The Apple Watch Series 2 is here, and I’m giving it another shot, but let me tell you—it’s a mixed bag. It’s faster, brighter, and better in some areas, but still frustrating in others. Let’s break it down as I use it throughout my day.
Morning Routine
I wake up to that same waaah sound. It’s still annoying, but hey, I’m up. First thought: no sleep tracking. It’s almost two years since the original Apple Watch, and I’m still stuck using other devices or apps for sleep data. Come on, Apple—step it up.
At least the updated watchOS is faster. Navigating feels smoother, and apps load more quickly than before, but it’s still not instant. There’s a bit of that “I’m waiting” vibe, which makes me wish for more speed.
Morning Run
Time for a quick run. I strap on the watch, pop in my AirPods, and I’m off. First up, the new GPS feature. Finally, I can track my run without needing my phone. It works well, but using GPS drains the battery fast. By the end of my mile, I can almost feel the charge slipping away.
Speaking of music, I’m still tethered to the music I’ve downloaded. Without a cellular chip, I can’t stream on the go, so I’m left wishing I had my phone with me for Spotify or Apple Music streaming. It’s a missed opportunity, but the AirPods pair seamlessly, which is a huge plus over fiddling with older Beats.
Midday Productivity
The brighter screen is a lifesaver when I’m out and about. Even in direct sunlight, I can read notifications, check the time, and navigate the interface without squinting. It’s a definite improvement over the first generation.
While I’m running errands, I test out Apple Pay. The watch’s NFC chip makes payments quick and painless. No fumbling for my wallet or phone; just a tap, and I’m done. It’s moments like these when the watch feels indispensable.
But then there’s the breathe alert. Mid-conversation, I get a tap telling me to breathe. Really? It’s well-meaning, but poorly timed. These alerts, while calming in theory, can feel intrusive when I’m in the middle of something.
Afternoon Swim
One of the biggest upgrades in the Series 2 is water resistance. I take it for a swim, and it handles beautifully. The watch tracks laps accurately, and ejecting water from the speaker with the cool water ejection feature is satisfying every time. This is where the Series 2 shines—it’s a true fitness companion.
Evening Wind-Down
After a full day, I’m ready to relax. The watch’s battery, however, is not. Despite the larger battery, heavy GPS use and a brighter screen mean I’m charging it again before bed. It’s still too thick, and while faster than the first version, it’s not flawless.
I grab some snacks, check my activity rings, and chuckle at the watch not recognising bowling as a workout. It’s moments like these that remind me why I’m still drawn to this device. It’s a work in progress, but it’s getting there.
Final Thoughts
The Apple Watch Series 2 is a significant improvement over its predecessor. The added GPS, water resistance, and brighter display make it a great fitness companion. However, it’s still lacking in some key areas: no sleep tracking, no cellular connectivity, and a battery that struggles under heavy use. For those already in the Apple ecosystem, it’s a solid upgrade. But for anyone looking for simplicity or better battery life, a Fitbit or similar device might still win out.
Goodnight, Apple Watch. Here’s to hoping Version 3 gets even closer to perfection.