As someone deeply immersed in accessible technology, I’ve had my share of critiques for Apple over the years – particularly concerning the inconsistent state of VoiceOver on the Mac and the perceived stagnation of iPhone design since the iPhone X. Our team at Accessible Technology Solutions has often voiced these concerns, feeling that Apple sometimes exhibits a “we know best” attitude. However, there’s one Apple product that has unequivocally earned my praise and has, in a very real and personal way, changed my life for the better: the Apple Watch.
A Transformation Powered by My Wrist
Since 2021, my Apple Watch has been an indispensable companion on my journey to better health, a journey that has seen me shed an incredible 28.5 kilograms. This isn’t just about weight loss; it’s about regaining confidence, reversing obesity, and fostering a deeper awareness of my physical and mental well-being. The Apple Watch, starting with my Series 3 and now my robust Ultra, has been a smash hit.
The Power of Fitness and Data
The excellent fitness features are truly a cornerstone of this success. The Activity Rings – Move, Exercise, and Stand – provide a simple yet powerful visual motivator to keep me active throughout the day. Every step, every minute of brisk activity, contributes to closing those rings, fostering a sense of accomplishment.
Beyond the rings, the Workout app seamlessly tracks my exercises, providing real-time metrics like heart rate and calories burned. This data, combined with the comprehensive insights from the Health app, has given me a clear picture of my progress and allowed me to make informed decisions about my activity levels.
Fitness+ and the Benefits of Connected Health
Apple Fitness+ has been another game-changer. The diverse range of trainer-guided workouts, from HIIT to yoga, accessible right on my devices, has made it incredibly easy to stay consistent with my exercise routine. The integration with the Apple Watch means I see my live metrics on screen, pushing me to achieve more.
Crucially, the ability to monitor my sleep through the Apple Watch has been invaluable. Understanding my sleep patterns, including sleep stages, has helped me prioritize rest, which is fundamental to overall health and energy levels for my workouts.
Seamless Sharing with My Sighted Personal Trainer
One of the most impactful features for me has been the seamless ability to share my health and activity data with my personal trainer. He’s been working with me for the last two years, and as a sighted individual, the ease with which he can access my metrics, track my progress, and help me adjust my goals has been truly amazing. This collaborative approach, built on transparent data sharing, has been instrumental in keeping me accountable and ensuring I’m on track to meet my objectives.
Looking to the Future: The Diabetes Challenge
While the Apple Watch has been a phenomenal tool, there’s one area where I dearly hope to see advancements. In late 2023/early 2024, I acquired a second disability: Type 2 Diabetes. This has introduced a new layer of health management, particularly concerning blood sugar monitoring. Currently, some competitors, like Samsung, offer blood sugar level readings, but Apple has yet to release a non-invasive solution.
Well-connected journalist Mark Gurman has reported that Apple has indeed developed the technology for non-invasive glucose monitoring, but it’s not yet close to public release. My fervent hope is that we will see this truly game-changing feature arrive before the decade is done. It would not only revolutionize my own diabetes management but would also offer immense benefits to the millions globally living with this condition.
Beyond Fitness: Safety and Connection
My journey with the Apple Watch, from the Series 3 to the Ultra, has been nothing short of outstanding. Beyond the health and fitness features, it’s easy to overlook other vital functionalities. Features like Emergency SOS, which can quickly call for help and alert emergency contacts, and the ability to “Check In” with loved ones, providing peace of mind, are crucial safety nets that I hope to never need, but am profoundly grateful to have. The Check In feature is particularly useful for letting my family know I’ve arrived safely at a destination or finished a workout.
Tim Cook has often stated that Apple’s legacy will be defined by health, and from my personal experience, Accessible Technology Solutions couldn’t concur more with that statement. The Apple Watch has helped me to regain confidence in my body, reverse obesity, and even be more mindful of my mental health, enabling me to be less tethered to my phone during critical client interactions or precious moments with loved ones, like my beloved mother or numerous cousins back in my homeland of Somalia.
For all these reasons and more, the Apple Watch earns a solid 9 out of 10 from me. The inclusion of non-invasive blood sugar assessments in the future would elevate it to a perfect 10, truly transforming health monitoring for millions.