Just like with the iPhone, using apps on an Apple Watch can unlock a whole world of possibilities.
While there aren't as many apps available for the wearable device as the iPhone, you still might wonder where to get started—especially if you're a first-time user.
We're here to help. Here are the best apps to download for anyone new to the Apple Watch.
1. Pandora
You don't need an iPhone to rock out with the Pandora Apple Watch app. The popular app can play music and podcasts without needing an iPhone nearby. All you need is is a cellular-enabled Apple Watch or a Wi-Fi connection.
Just use a pair of Bluetooth headphones, like Apple's popular AirPods line, to connect to the watch and you'll be good to go. That makes it a perfect way to go on a run or other activity. And if you're interested, there are also a number of other great apps that don't need an iPhone nearby.
With a subscription, you can unlock unlimited skips and more.
2. Any.do
Getting organized is never an easy task. But if you're new to an Apple Watch, Any.do is a great app to try out to manage all of your daily chores and more. On the app, you can see all of your tasks organized in a simple list. You can even set a reminder for a certain to-do item and view subtasks and any additional notes.
It's easy to add tasks directly from the watch using Scribble or voice dictation.
A subscription will unlock additional features like advance recurring reminders, location reminders, and more.
3. AutoSleep
Getting a good night's sleep is a big part of a healthy lifestyle. While the Apple Watch features a built-in sleep tracker, AutoSleep is even better. The best part of using the app is that you don't need to do a thing. Just head to bed with your watch on. In the morning, you'll see a notification with your sleep quality that takes into account time asleep, restlessness, time awake, and heart rate.
The app also features a Smart Alarm option. You can set a window for when you want to be woken up in the morning and then the alarm will go off when you're in a lighter sleep so you can wake up not feeling groggy.
4. Hello Weather
For anyone new to an Apple Watch, the number of weather apps available might be overwhelming. But a great place to start is with Hello Weather.
]The app is simple to use and gives you great up-to-date weather information for any location. After opening the app, you can see the current weather conditions, a short-term forecast, and the outlook for the rest of the week. Select each section to see more information.
While the free version of the app provides a detailed look and forecast at your locations, you'll need a subscription to take advantage of more advanced features like watch face complications and access to more weather data sources.
5. PCalc
Unless you’re a math genius, having a calculator handy can always come in handy whether you’re splitting a bill at a restaurant or doing another task. And PCalc provides a great experience on the small screen of your Apple Watch.
You can easily enter information into the keypad to get a quick solution. Using the Digital Crown, you can also switch to a quick screen for conversion or a tip calculator along with more advanced functionality like algebraic, logarithmic, and trig. If you don’t want to use the keypad, you can even use Scribble or voice dictation to enter information.
6. Heart Analyzer
The Apple Watch's heart rate tracker, ECG measurements, and bloody oxygen monitoring are among the most popular reasons users are interested in the device. And with Heart Analyzer, you can make the most of all of that important health data.
On the Apple Watch, it features LiveHR that will automatically take your heart rate reading when the app is open. You can also view heart rate data throughout the day along with data from recent workouts as well.
With a wide variety of complications, the app will show blood oxygen readings, Vo2Max, and more on a watch face. There's even a spot on one face complication to see a daily heart rate chart without even needing to open up the app.
With separate in-app purchases, you can unlock additional features including extended data and even deeper analytics to view on your iPhone.
7. Streaks Workout
Many people purchase an Apple Watch while on a journey to a more healthy lifestyle thanks to the wide variety of fitness tracking features.
Streaks Workout provides a great way to work out anywhere with just a few free minutes and your Apple Watch. There's no need for any equipment. The app offers 30 exercises to select from to create a custom workout to best match your age and ability.
You can select from four different workout lengths of 6, 12, 18, or 30 minutes. All of the workout information, including heart rate data, is saved to Apple Health so you can use it to fill those daily Activity rings.
8. Citymapper
Getting around in a major city can be a hassle, especially if you're just visiting. But Citymapper is a great way to help you navigate without needing to pull out your iPhone. The transit app offers turn-by-turn directions for public transportation, walking, cycling, and scooter trips in a number of major cities worldwide.
On the Apple Watch app, you can see directions and transit information at just a glance. There are also a number of complications so you can see information on a watch face.
A subscription will unlock additional features including more routing features.
9. Coloring Watch
Coloring isn't just for kids. It's a great way to calm down and relieve stress. And with the unique Coloring Watch app, you can do that on your wrist.
There are more than 80 images to select and 100 colors to choose from. You'll toggle between image parts by tapping on the screen. Scroll through different colors with the Digital Crown.
The app also uses the Apple Watch's built-in heart rate tracking feature in a unique way. Breathe calmly and start a five-minute coloring session that will track your heart rate. After the session is complete, you can see how your heart rate changes. Information from the sessions are stored as Mindful Minutes in the Health app.
You can see all of the coloring images on an iPhone and even set the image as a watch face or complication.
Using the Best Apple Watch Apps
With this app starter pack, you'll definitely be able to see firsthand what you can do with the Apple Watch and how you can integrate the device into your everyday routine.
And another way to take advantage of the Apple Watch is with complications that allow you to interact with apps from a watch face.