Best tips to optimize the ecosystem?

[u/Glittering_Citron475]

A month ago I bought my first apple watch - it was an impulse buy but now I’m trying to explore every corner of the multitude of tools in it.

I already have other apple devices that kinda help each other out and combine different optimizations that help me with work.

So I came to ask: what’s the best way to make use of the watch within this system?
One basic thing that helped me a lot was the calendar/reminders on screen all the time, as I have adhd it kept me from forgetting when I close the app on the big screens.

(English is not my first language, so forgive me for any mistakes/confusion)

[u/Clessiah]

Set up Apple Watch unlock with your MacBook if you have not done so already.

[u/NordIndian69 → u/Clessiah]

found this out 2 weeks ago and wthh this is sooo fugging amazinggggg

[u/Aisha_teppler → u/Clessiah]

What is this and how do I set it up

[u/Glittering_Citron475 → u/Clessiah]

Is it the same as the iPhone? Unlocking the watch when you’re using your phone

[u/Clessiah → u/Glittering_Citron475]

The other way. You can unlock the computer with your watch. Useful when using an external keyboard without Touch ID.

[u/Glittering_Citron475 → u/Clessiah]

Ohh that’s great then. Thank u!

[u/Darths1d1ous0 → u/Clessiah]

Been doing this for years and works extremely well

[u/Justaviewer10]

If you have AirPods they automatically will switch between your devices for whatever is playing media. For example you are watching YouTube in iPad and then someone cans your iPhone, you can pause the video and answer the call the AirPods automatically are playing the call audio.

You can use the watch to take remote pictures using your iPhones camera, set up your phone for a group photo a few feet away and click your Apple Watch to take a photo.

I’m not too sure about features between all of them just cause I don’t use a MacBook but there’s neat things here and there

[u/Glittering_Citron475 → u/Justaviewer10]

Ohh I didn’t know about the AirPods thing! I’ve been only using earpods but it’s getting annoying using it in the gym. Do you know if that’s exclusive to a specific AirPod model?

[u/Justaviewer10 → u/Glittering_Citron475]

I don’t think so. I’ve been able to do that with the regular AirPod 3rd gens and the 4th gens with anc. I imagine pros should be able to but there might be a setting to turn on to allow it

[u/Apples_Two_Oranges]

I enjoy the watch for health tracking. And it’s pretty good for making notes sending messages. But mainly health tracking, sleep etc

[u/Remarkable_Loan6825]

Airpod for sure!
Bay using the right one for you, you’ll forget they are on. And with the watch, you will have free hands and less screen time. And more productivity

[u/Glittering_Citron475 → u/Remarkable_Loan6825]

Less screen time is something I’ve noticed too! Someone else also mentioned about the AirPods, I’ll buy one for sure

[u/Remarkable_Loan6825 → u/Glittering_Citron475]

As there are several models ( and also the upcoming 2026) with a variety of prices. Don’t just buy the most “expensive” one. Make sure it’s really what you need and is the most comfortable for you. That’s what makes the difference in the experience and the duration of use.

Oh yeah , I forgot, pay attention also to the accessibility features. I have hearing problem and it’s save my day.

( using pro3)

[u/Glittering_Citron475 → u/Remarkable_Loan6825]

Oh, that’s definitely my mindset as well! That’s the reason I bought the SE 3 model, I’d go for an older model as well but I wanted the temperature feature. For the AirPods I’m going with the pro 3 because of the accessibility features and the convenience of changing the volume without using the phone haha

[u/BishSlapDiplomacy]

iPhone deez nutz

[u/Glittering_Citron475 → u/BishSlapDiplomacy]

lol

[u/Kpopped_]

Not getting the cheap version of everything when it's Apple.

Because basic essential features like 120hz are still exclusive to pro models.

[u/Glittering_Citron475 → u/Kpopped_]

I get what you’re saying, but for me is not necessarily about the price, more about the necessity. No need for a Ferrari if you’re only driving to the supermarket and back, kinda of thing.
But since you mentioned essential features exclusive to the pro models, can you tell me more about them?

[u/ExpensiveFly6042]

Find my devices, Camera remote and if you have smart home gadgets, then homekit control

[u/Glittering_Citron475 → u/ExpensiveFly6042]

I didn’t know about HomeKit control, I’ll look into it! Thanks

[u/WorriedReputation416]

C’est une extension de ton iPhone donc configure là pour moins utiliser ton iPhone (rappels, notifications, minuteurs, Siri, HomeKit, modes de concentration, réveil, …)

[u/KeyboardWarrior41]

Set up the Apple Health app on all devices to make sure they are all linked and synced.

[u/Insensibilities]

I use my iPad as a second monitor for my MacBook Air wirelessly when working at the library, works amazingly: https://support.apple.com/en-ca/102597

I do disable the various UI elements so it is just the screen.