What Apple Watch apps will be available 13 third-party Apple Watch apps that you'll be able to download from day one
One thing you may not know is that Apple Watch apps aren't standalone; they need the main app on your iPhone to be able to function. While this may seem like a bit of an inconvenience, it means that you can download iPhone apps that'll work with the Apple Watch in anticipation of its release, for them to be automatically added to your Watch once you get it.
While Apple has mainly concentrated on promoting its own apps for the Apple Watch, it has also showcased some third-party apps that'll be available for download from day one. While US Hotel Chain apps are great if you live in the US, we decided to list some of the cool UK specific Apple Watch apps.
13 Apple Watch apps available from day one: Instagram
Of course Instagram was going to make an appearance on the Apple Watch. You'll be able to scroll through your feed (photos of food, no doubt), like photos and leave comments, though it's restricted to emoji only.
You'll be sent interactive notifications straight to your wrist, allowing you to keep on top of the likes & comments on the photo of the roast dinner that you uploaded half an hour ago.
Download Instagram for iOS here.
13 Apple Watch apps available from day one: Facebook
With the Facebook app, you'll be able to respond to friend requests or messages straight from your wrist. You'll also be able to use the Digital Crown to scroll through your news feed and "Like" updates.
Download Facebook for iOS here.
13 Apple Watch apps available from day one: Twitter
Twitter has been redesigned to fit the compact display of the Apple Watch. You'll be able to scroll through your Twitter feed directly from the watch, as well as the ability to favourite/retweet tweets on your feed.
You also have the choice of being notified by a simple tap on the wrist whenever a new tweet appears - a good idea for casual users, but not for those of us following 600+ people!
One of the more interesting features of the Twitter app on the Apple Watch is that you can compose your tweets using dictation. While this opens up the option of verbal tweeting, we're not sure how people will feel about saying "#BoredAtWork" to their watch.
Download Twitter for iOS here.
13 Apple Watch apps available from day one: BMW iRemote
Prepare to go full James Bond with the BMW iRemote app (and a compatible BMW to go with it). BMW lets you check the charge status of your electric BMW and receive a notification when the car is fully charged. The app also allows you to unlock/lock your car door, check the range and remind you of an upcoming service.
The coolest feature of the BMW iRemote is that you can manually adjust the inside temperature straight from your watch. This means that you can set the temperature before you're due to go out and you'll have a lovely and warm car to get into.
Download My BMW Remote for iOS here.
13 Apple Watch apps available from day one: PayByPhone Parking
Returning to your car with a fine on the windshield after forgetting that you'd only bought a ticket for one hour is no doubt one of the biggest "first world problems". The PayByPhone Parking app for the Apple Watch aims to change that by using the app to pay for a ticket and check on the time remaining.
Not good enough yet You'll also be notified 10 minutes before the ticket expires, where you'll then be faced with a decision of whether to rush back to your car or add more time, directly from your wrist.
Download PayByPhone Parking for iOS here.
13 Apple Watch apps available from day one: Citymapper
Citymapper is no doubt one of the best public transport apps available for iOS and Android - if it's supported in your city (London and Manchester so far in the UK). The iOS app doesn't disappoint and it looks like the Apple Watch companion isn't going to either. The app uses your location to provide step-by-step instructions that enable you to navigate your way around, using public transport.
It gives you in depth knowledge about departures from all forms of public transport, and even taps you on the wrist to let you know when you've reached your stop.
Download Citymapper for iOS here.
13 Apple Watch apps available from day one: Shazam
"Ah, I know that song but I can't remember what it's called." We've all been in a similar situation and Shazam wants to make it a thing of the past. Shazams Apple Watch app will use your iPhone to listen to what music is playing and display the result directly on your Apple Watch. While that sounds great, we're not too sure why Shazam uses your iPhones microphone when the Apple Watch has one built in.
The Apple Watch will display the name of the song and artist as well as lyrics that automatically advance in time with the music. This means that you'll have a portable Karaoke display on your wrist at all times!
13 Apple Watch apps available from day one: Sky Guide
Sky Guide is an example of one of the more unique apps available on the Apple Watch, which gives you an idea about some of the "not-so-obvious" uses of the Watch. Sky Guide allows you to see a calendar of upcoming astronomical events (full moon, meteor showers, etc.) and can send you a notification alerting you of an event happening in the skies at your current location.
It'll also notify you when the International Space Station (ISS) is due to fly over your location and lets you tweet its astronauts!
It caters to amateur stargazers; displaying images of constellations that are visible in your location, giving you a greater insight about what you're looking at and enabling you to star gaze more accurately.
Download Sky Guide for iOS here.
13 Apple Watch apps available from day one: Dark Sky
Want to take the dog out for a walk but not too sure if it's going to rain Just open up the Dark Sky app on your Apple Watch and it'll let you know if it's going to rain or snow in your location, up to an hour in advance. Alternatively if it's going to rain in your location, you'll get a tap on the wrist and a notification displayed on your Apple Watch.
You can also see a 24-hour timeline of weather conditions for today, tomorrow and even the next day.
Download Dark Sky for iOS here.
13 Apple Watch apps available from day one: Runtastic
The Apple Watch presents a new way to get the most out of Runtastic. All you need to do is take your iPhone with you on a run and Runtastic will display all the information you need on your wrist. It displays speed, distance, duration, pace and how many calories you've burned on your wrist, where it's convenient to check without having to slow down and get your phone out of your pocket.
Download Runtastic for iOS here.
13 Apple Watch apps available from day one: Strava
While Strava is similar to Runtastic, Strava boasts the ability to track bike rides as well as running. Strava will display real time stats including elevation gain, average speed, distance and heart rate during your exercise session.
It can also be split into different segments that gives you details of your workout, helping to keep you motivated. While on the topic of motivation, you'll also receive a virtual trophy whenever you set a personal record. Everyone likes trophies!
13 Apple Watch apps available from day one: Green Kitchen
The Green Kitchen app allows quick and easy access to dozens of healthy and organic vegetarian recipes, straight from your Apple Watch. Once you've found a recipe you like, it'll be displayed on your iPhone ready for you to use.
If there's a step to your meal that requires a timer, a simple tap on your iPhone will start a timer on your Apple Watch. When the timer hits zero, you'll get a notification through to your Apple Watch informing you. Pretty handy, eh
Download Green Kitchen for iOS here.