“Smartwatches” support daily health management and smart living. The appeal is that they can use convenient functions such as notification confirmation and health care functions by linking with smartphones. However, there are many types, so many people may have trouble deciding which one to choose.
So, this time we will introduce recommended iPhone-compatible smartwatches. We will also explain the points to consider when choosing one, so please use it as a reference.
Features of iPhone-compatible smartwatches
An iPhone-compatible smartwatch is not just a watch, but a gadget that can be used in conjunction with an iPhone to provide a variety of convenient functions. For example, it is equipped with a wide range of functions to support daily life, such as checking smartphone notifications and managing your health.
The Apple Watch, Apple’s official product, is a popular choice for smartwatches for iPhones. It is easy to link with other devices and has a variety of functions.
In addition to the Apple Watch, many other manufacturers, including Huawei, Xiaomi, and Garmin, sell iPhone-compatible smartwatches, each with its own strengths. It’s important to choose one that suits your needs.
How to choose an iPhone-compatible smartwatch
Check the compatible OS
When choosing an iPhone-compatible smartwatch, it is important to check the compatible OS. In order to link with an iPhone, the smartwatch must be iOS-compatible, so be sure to check this in advance.
The Apple Watch uses watchOS, which is highly compatible with the iPhone. On the other hand, other manufacturers’ smartwatches are also available that are compatible with the iPhone, but many of them use their own proprietary OS, and the degree of compatibility varies depending on the product.
Before purchasing, be sure to check the supported operating systems and iPhone models that can be connected to make sure it is compatible with your device.
Check battery life and charging method
The battery life of a smartwatch is an important factor that affects the comfort of daily use. Check the battery life according to how often you use it and how you use it on the go.
If you don’t mind charging it every day, a product with a short battery life is fine, but if you want to reduce the hassle of charging or plan to spend long periods of time outdoors, we recommend a model with a long battery life. Some models also have a solar charging function.
Charging methods vary depending on the product. Some use a dedicated magnetic charger, while others have a built-in USB port.
Check the waterproofing and water resistance
Since smartwatches are devices worn on the wrist, they may get wet in daily life. Also, if you wear them while playing sports, they may get wet from rain or sweat. To use them safely, be sure to check whether they are waterproof or water resistant.
You can check the waterproof and water-resistant performance in the specifications. It is often indicated as IPX6 or 5ATM, and the higher the number, the higher the waterproof performance. Not only Apple Watch, but many other smartwatches are also waterproof and suitable for outdoor use.
However, the waterproof level varies depending on the product, so be sure to check before purchasing. Also, with the exception of some products, even if a smartwatch is waterproof, you should be careful to avoid using it in special environments such as hot springs or the sea.
Check the features
Smartphone notification function
One of the main functions of a smartwatch is the ability to receive notifications from your smartphone. You can check incoming calls, messages, SNS notifications, and other notifications in real time on your wrist, eliminating the need to take out your smartphone.
The Apple Watch is particularly well-suited to working with the iPhone, and can not only display notifications but also reply to them. You can immediately check the contents of LINE and emails, and reply using standard phrases or voice input. Most notifications can be received with other companies’ products, but reply functions may be limited.
The types of notifications and compatible apps vary depending on the product, so make sure to check whether it supports notifications for the apps you care about. If you can’t miss notifications for work-related matters, we recommend choosing a product that can reliably receive notifications.
Health management function
Recent smartwatches are equipped with a wide range of health management functions that can help you keep track of your daily health. Their appeal is their ability to measure and record your heart rate, steps, calories burned, sleep quality, and more.
The Apple Watch is equipped with functions that can measure heart rate, blood oxygen levels, electrocardiograms, etc. Other companies’ products can also measure various health indicators, and some models can measure sleep quality and body surface temperature.
If you are interested in managing your health, check the types of items that can be measured and their accuracy. Also, it is important to consider the ease of use of the app, which allows you to manage your measurement data over the long term. It can be useful for understanding your daily health condition and maintaining your exercise habits.
Touch payment function for Suica, electronic money, etc.
The touch payment feature on a smartwatch is a convenient feature that allows you to make payments without taking out your wallet or smartphone. The Apple Watch in particular supports Apple Pay, and a wide range of payment methods can be used, including Suica, PASMO, and various credit cards.
Other companies’ smartwatches also have models that support touch payments, but please note that some models do not support touch payments. If you want to use the touch payment function, check in advance whether the function is available and which payment services are supported. If you want to use electronic money for commuting or shopping, we recommend a model that supports a wide range of payment services.
Music playback function
The music playback function of smartwatches is recommended for those who often listen to music during daily life or exercise such as running. You can operate music apps without taking out your smartphone and listen to music without carrying your smartphone.
In addition to being able to store music on the internal storage, the Apple Watch also supports streaming of Apple Music, making it very convenient to use. If you value compatibility with Apple Music, check out the Apple Watch.
On the other hand, please note that many other companies’ products do not support Apple Music. Some models of other companies’ products can store and play music on the internal storage.
Choose your favorite design
Smartwatches are not just gadgets, they are also fashion items. Because they are something you wear every day, it is important to choose a design that suits your taste and style.
The designs vary from square to round, and the band materials are also available in a wide variety of materials, including leather, silicone, and stainless steel. Another point is that many of the products allow you to customize the dial.
It is also recommended to choose a watch according to the situation in which you will use it, such as a sophisticated design for everyday use and a cool design for sports.
Recommended manufacturers of iPhone compatible smartwatches
Apple
Apple is a famous American manufacturer founded in 1976. In addition to designing, manufacturing, and selling hardware products such as the iPhone and Mac, the company also provides software platforms such as iOS and macOS.
The Apple Watch is great for its ease of integration with the iPhone. It has a variety of functions, including sharing notifications, electronic payments with Apple Pay, and sending and receiving messages. It is recommended for those who want a smartwatch that is highly compatible with the iPhone.
Huawei
Huawei is a manufacturer founded in Shenzhen, China in 1987. As a global provider of information and communications technology and smart devices, the company operates in more than 170 countries and regions. Huawei Japan, established in 2005, provides products and services in five areas, including ICT, consumer, and cloud.
Huawei’s smartwatches are available in a wide variety of models, from highly functional to affordable models. They can be linked to an iPhone using the HUAWEI Health app. They also have a wide range of health care functions, so they are recommended for those who want to use them for fitness purposes.
Xiaomi
Xiaomi is a home appliance and smart device manufacturer founded in 2010. They are known for offering a wide range of affordable yet highly functional products.
Xiaomi’s smartwatch allows you to check notifications from your iPhone and manage your health data through the dedicated app “Mi Fitness”. You can also check your heart rate, blood oxygen levels, sleep cycles, etc. It is recommended for those who want an iPhone-compatible smartwatch with sufficient functions at an affordable price.
Garmin
Garmin is a pioneering GPS manufacturer founded in 1989. As a top brand in the aviation, marine, automotive, outdoor, and fitness markets, it is known for offering a wide range of items.
Garmin smartwatches can be linked to iPhones through the Garmin Connect app. There are many series, so it’s easy to choose a model that suits your needs. There are also models specialized for specific sports such as running, golf, and diving. This is a smartwatch that is especially recommended for iPhone users who want to use it for sports.
Recommended ranking of iPhone-compatible smartwatches | Apple Watch
| merchandise |
Apple MWWE3J/A |
Apple MXEF3J/A |
Apple MX4P3J/A |
| type | Smart Watches | Smart Watches | Smart Watches |
| OS | WatchOS | WatchOS | WatchOS |
| Case Size | 42mm | 40mm | 49mm |
| display | Always-on Retina display | Retina display | Always-on Retina display |
| resolution | 446×374 | 394×324 | 502×410 |
| Drive time | 18 hours | 18 hours | 36 hours |
| Waterproof/dustproof performance | Water resistant to 50 meters/dustproof to IP6X rating | Water resistant to 50 meters | 100m water resistance/IP6X dustproof |
| Electronic payment function | Electronic money/Suica compatible | Electronic money/Suica compatible | Electronic money/Suica compatible |
No. 1: Apple Apple Watch Series 10 GPS model 42mm Sport Band S/M MWWE3J/A
This is an iPhone-compatible smartwatch that provides smart support for health management and daily life. The wide-viewing-angle OLED always-on Retina display is bright at up to 2000 nits and has high visibility even when viewed from an angle. It has a 42mm aluminum case.
It also has a full range of health management functions, including the ability to measure heart rate, respiratory rate, and wrist skin temperature. The appeal is that you can easily check your health status using the Vitals app. In addition, it is water resistant to 50 meters and can be used in the pool or the ocean.
The battery lasts for about 18 hours under normal use and up to 36 hours in low power mode. Equipped with the S10 SiP chip, it also supports double-tap gestures. It is recommended for those who are health-conscious and lead an active lifestyle.
