The Apple Watch isn’t just for tracking fitness; it’s a surprisingly effective tool for boosting productivity, especially for those easily distracted by their smartphones.
While the Apple Watch comes with basic productivity apps like Reminders and Calendar, a world of third-party options exists to take your efficiency to the next level.
Todoist
Todoist is a powerful task manager that shines on your Apple Watch when you want to stay on top of things without pulling out your iPhone. The app allows you to create and manage tasks, organize them into projects, mark them as complete, and set reminders, all accessible via voice command or the on-watch keyboard.
Todoist is particularly useful for quick tasks, like reviewing a grocery list at the store or jotting down a fleeting thought. You can even glance at your wrist to see your progress for the day, displaying your next task or the percentage of tasks completed directly on your watch face.
Todoist is free to use, with a $4 monthly subscription unlocking features like custom reminders, an AI assistant, and a calendar view.
Drafts
Since the Apple Watch lacks a native Notes app, Drafts provides a convenient digital notepad directly on your wrist. Capture notes using voice command, the watchOS Scribble feature, or the keyboard.
Your drafts automatically sync from your iPhone, displaying the total number of notes and flagged items for quick access. The app opens to a blank note, allowing you to immediately capture ideas without interruption. You can organize notes into folders or maintain a free-flowing canvas.
Drafts is free, with a $1.99 monthly subscription unlocking themes and the ability to send notes via email.
Focus
Focus is designed for those who thrive on focused work sessions. The app breaks down work time into manageable “Focus Sessions,” promoting concentration before moving to the next task.
Using your Apple Watch minimizes distractions, allowing you to quickly check remaining session time and return to work. Focus also encourages regular breaks between sessions.
The app is available for $7.99 per month.
AutoSleep
AutoSleep is a popular Apple Watch app for tracking sleep quality, heart rate, and consistency. It measures the time it takes to fall asleep and the efficiency of your rest.
AutoSleep presents this data in a clock-style view with sleep rings, similar to the Watch’s Activity Rings, providing a quick overview of your sleep stats. It helps you determine if you’re getting enough rest.
The app calculates a “readiness” score, estimating your mental and physical preparedness for the day, mirroring metrics found in apps like the Oura Ring. It also suggests optimal bedtimes for maximizing sleep.
AutoSleep is available for a one-time fee of $5.99.
Streaks
Streaks helps you build good habits by tracking your progress. Each completed task extends your streak, while breaking the chain resets it. You can track up to 24 habits, from flossing to language learning to healthy eating.
The app also accommodates tasks that aren’t daily, such as walking to work on weekdays or avoiding junk food on weekends.
A quick glance at your Apple Watch shows your remaining tasks, progress, and allows you to mark items as complete.
Streaks is available for a one-time fee of $5.99.
Fantastical
Fantastical is a calendar app designed to keep you organized directly from your Apple Watch. Create events and set reminders, all viewable with a quick glance.
The Apple Watch app offers three views: “Up Next” displays your next appointment and current weather; “List” shows upcoming events and tasks with the forecast; and “Tasks” compiles all tasks for easy checking. You’ll also receive alerts for upcoming events and tasks, and can view a quick calendar preview with the Smart Stack widget.
Fantastical costs $4.99 per month.
Things 3
Things 3 is a productivity manager for creating to-do lists, managing projects, and tracking goals. Organize your personal, work, and financial life into distinct “Areas.”
The app features reminders, calendar integration, widgets, and tags for categorizing tasks. You can also schedule repeating tasks and plan your evenings with the dedicated “This Evening” section.
Quickly check off tasks and add new ones directly from your wrist.
Things 3 is available for a one-time payment of $9.99.
