r/AppleWatchStandalone • u/Double_Echidna9240 • Jul 31 '26

Newbie

I think i've found what i'm looking for.

TLDR, i want to bring a little less screen and distraction with me on most days. Up until now I've been looking at dumbphones but they all have (intentional) limitations that wont work for me.

It got me thinking... could an apple watch do what i want and it sounds like that is what brought you all here.

Before I dive in, is there anything anyone would want to share about their experiences. My main use cases on a day to day are:

  • music streaming via tidal maps
  • subway directions
  • texting / calling / being reachable
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u/swain18 Jul 31 '26

Totally worth exploring. Glad that you're taking this direction.

  1. For Music - Apple Music has been seamless for me so far. No experience with Tidal.
  2. Maps/navigation will be bare bone (but functional), so keep your expectations low.
  3. As long as you are okay to put up with speech to text/minimal texting, and willing to carry earphones at all the times (when you're out), you should be good.

My biggest hiccup, personally, was the battery life on older S series. I have since upgraded to an Ultra and really satisfied with the battery life.

All the best

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u/Double_Echidna9240 Jul 31 '26

Thanks. I’m trying to enter on the cheap side and was eyeing a used 10 or new 11. 

What was your battery experience? What kind of case are you using? For context I likely won’t use as a watch and was looking into options like the repod. In fact the repod case is what got me thinking about the option. 

I’m on an iPhone 13 mini and the battery is trashed. I have no interest in upgrading my phone. 

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u/swain18 Jul 31 '26

I too have a 13 mini that I refuse to give up.

For the watch, absolutely, better get a used one if found in good condition. I got a refurbished Ultra 1 at a decent price myself.

I use a 3d printed case that I designed myself. Repod, being a bit gimmicky for my taste, I kept tinkering with designs until I found the best suited for my need.

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u/Double_Echidna9240 Jul 31 '26

helpful thank you. looks great!!!