- Tips - Pause your workout to take a break ⏸️
- Trivia - Test your Apple Watch knowledge 🧠
- Deep Dive - Trade in your physical wallet for the Wallet app ⌚
- Health Challenge Update - Join our April 2026 Challenge! 🏆
- 🤫 Make your watch silent and dim.
- 🔎 Zoom out of overly zoomed-in watch.
- ⏸️ Pause a workout to take a breather.
Whether you’re someone who charges your Apple Watch at the same time every day or just throws it on the charger when you notice the battery is low, you’ll know the importance of having enough power. What is the approximate battery life of most Apple Watch models under typical use?
🔋8 hours
🔋🔋18 hours
🔋🔋🔋36 hours
🔋🔋🔋🔋72 hours
Did you get it right? Scroll down to find out!
My physical wallet is often a mess, full of old receipts and cards I'll never use again. This is one of the many reasons I prefer to leave the bulky thing at home and use my Wallet app instead. I use my phone to put cards, keys, and tickets on my watch, then I use my watch to make payments, open doors, and more.
Keep Your Passport on Your Wrist
Users in certain states in the USA have been able to add their state or driver's license to their Wallet app since March 2022, but recently it became possible to add passports too! Once added, your passport will appear in your watch's wallet, showing minimal details until you tap on it and enter your passcode to see more delicate data like your passport number. While I haven't been able to try it yet, Apple claims your virtual passport can be used to fly domestically at over 250 U.S. airports. I would still bring my passport as a backup, but it would make my life easier if I could keep it stored away while letting the TSA agents scan my watch instead.
Unlock Your Home Without a Physical Key
I have used a smart lock for the past two years, and I can't imagine ever going back to inconvenient and easy-to-lose or forget physical keys. While Apple doesn't make its own smart locks, there are lots of third-party companies that sell compatible devices. I personally have used the Level Lock+ ($249) and the LNDU Smart Lock HK01 ($99), while our CEO David Averbach swears by the Yale Assure Smart Lock with Keypad ($229). The setup is easy via the third-party app or Apple's Home app, depending on the lock. Finally, you'll be able to add your keycard to the Wallet. Once it is all set up, you simply find the card on your watch's Wallet app and hold it up to the sensor. Some hotels will let you add their keycards to your wallet, too!
Pay Virtually with Your Preferred Method
Your Wallet can be used to make purchases in two ways: via Apple Cash or with a credit or debit card of your choice. As long as you shop somewhere that accepts Apple Pay, you'll be able to pay with your watch!
Use & Top Up Transit Cards on Your Watch
While it only works in a few cities around the world, you might be able to add your transit card to your Apple Wallet. This is possible in NYC, Boston, LA, and a few other US cities. Plus, it is possible all over Japan! If your area has a compatible transit card, you might even be able to top it up from the Wallet app or directly from the Maps app once you've looked up your transit route.
Digital Boarding Passes & Other Tickets
I've gone through the hassle of running through an airport just to realize that I lost my boarding pass along the way. Now I stick to virtual passes because the likelihood of me losing my phone and watch is much lower than misplacing a small piece of paper. You can also add a variety of event tickets to your Wallet. This makes it so much easier if you need to use the restroom or get refreshments, then have to show your ticket again to get back to your seat. The Wallet app also makes it super easy to share tickets with other Apple users if you bought multiple tickets for your family and friends.
Did I miss your favorite Wallet App tip? Email OntheWatch@iphonelife.com and let me know!
🔋🔋18 hours
Of course, this depends a lot on your Apple Watch model and usage (the Ultra has a bigger battery while the SE has a smaller one), but on average, you can expect your Apple Watch to last through your waking hours.
You can now join the May Challenge! The monthly iPhone Life Challenge is a great way to come together as a community and motivate each other to reach our health goals by staying active. We’ll be doing a weekly accountability post for subscribers in our Insider Facebook group. Join to share struggles, trade tips, and support one another on our journeys.
To join the challenge, download the free Challenges app on your iPhone and enter the code 8RW6 when prompted. Need help? This article explains the steps and tells you more about the app.
Are you enjoying the challenge? Do you have any suggestions for how we can make it even better? Email OnTheWatch@iPhoneLife.com and let me know.
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