to the limited screen size, interacting with the watch via your fingertips and voice, and what apps work best on your wrist (just as you’ll discover some things are simply better on a phone). Because Apple Watch has a somewhat steeper learning curve than other technology, give yourself a while to master it. Just know I’m here to help in a language you can understand, which means you can put away your geek-to-English dictionary.
Also keep in mind that Apple adds new features to Apple Watch over “time” (sorry for the dad joke) or when a new operating system update is available. But don’t fret: This book covers not only the basics but also advanced capabilities. And hey, it’s the fourth edition, after all, and I’m keeping on top of what’s new so you don’t have to. And after you learn — and apply — a good number of the tasks discussed in this book, you should no doubt be comfortable with whatever new things the watch can do in the future.
How to Use This Book
Although this book is meant to be a handy and informative resource, I hope you find the tone conversational. And as with other For Dummies books, you can read Apple Watch For Dummies in any order you like. I suggest you start with the first chapter or two in order to learn the various parts of the watch and its user interface, but after that, feel free to jump from chapter to chapter if one topic interests you more than another. Perhaps start by thumbing through the specific topics in the Table of Contents and then go to a particular chapter that piques your curiosity.
For example, you might wonder about the fitness capabilities of Apple Watch — how it counts your steps and the number of stairs climbed, calculates distance traveled, determines your calories burned and heart rate, and so on — so you can turn to Chapter 8 right away. Or maybe you’re anxious to master text messages, emails, and calls on your new device? That would be Chapter 5 — on keeping in touch with those who matter. On the other hand, Chapter 10 focuses on using Apple Watch for making mobile payments at retail by waving your wrist over a contactless terminal to complete a transaction. You get the idea. Each chapter can stand on its own.
And if you’re “old school” and would like a more linear read, go ahead and flip through it from beginning to end. Just don’t expect a plot twist near the end!
In some cases, I cross-reference subjects with topics from other chapters whenever relevant, but you can skip over them if you like, or you can pursue them. I also cover how to best use your voice instead of your fingertips — after all, I wrote the book Siri For Dummies (shameless plug alert!).
It goes without saying that you’ll benefit most from this book if you have your Apple Watch with you, along with your nearby iPhone — which may be required for some of the changes you’d like to make to Apple Watch — and if you ensure the battery is full on both devices. Oh, and it doesn’t matter which Apple Watch you own — such as the original version, the more attractively priced Apple Watch SE, or the latest and top-of-the-line Series 7 model, which adds a larger display, added durability, up to 33-percent faster charging, a new QWERTY keyboard option, five new colors, and other features — because this book is relevant to every model that has come out over the years. If it’s a feature or setting tied to a specific Apple Watch, I call that out for you.
The various tips and tricks throughout the book — as well as some interesting tidbits — will help you get the most from your Apple Watch. For example, you can use your Apple Watch to control music, audiobooks, and podcasts on your iPhone. Also, your watch knows the difference between a tap and a press. And did you know your watch can tap you with a slight vibration whenever a new message arrives for you to read? Or it reminds you to be conscious of your breathing throughout the day, and guides you along with relaxation exercises? You learn how to do that — and much more — throughout this book.
But you don’t need to wade through these extra Apple Watch factoids if you prefer to stick to the basics. Most of this extra content is labeled as Technical Stuff (see the “Icons Used in This Book” section). Then again, you might be more interested in these “sides” than the main course. (I’m sometimes like that when I visit my favorite restaurant.)
Foolish Assumptions
When writing this book, I made only two major assumptions:
You own one of the Apple Watch products.
You want to know how to get the most from it.
The watch doesn't come with an instruction manual, so consider this edition of Apple Watch For Dummies the closest thing to one — and a whole lot more too, if I may say so myself.
Icons Used in This Book
The following icons are placed in the margins of the book’s pages to point out information you may or may not want to read.
Beyond This Book
We’re almost ready to dive into this book so you can master your Apple Watch, but I want to make you aware of an excellent online resource: The Apple Watch For Dummies Cheat Sheet: This site offers handy tips on using your watch to meet your fitness goals and getting turn-by-turn directions. To find access to this cheat sheet, go to www.dummies.com and type “Apple Watch For Dummies cheat sheet” in the search box.
Where to Go from Here
If you’ve never used an Apple Watch — perhaps you bought this book in anticipation of purchasing one or receiving it as a gift — it might be best to power up the watch, turn it on, and follow the prompts to set it all up. Chapter 2 goes into this if you prefer to wait, or feel free to dive in with the watch before you fully crack the spine of this book. Your call based on your comfort level.
Regardless of which model you own — or plan on buying or receiving — you don’t need to know anything to begin reading Apple Watch For Dummies 2022 Edition. All you need is your willingness to learn this exciting new wearable gadget, which should help add convenience, speed, and style to your everyday tasks.
Ready to start? Turn the page… .
Part 1
Getting to Know Apple Watch
IN THIS PART …
Set