of the equation is the power adapter that you plug into the wall. As part of its continued focus on reducing its environmental footprint, Apple no longer includes this power brick in the box. This means you’ll have to use one that you already have or buy a new one.
Apple says that any USB-C power adapter that supports USB Power Delivery of 5W or better is capable of Apple Watch fast charging. You can find these on Amazon from reputable brands such as UGreen for as little as $10.
Here are the specifications from Apple:
Apple 18W, 20W, 29W, 30W, 61W, 87W, or 96W USB-C Power Adapter
A comparable third-party USB-C power adapter that supports USB Power Delivery (USB-PD) of 5W or greater
Interesting. So if I read this article correctly, you only need 5 watts with the new usb-c cable to get 45 minutes at 80% on AW 7 or 8?
I thought you needed a larger charger.
Finally, if you use Apple’s MagSafe Duo or its Apple Watch Magnetic Charging Dock, you can’t tap into fast-charging capabilities, regardless of which cable or power adapter you use. You could, however, place the fast charger puck in a third-party dock of any sort.
More options
Belkin Apple Watch Fast Charger Dock
Belkin 3-in-1 Wireless Charger – Fast Charging Stand
Last week, some Apple Watch users reported on an increasingly widespread battery drain problem plaguing Apple Watch users. Following our report, Apple has confirmed the existence of the problem and says a fix is coming soon via a software update.
This Apple Watch battery drain problem appears to affect a wide range of Apple Watch users. This includes the newest models like the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2, as well as older models like the Apple Watch Series 4. Affected users say that their Apple Watch battery life started draining abnormally quickly after updating to watchOS 10.1.
In an internal memo shared with Apple Authorized Service Providers on Saturday, Apple confirmed that it is aware of the battery drain problem affecting Apple Watch users. The company said that a fix is “coming soon” via a software update for watchOS 10. Unfortunately, Apple didn’t provide any further details on when that update will be released (via MacRumors).
Apple’s memo also doesn’t offer specific details on how widespread the problem is. A quick search on Twitter, however, offers some context. One user says that their Apple Watch Series 9 went from 100% to dead in just three hours. Another user reports that their Apple Watch Series 7 battery drained 25% in just 30 minutes.
@AppleSupport watchOS 10.1 has a battery bug. My brand new S9 went from 100% to dead in 3 hours. Multiple people with the same problem. pic.twitter.com/MadJJYFl44
@9to5mac Since I updated my Series 7 to watchOS 10.1, my battery has drained a ton. It barely charged overnight (was even going backwards on the charger at one point) and, after 100% this morning, lost 25% in 30 minutes. Definitely a bug in there. Might be worth investigating.
Seemingly coinciding with the release of watchOS 10.1, a number of Apple Watch users are complaining of abnormal battery drain issues.
This problem appears to be rather widespread, but it does not affect all Apple Watch users. The people who are affected, however, are using a range of different Apple Watch models. This includes older devices like the Apple Watch Series 4 as well as Apple’s newest Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2.
Affected Apple Watch users are reporting battery drain at far more rapid rates than usual. One user on Twitter says that their Apple Watch Series 9 went from 100% to dead in just three hours. Another user reports that their Apple Watch Series 7 battery drained 25% in just 30 minutes.
Simultaneously, many of these people also say that they are having problems charging their Apple Watch due to apparent overheating problems. In the Settings app, users are seeing this message: “Charging was on hold due to Apple Watch temperature.” This leads to the Apple Watch battery actually draining while it’s on the charger for some people.