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Why settle for a regular smartwatch when your Apple Watch can do so much more? This guide highlights a carefully curated selection of the best Apple Watch apps to track your sleep, fitness, and mood — helping you stay healthier, focused, and balanced.
Discover Headway, which makes reading a quick daily habit, and other must-have apps for better productivity and well-being.
The best Apple Watch apps to maximize your watch's potential in 2025
If you need quick suggestions, here's a brief list of the top 5 apps that enhance fitness tracking, productivity, and learning for your Apple Watch — all accessible on the Apple Watch App Store.
Microlearning, audiobook summaries, and habit nudges.
2. AutoSleep
Automatic sleep tracking with in-depth metrics.
3. Todoist
A to-do list and task management tool on your wrist.
4. Just Press Record
One-tap voice notes and transcription.
5. Citymapper
Real-time public transport navigation with offline maps.
Self-growth partner right on your wrist!
• 15-min audio book summaries with easy access right from your watch
• Collect wins with daily streaks and insights
• Save audio highlights as you listen
The best Apple Watch apps to match your lifestyle
Want to get the most out of your Apple Watch? The best Apple Watch apps go far beyond basic features, turning your smartwatch into a hub for fitness tracking, nutrition, sleep apps, and more.
Whether you use the Apple Watch SE, Apple Watch Ultra, Series 9, or any of the latest Apple Watch Series, these apps help you stay healthy, productive, and connected daily.
Apps for audio learning on the go
Your Apple Watch can turn commutes and workouts into learning opportunities, making audiobooks and podcasts more accessible than ever.
1. Headway
The ultimate microlearning app for busy people.
What it offers: Delivers 15-minute summaries of nonfiction bestsellers in audio or text, plus gamified challenges.
Why you might like it: Ideal for building a learning habit; perfect for quick personal growth.
Things to consider: Summaries may feel surface-level; some users report subscription issues.
Best for: Busy learners who want quick, actionable insights.
2. Audible
You will not be disappointed in this app if you are more of an audiobook person.
What it offers: You can stream and download full audiobooks to your watch for phone-free listening.
Why you might like it: Access your entire library on the go without your iPhone.
Things to consider: Audiobooks must be purchased.
Who it's best for: Avid audiobook fans who want their library on their wrist.
3. Overcast
This feature-rich podcast app gives Apple Watch users a smoother listening experience.
What it offers: It includes Smart Speed to reduce pauses and Voice Boost for clearer sound, and it can be used for offline streaming or listening.
Why you might like it: Clean, intuitive interface; enhances audio quality; great for power podcast listeners.
Things to consider: Some users have reported occasional syncing delays between devices.
Who it's best for: Podcast lovers who want a customizable, efficient, and high-quality podcast app for workouts, commutes, or daily routines.
4. Spotify
This is an ideal pick for fans of classic or modern musicians, artists, bands, and those who regularly listen to their favorite podcasts.
What it offers: Premium users can download and listen to music and podcasts offline directly from their watch.
Why you might like it: Ideal for workouts and runs without carrying your phone.
Things to consider: Offline listening is subscription-only.
Who it's best for: Spotify Premium users who want seamless music access.
Apps for health, fitness, motivation, and consistency
The built-in Workout app is a good start, but third-party Apple Watch apps provide in-depth metrics, custom watch faces, and advanced tracking tools. From interval training to recovery insights, these apps take your workouts to the next level.
5. Strava
Ideal for sport enthusiasts who like to run or cycle and need motivational charging for self-discipline and a community to cheer them on.
What it offers: Tracks activities, compares performance, and connects you to a global fitness community.
Why you might like it: Easy to use, auto-saves workouts, and strong social features.
Things to consider: The Apple Watch version is basic.
Who it's best for: Athletes who love to compete and users who are consistent in fitness.
6. WorkoutDoors
A top tracking app for users who prefer customization.
What it offers: Voice alerts, offline navigation (map), and detailed metrics.
Why you might like it: Highly customizable, excellent data tracking features.
Things to consider: Setup is a bit complex.
Who it's best for: Outdoor adventurers and anyone who requires back-up with navigation and spatial orientation.
7. Gentler Streak
This Apple Watch fitness app helps you take care of long-term health instead of pressuring you into being too concerned with daily goals.
What it offers: Analyzes your heart rate, sleep patterns, and recovery details to balance your workout intensity and rest.
Why you might like it: Moderate your fitness routine to prevent burnout and meet your body's needs.
Things to consider: This app might not appeal to you if you like a little competition.
Who it's best for: Those who strive to stick to a sustainable fitness routine instead of taking on harsh "breakthrough" challenges.
8. MyFitnessPal
One of the most popular nutrition tracking apps for assisting you in staying mindful of your diet.
What it offers: Record meals, log calories and nutrients, sync with Apple Health.
Why you might like it: Quick meal logging right from your watch.
Things to consider: The feature set is limited compared to the iPhone alternative.
Who it's best for: People who want to be responsible about their nutrition and calorie intake.
9. AutoSleep
A top Apple Watch sleep app to track and analyze your sleep.
What it offers: Automatically monitors sleep quality, duration, and heart rate.
Why you might like it: Hands-off and highly detailed.
Things to consider: Data may feel overwhelming for some.
Who it's best for: Users in need of deep sleep pointers.
Apps for wellness and daily productivity habits
Your Apple Watch can be your trusted companion on your journey of adding consistency and quality to your habits. The right Apple Watch apps help you capture ideas, manage tasks, and maintain healthy routines. With Siri integration, widgets, and quick access to your daily priorities, your smartwatch will operate as your productivity engine.
10. Todoist
A top to-do list and task management app for your Apple Watch.
What it offers: Create tasks quickly, see essential items on your watch face, and use Siri to add tasks hands-free.
Why you might like it: Keeps your tasks organized across iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
Things to consider: For complex project management, you may still prefer a phone or computer.
Who it's best for: Professionals and students who want a fast task manager.
11. Streaks
An award-winning app to help you build and maintain good habits.
What it offers: Track up to 24 daily tasks, maintain streaks, and sync with Apple Health.
Why you might like it: Encourages consistency and automates some habit tracking.
Things to consider: Focusing on streaks may feel strict for some users.
Who it's best for: Anyone aiming to develop long-term healthy routines.
12. Just Press Record
Capture ideas instantly with this simple voice recorder for your watch.
What it offers: One-tap recording, automatic transcription, and syncing across all Apple devices.
Why you might like it: Quickly capture thoughts, notes, or inspiration on the go, with widgets for easy access.
Things to consider: Clear audio is needed for the best transcription results.
Who it's best for: Specialists working in creative industries and students in need of efficient mobile note-taking aid.
Apps for focus, mindfulness, and stress relief
The Apple Watch is a core part of a proactive wellness strategy. These apps integrate mindfulness and stress management into your day, helping you pause and reset when needed.
13. Headspace
A leading meditation and mental health app with tools for stress relief and better sleep.
What it offers: Guided meditations, mindful movement sessions, and sleep stories you can access without your iPhone.
Why you might like it: On-demand stress relief in a few taps; excellent content variety.
Things to consider: Requires a subscription for full access.
Who it's best for: Users looking to integrate mindfulness into daily routines.
14. Calm
The app guards your sleep time and makes you stress-resistant.
What it offers: Meditating and breathing exercises, calming tracks and melodies, soothing stories, and user-customizable watch faces.
Why you might like it: Benefits include enhanced regular mindfulness practice, which can reduce stress and improve focus.
Things to consider: While some features are free, full access requires a subscription.
Who it's best for: Great for anyone looking to integrate mindfulness and stress relief into their daily routine using their Apple Watch.
Apps for real-time info on travel and utilities
Apps in this category provide hyper-local data, navigation, and quick utilities that make your Apple Watch a reliable travel companion.
15. Citymapper
Your go-to public transport app for major cities.
What it offers: Gives turn-by-turn directions, live departure times, and offline maps.
Why you might like it: Far easier than pulling out your iPhone in busy stations.
Things to consider: Limited functionality outside of urban areas.
Who it's best for: Commuters and city travelers.
16. Carrot Weather
A top-rated Apple weather app is popular for its snarky personality and unmatched customization flexibility.
What it offers: Offers radar maps, area-specific forecasts, and dangerous weather alerts.
Why you might like it: Delivers instant, detailed weather updates; fully customizable.
Things to consider: Some premium features (advanced radar and notifications) are region-limited or subscription-based.
Who it's best for: Users who love the outdoors and travel and need instant updates on the weather.
17. Shazam
Find out any song title and an artist instantly with the device that you wear.
What it offers: Recognizes music with a single tap on your watch face.
Why you might like it: Quick, convenient, and hands-free.
Things to consider: Limited to a single purpose.
Who it's best for: Music lovers who need a hand in identifying songs on the spot.
With these Apple Watch apps for wellness, learning, music, and travel, the watch becomes your faithful personal assistant. From Headspace and Calm to Audible, Spotify, and Citymapper, the App Store offers endless tools to reduce stress, learn when you move, and stay connected.
Real-life scenarios: How the best Apple Watch apps fit into your day
The design of the best Apple Watch apps is wired to make your routines easier, productive, and healthier, day after day.
On your commute
Start your morning with a public transport app like Citymapper to check train times. Listen to your favorite Spotify playlist or podcasts, or boost your knowledge with Headway book summaries. Track your steps and heart rate on the way to work using a fitness app like Strava or WorkoutDoors.
During breaks at work
Take a mindful pause with Headspace or Calm to recharge, then capture new ideas instantly with Just Press Record. Quickly check your to-do list in Todoist to stay organized without ever reaching for your iPhone or Mac.
When you're offline
Heading out for a hike or run without your phone? Download Spotify music or Audible audiobooks for offline playback. Use apps like WorkoutDoors to navigate trails and track your progress with real-time metrics.
Before going to bed
End the day with a calming sleep story in Calm or Headspace, while AutoSleep automatically tracks your rest. Review your sleep tracking insights in the morning to plan your day better.
By weaving these Apple Watch apps into daily life, your smartwatch becomes your partner who checks on your health, productivity, learning habits, and entertainment dynamics to ensure you are in good health and spend your time reasonably.
Find your perfect app match: A fun quiz for Apple Watch fans
Think your Apple Watch is already pulling its weight? Let's find out which of the best Apple Watch apps is your true soulmate. Grab a pen (well, keyboard), choose the A, B, or C option depending on what resonates with you most. We will tally your points and present you with your new smartwatch sidekick!
Find your next great app and let your Apple Watch become your ultimate smartwatch commanding center.
Grow with the Headway app on your Apple Watch
Apple Watch has never been just an accessory but rather a pocket-sized coach and counselor that helps users grow and learn nonstop, yet with moderation.
With some of the best Apple Watch apps like WorkoutDoors, Streaks, Headspace, and Headway, the smartwatch becomes a wheel coordinating the building of better habits for productivity and mindfulness.
What makes the Apple Watch stand out is how quickly it adapts to your style and pace of living. Whether you're chasing detailed fitness metrics or looking to stay composed and disciplined, the smartwatch apps will deliver helpful reminders as often as you wish.
With the Headway app on your Apple Watch, you can turn every spare moment into growth. Whether commuting, working out, or taking a break, Headway inspires you and helps you build lasting habits.
Start small, grow daily, and let your Apple Watch and Headway guide your journey toward becoming your best self.
FAQs about the best Apple Watch apps
Can you listen to book summaries on an Apple Watch?
Yes! With must-have Apple Watch apps like Headway, you can enjoy bite-sized audio summaries of bestselling nonfiction books right from your wrist — no iPhone required. There's even an offline listening option. Prefer full audiobooks? Audible lets you stream or download entire books on your watch, perfect for workouts or commutes.
What are the best Apple Watch apps for building habits?
The Streaks app is a fan favorite for tracking up to 24 daily tasks, motivating you to maintain streaks and consistency. Another great pick is Todoist, a powerful to-do list and task management app that syncs across devices, helping you stay organized and hit your goals effortlessly.
How do you install apps directly on an Apple Watch?
It's easy! If you're using watchOS 6 or later, you can browse the App Store (for IOS) directly on your Apple Watch and install apps with a tap. Alternatively, open the Watch app on your mobile, find "Available Apps," and install the smartwatch version in seconds.
Can I track sleep with my Apple Watch?
Yes! Apple Watch offers a built-in sleep tracking function. For more detailed and specific insights, try the AutoSleep app. Its functional set includes automatic tracking of how well and how long you sleep, as well as your heart rate. You can see clear metrics and use them to improve the quality of your rest time.
What are some popular fitness apps for Apple Watch?
Top fitness apps include Strava for community-driven challenges, WorkoutDoors for pro-level workout metrics, and Gentler Streak to balance training and recovery. With these apps, your Apple Watch becomes a Garmin-style performance tool and a wellness coach, helping you stay motivated while avoiding burnout.
Does MyFitnessPal work with Apple Watch?
Yes! MyFitnessPal syncs perfectly with Apple Health to track calories, macros, and activity. You can log meals, monitor your nutrition goals, and view progress right on your watch face — a simple, powerful way to stay on top of health and fitness every day and encourage others by sharing your progress via social media platforms.
Can I use my Apple Watch to navigate without my phone?
Sure. One of the best Apple Watch apps in store — Citymapper — makes the use of public transportation easier by giving you hands-free use, real-time updates on bus and train timetables and routes. These features are beneficial for travelers and weekday commuters who need reliable guidance without constantly checking their screens.
