10 Life-Saving Features of the Apple Watch You Need to Know

Fall Detection Calls Emergency Services for You

Using the sensors in the Apple Watch, Fall Detection has the ability to detect if you have fallen. Once a fall is detected, a notification will appear on your watch asking if you are okay. You can then choose to dismiss the alert or contact emergency services directly from your watch, provided that your phone or a cell tower is within range. If you are unresponsive and do not move, your watch will automatically call emergency services for you. Siri will provide a message explaining the reason for the call and your GPS coordinates, giving you a chance to cancel the call if it was a false detection. A loud alert will sound before the call is made.

You can enable Fall Detection under the Watch app’s Emergency SOS section and leave it on all of the time, or choose to have it enabled just when you’re working out.

Crash Detection Reports High-Impact Crashes

Similar to Fall Detection, Crash Detection is a useful feature that can identify and alert emergency services in the event of a high-impact incident such as a car crash. This technology is currently available on newer models such as the Apple Watch Series 8, Apple Watch Ultra, and the iPhone 14 and beyond.

If an accident leaves you unconscious, the Crash Detection feature will automatically alert emergency services to come to your aid. However, if you're planning a trip to a theme park, you may want to turn off this feature. By default, Crash Detection is enabled, but you can easily disable it by accessing the Emergency SOS menu in the Watch app.

Heart Rate Monitoring May Notice Cardiac Events

Upon initial setup of your Apple Watch, you'll have the opportunity to provide personal details such as your age, height, weight, and other pertinent information. Additionally, you'll have the option to enable heart rate monitoring that can detect low or high readings, depending on your activity level.

With this monitoring capability, you can proactively detect potential cardiac events, such as heart attacks, thus avoiding any unfortunate incidents. The internet is abundant with examples of the Apple Watch accurately predicting such events and contributing to positive outcomes. By accessing the Heart menu in the Watch app on your iPhone, you can effortlessly activate the feature and set personalized limits.

Atrial Fibrillation Detection Looks for Abnormal Heart Rhythm

The Apple Watch goes beyond just notifying you of high and low heart rates, it can also detect irregular heart rates. Although Apple clarifies that this detection is not a substitute for a medical diagnosis, it can serve as an alert that prompts you to seek medical attention and have any issues investigated by professionals.

Your Apple Watch will prompt you to activate the heart rate monitoring feature during the initial setup, similar to other devices. Moreover, you have the flexibility to enable or disable it whenever you want by accessing the Heart section on the Watch app.

Call Emergency Services by Holding a Button

Press and hold the side button (located below the Digital Crown) on your Apple Watch to quickly initiate an emergency call. Upon holding the button, a loud alert will sound and you will be immediately connected to emergency services. The Apple Watch utilizes International Emergency Calling, allowing for automatic connectivity to over 120 countries across the globe. This feature is particularly useful on cellular models, as an iPhone is not required to place the call - only cellular reception is necessary.

Avoid Sedentary Behaviors With Activity Notifications

Leading a sedentary lifestyle comes with several health risks that are well-established. However, with the Apple Watch, you now have a device that can encourage you to increase your physical activity. The notifications you receive about your activity levels are a great motivator, and the stand notifications remind you to get up and move around for a few minutes if you’ve been sitting for too long.

This is less about “saving” your life and more about prolonging it, but it’s still likely to have a net-positive impact on your overall health.

Backtrack, Compass, and Maps Features for Navigation

With the introduction of Backtrack in watchOS 9 for the Apple Watch Series 6 or later, you now have the ability to easily retrace your steps if you find yourself lost while out and about. Backtrack can be manually enabled through the Compass app on your Watch, but it also automatically logs route data when it detects that you may need it. Additionally, the Apple Watch Compass app can assist you in finding your way by pointing you in the right direction and allowing you to set waypoints for useful locations such as base camp or a meeting spot. Your parked car's location is even automatically added to the waypoints, most of the time.

Be Seen at Night With a Flashing Alert

Maximize the functionality of your Watch by using it as a reliable navigation tool with the right mapping app. While Apple Maps can be utilized on the device, it may be more advantageous to opt for a more capable app such as ViewRanger or Topo Maps+ if you require a dedicated GPS replacement. However, take note that using these apps may result in increased battery consumption.

To activate the flashlight feature on your Apple Watch, all models come equipped with Control Center. Swipe up from the bottom of the watch face and tap on the flashlight icon. The display will emit full brightness, providing ample illumination in low light conditions. For added safety while walking or running at night, swipe left to activate the flashing display feature. This feature acts as a visual signal, similar to reflective materials on bags and shoes.

Sound an 86-Decibel Siren (Apple Watch Ultra)

For those who own an Apple Watch Ultra, there is an added advantage in the form of an 86-decibel siren that can come in handy during challenging situations. Whether it be harsh weather conditions like fog or snow, or being stuck underground in caves or rubble, this siren can help you be heard even if you are not visible. Additionally, if you happen to get lost in a dense forest while out with a group, the siren can be used to attract attention and be found.

Siren can be found by pressing and holding the orange Action button on the left edge of your Apple Watch Ultra.

Which Apple Watch Should You Choose?

Consider your lifestyle and priorities, and determine if the features and capabilities of the Apple Watch Ultra justify its higher price tag. Don't rush into a purchase without carefully considering your options and doing your research.