Apple products are known for their easy-to-understand nature and intuitive use, but that’s also something of a myth. Sure, Apple’s software does make some tasks very simple, but unless you spend time digging around and tapping your way through various settings and apps, you’re likely missing out on some of the more advanced, and useful, features the company builds into its products.
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For example, with theApple Watch Ultraand more recentUltra 2, there are plenty of extra features you need to know about to take full advantage of. Features like a dedicated night mode for select watch faces, or the ability to add waypoints to your hike, ensuring you find your way back to camp or your car. Below, you’ll find a list of my top 10 tips and tricks to help get the most out of your shiny new Apple Watch Ultra or Ultra 2.
1Use the Action Button to create shortcuts and more
A bit of creativity goes a long way
The Action Button is arguably one of the biggest draws of the Apple Watch Ultra andUltra 2, giving you the option to trigger a workout, start a timer, or start countless other tasks with the press of a single button on the side of the watch. However, you don’t have to use the Action Button to kick-start the pre-programmed functionality it came out of the box with, you can get creative and use it to control your lights or trigger another smart home automation.
My favorite way to use the Action Button is to set it to trigger a Shortcut that I created in the Shortcut app on myiPhone. The Shortcut displays a menu of different tasks, ranging from turning off the TV, putting my Apple devices on DND for 30 minutes, and starting Cool Family radio on a HomePod when it’s time to eat, ensuring my family and myself aren’t distracted while we enjoy a meal together. I also have a menu item to launch an outdoor walk in the Fitness app, as well as start charging my car at night.
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2Find your way back, wherever you are
Not all those who wander are lost
The Compass on Apple Watch Ultra and Ultra 2 really is a godsend for those who don’t want to get lost, or anyone prone to going off course. You can launch the Compass app from the Ultra’s app grid, or you can add it as a complication to your various watch faces.
How to use the Compass feature
Waypoints can be anything from a camping spot to a hospital.
All of these features combined will help ensure you stay on track, or if you go off the trail a bit, that you can find your way back.
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3Get help in an emergency
Ensure you’re safe
Don’t think this feature is only handy for the elderly, asFall Detectioncan be used by anyone who enjoys running, walking or cycling outside.
How to fine-tune when Fall Detection works
Additionally, the default setting on the Apple Watch Ultra and Ultra 2 allows you to long-press the Side Button (just below the Digital Crown) to contact emergency services.
If the Apple Watch Ultra or Watch Ultra 2 detects a fall, the watch will automatically call emergency services and alert your emergency contacts that you fell. Your watch will need to have a cellular plan connected to it if your phone isn’t nearby.
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4Keep an eye on your heart rate
Watch out for an irregular rhythm
Your Apple Watch records your heart rate every 10 minutes when you’re not exercising, but the moment you start a workout on the watch, it’s constantly recording your heart rate and rhythm. And depending on how you have your watch set up, you may receive an alert whenever your Apple Watch Ultra detects your heart may have an irregular rhythm.
How to enable Irregular Rhythm Notifications
Going forward, if your Apple Watch Ultra or Ultra 2 ever detects something’s off with your heart’s rhythm, you’ll receive an alert letting you know and urge you to seek medical attention.
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5Use your Watch Ultra as a flashlight
For moments when you’re in the dark
The Apple Watch Ultra and Ultra 2’s screens are very bright, making them easy to see in direct sunlight and for general use outdoors. But there’s an added benefit to having 2,000 nits or 3,000 nits of brightness, respectively, and that’s the ability to use the watch’s display as a flashlight.
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6Go incognito
A nighttime-friendly watch face
Speaking of using a red flashlight, the Apple Watch Ultra has two watch faces that have a dedicated night mode, turning the entire interface red, making it easier to see at night without being a shock to your eyes. In essence, red reduces glare and is a color your eyes can more naturally adjust to in very dark environments.
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7Customize the new smart stack
Get more from your favorite widgets
With the launch of WatchOS 10, Apple changed how you interact with some elements of your smartwatch. For example, instead of swiping up from the bottom of the screen to view your Control Center options, you now see a stack of small widgets that contain various bits of information and shortcuts to apps.
You can customize your Smart Stack by long-pressing on any of the cards. Then, you can tap on the red circle to delete a card, or pin a card by tapping on the yellow icon. Spend a few minutes going through your stack to ensure you see what you want, and not what you don’t.
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8"Automagically" unlock your Mac
Forget about typing in your password
It might not be bespoke to Apple Watch Ultra and Ultra 2, but the ability to unlock yourMacsimply by having your Apple Watch on your wrist is convenient and saves you from having to type in passwords or use Touch ID.
How to “automagically” unlock your Mac using the Ultra
9Take full advantage of Siri
Siri has gotten a lot smarter
Siri is a powerful tool, but with the Apple Watch Ultra 2, its new chipset, and WatchOS 10, Siri is more capable than ever on the Apple Watch. For example, you’re able to interact with Siri without sending all of your requests to Apple’s servers, which speeds up Siri’s response time.
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And with the release of WatchOS 10.2, you’re now able toask Siri about various health stats, such as the number of steps you’ve completed or a maximum heart rate during a recent workout. That last feature is specific to the Apple Watch Series 9 and the Ultra 2 due to the processor that both watches use.
10Find your lost phone
UWB to the rescue
If you own the latest Apple Watch Ultra 2, which has an ultra-wideband chip, and you have aniPhone 15, the next time you attempt to locate a lost phone, you’re in for a treat. The two devices are now able to communicate with each other for precise locating, making it easier to find your lost phone than ever. Apple’s ultra-wideband tech means you canpinpoint it to the exact couch cushionyour phone is under.
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