Top Apple Watch Apps You Might Want to Try in September 2025

The Apple Watch keeps getting new features with each update, and with watchOS 26 out now plus the newer Series 11 and Ultra 3, there’s a lot of apps that feel like they’re worth looking at. Some are for health, some for focus, and others just make everyday life a bit easier (or at least that’s the idea). Here are a bunch that people generally consider useful right now.

1. Strava – Competing Against Yourself (and Others)

Strava has been around forever, but the watch version just got something they call Live Segments. Basically, it shows you how you’re doing on certain routes in real time. Sometimes it’s motivating, sometimes stressful. Either way, runners and cyclists normally seem to like that extra little push, even if it’s just a banner popping up on your wrist.

2. Water Reminder – Drink More, Seriously

This is one of those simple apps that just tells you to drink water, which seems silly until you realize you never remember to. You set a goal, and then it keeps buzzing. Free, too. It is considered to be enough for most people without needing any kind of subscription.

3. Golfshot – Data for Golfers Who Care Too Much

If you’re into golf, Golfshot is handy. It uses the watch’s sensors to measure things about your swing and distance and all that. You don’t need special attachments, which is nice. Sometimes the info feels a little over-detailed, but people who really track their game usually swear by it.

4. Nike Run Club – Classic Running Companion

Nike Run Club has been a go-to for years. On the watch, it gives you guided runs and coaching tips, and it syncs pretty well. It’s not super new, but it’s still considered to be among the best free apps for running motivation.

5. Headspace – A Calm Moment (if You Remember to Open It)

Headspace has loads of guided meditations. Over 500 or so. You don’t need all of them but it’s nice knowing they’re there. It’s one of those apps you download meaning to use every day but usually only remember when you’re stressed.

6. Shazam – The “Oh What’s That Song” Button

Everyone knows Shazam, but having it on your watch is convenient. You hear a song, you tap, you find out. It’s not groundbreaking, just quicker than pulling out your phone.

7. Audible – Books on Your Wrist (Sort Of)

Audible’s watch app lets you skip, pause, or check your library. It’s more like remote control than full listening experience, but for people who already use Audible it’s good to have.

8. Just Press Record – Voice Notes Without Thinking

The name says it. You hit a button, it records, and later you can transcribe it if you want. It works across devices through iCloud which, to be honest, is one of the rare times Apple’s syncing feels pretty seamless.

9. AutoSleep – Sleep Nerds Rejoice

Apple’s built-in sleep tracking is fine, but AutoSleep goes further. It gives you all sorts of scores and charts, some of which are confusing. But if you like overanalyzing your rest, this is the one people usually recommend.

10. Runna – Training Plans on the Watch

Runna is like a coach app. You pick a goal, like marathon or just general running improvement, and it tells you what to do day by day. Some find it too structured but if you like following plans, it’s helpful.

A Few Other Mentions

• Somno – Another sleep tracker. A lot of people say the free features are basically enough.
• Streaks – This is for building habits. You mark off each day you do something. It is considered motivating when you see the streak keep going, even if it’s just brushing your teeth.

Why These Feel Relevant Right Now

Because of watchOS 26, which added some changes like better gesture control and a new design look, most of these apps got updated to work more smoothly. Also, the new watches (Series 11, Ultra 3, SE 3) have improved sensors, so tracking apps like Strava and AutoSleep kind of benefit the most. That’s why people keep bringing them up this month.

On top of that, mobile app development in general has been moving fast in 2025, especially in regions like Georgia, where developers are focusing on health and fitness apps that tie in with wearables. A lot of these watch apps show how quickly new ideas can turn into something genuinely useful on your wrist.

Quick App Highlights

• Strava – Running & cycling → Competing on routes, seeing progress
• Water Reminder – Drinking water → Simple nudges, surprisingly effective
• Golfshot – Golf tracking → Swing data without extra hardware
• Nike Run Club – Running workouts → Still one of the easiest to use
• Headspace – Meditation & calm → Big library, familiar brand
• Shazam – Song ID → Just faster than the phone
• Audible – Audiobooks → Watch as remote control
• Just Press Record – Quick recording → Easy notes, transcription if needed
• AutoSleep – Sleep analysis → More detailed than Apple’s app
• Runna – Training plans → Clear, structured coaching

Final Thoughts

There are so many watch apps now, and honestly most people only use a handful regularly. These ones seem to be mentioned the most in September 2025, whether that’s because they take advantage of the new hardware or because they’re just simple and reliable. If you’re mainly into running, Strava or Runna makes sense. If it’s sleep, AutoSleep or Somno. Or maybe you just want Shazam so you’re not always asking “what song is that” at coffee shops.