The Apple Watch: A Smartwatch or a Fitness Tracker?

The Apple Watch is certainly a smartwatch, but is it a fitness tracker? Can it replace your current fitness tracker? And how good is it for fitness tracking in the first place? These are the questions I set out to answer in my review. After using the Apple Watch for several weeks, I’m ready to share my thoughts on whether it can truly hold its own as a fitness tracker.

What’s Missing from the Apple Watch as a Fitness Tracker?

While the Apple Watch offers a wide range of features, there are a few things missing that might prevent it from being the perfect fitness tracker:

1. Onboard GPS
   Unlike some dedicated fitness trackers, the Apple Watch doesn’t have built-in GPS (unless you opt for the Series 7 or later models with LTE). This means if you want accurate location tracking during runs or bike rides, you’ll need to bring your iPhone along. For those who like to exercise without their phone, this could be a downside.
2. Sleep Tracking
   Although there are third-party apps that offer sleep tracking functionality, the Apple Watch doesn’t have this built-in at the time of writing. For many fitness enthusiasts, tracking sleep is just as important as monitoring workouts. While Apple might add this in future updates, it’s something to keep in mind for now.
3. Cost
   The Apple Watch isn’t cheap. Starting at around $350 AUD, it’s significantly more expensive than many basic fitness trackers on the market. If you’re looking for something that’s just going to track steps, heart rate, and workouts, the price tag might seem a bit steep.

Despite these limitations, I found that the Apple Watch can still work very well as a fitness tracker, especially if you’re already within the Apple ecosystem.

Build Quality

As expected from Apple, the build quality of the Apple Watch is premium. The watch feels durable and lightweight, and the bands are easy to swap out, allowing you to customise the fit to suit your style and comfort during workouts. It’s also water-resistant up to 50 metres, which means it can handle swimming sessions without any issue.

I took my Apple Watch through a variety of conditions—jogging, weight lifting, and even a couple of longer bike rides—and the watch held up well in all environments. It wasn’t bothered by sweat, and the screen remained free from scratches even after a few accidental bumps.

Fitness Features and App Integration

Apple has built a strong set of fitness features into the Apple Watch. Here’s how it performed across a few key areas:

1. Workout App
   The Workout app is where most of your exercise tracking happens. You can choose from a variety of activities, such as walking, running, cycling, rowing, swimming, and more. Once you start your workout, the watch tracks key metrics like time, calories burned, distance (with GPS), and heart rate. It’s very intuitive to use and provides real-time feedback as you go, including a visual progress ring for each activity.
2. Heart Rate Monitoring
   One of the standout features of the Apple Watch is its heart rate monitor. The optical sensor tracks your heart rate throughout the day and during workouts. It’s fairly accurate for general use, though like all optical sensors, it can be less precise during intense exercises like weightlifting. For more serious heart rate tracking (such as during HIIT or strength training), you can pair the Apple Watch with a Bluetooth chest strap for more accuracy.
3. Activity Rings
   The Activity app uses a unique “rings” system to encourage you to stay active throughout the day. The three rings track:
   • Move (red ring): Active calories burned
   • Exercise (green ring): Minutes of exercise
   • Stand (blue ring): Hours you’ve stood up and moved for at least a minute
   This simple but effective system encourages healthy habits, and I found that it provided a good sense of accomplishment as I completed each goal.
4. Health App Integration
   All of the data collected by the Apple Watch syncs with the Health app on your iPhone. The app gives you an overview of your daily activity, as well as long-term trends and insights. You can also integrate data from third-party apps and devices, making the Health app a central hub for all your fitness and health information.

Battery Life During Workouts

A common concern with smartwatches in general is battery life, and the Apple Watch is no different. During regular use, the battery can last anywhere from 18 to 24 hours, depending on your settings. However, when you use the Workout app or engage in a GPS-heavy activity, the battery depletes much faster.

For example, I found that a 45-minute run with the Workout app and GPS tracking reduced the battery by about 15-20%. While this isn’t terrible, it’s worth considering if you’re planning on doing longer workouts or outdoor activities. You’ll likely need to charge it nightly to keep it in rotation.

Can the Apple Watch Replace Your Fitness Tracker?

In short, yes, the Apple Watch can replace your fitness tracker, but it may not be the perfect choice for everyone.

• If you’re an athlete who needs onboard GPS or more advanced metrics (such as lactate threshold or VO2 max), you might find the Apple Watch lacking.
• If you’re already in the Apple ecosystem and looking for a fitness tracker that integrates seamlessly with your phone and other Apple devices, then the Apple Watch is an excellent choice. It offers solid tracking for daily activity, heart rate monitoring, and basic workout tracking.
• For those who just want a no-frills, budget-friendly fitness tracker, the Apple Watch might be overkill, and you may find better value in a simpler device from brands like Fitbit, Garmin, or Polar.

The Verdict: Is the Apple Watch a Good Fitness Tracker?

The Apple Watch is undeniably a powerful and capable fitness tracker, but it’s much more than just that. It’s a smartwatch first, and its fitness tracking features are a close second. If you’re looking for a device that blends fitness tracking with a wide range of smart features—like notifications, apps, and more—the Apple Watch is an excellent choice.

For someone like me who values fitness tracking, convenience, and seamless integration with the iPhone, the Apple Watch is a great all-in-one solution. It might not be perfect for hardcore athletes or those who need highly specialized fitness features, but for most people looking for a versatile, reliable fitness tracker with smartwatch capabilities, the Apple Watch is definitely worth considering.