Gallery: The Only Apple Watch Apps You Actually Need
Roomie Remote01roomie remote
The [Roomie Remote](https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/roomie-remote-universal-remote/id431497717?mt=8) Apple Watch app means you never have to worry about losing your regular remote—because it’s attached to your body. But Roomie is much more than a television remote: Not only can it control cable boxes, TiVo, and AppleTV, it can also work with Wi-Fi-controlled devices such as smart thermostats and lights. Not sure if a home appliance is Wi-Fi compatible? Roomie also makes [a device](http://www.roomieremote.com/products/roomie-blaster/ "a device") that changes infrared sensors (like old school TV remotes) into Wi-Fi signals.
Tinder02tinder2
If deciding whether to swipe left or right has made traditional Tinder too stressful, the [Apple Watch version](https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/tinder/id547702041?mt=8 "Tinder") provides a hands-free alternative. By measuring the user’s heart rate while looking at a potential match, the app can tell what your body thinks about the other person. If heart rate goes up it’s a match, and if not, a pass. Even if your mind is telling you no, your body could be telling you yes. Gimmicky? Sure. Still sort of fun and novel? Definitely.
Tamagotchi03tamagotchi2
While games on a tiny screen seem like an infuriating concept, there are some that sort of belong. The cuteness of a little virtual pet in your pocket is what caused Tamagotchi to achieve international success decades ago. Now, the game franchise [has adjusted](https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/tamagotchi-classic-original/id985927350?mt=8 "Tamagotchi") to the newer technology of the Apple Watch, and it’s as ridiculous and fun as ever. Maybe this time you’ll take better care of your little friends.
Citymapper04citymapper2
Analog watches can make sure that you get somewhere on time, but if your Apple Watch has [Citymapper](https://itunes.apple.com/US/app/id469463298?mt=8 "Citymapper"), it can also tell you how to get there. The app can give directions for both driving and public transit, and provide live bus and train schedules. It even notifies the user through a tap on the wrist when it’s time to make the next turn or get off the bus. Sorry, it cannot control traffic.
Nike+ Running05nikerunning2
Numerous exercise apps are trying to take advantage of the Apple Watch’s heart rate monitor, yet none come close to [Nike+ Running](https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/nike+-running/id387771637?mt=8 "Nike+ Running"). And it does way more than just that: With features like GPS-tracked runs, activity and progress statistics, and the option to add friends, it’s a great motivator.
Instagram06instagram2
Not every social app belongs on the Apple Watch. [Instagram](https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/instagram/id389801252?mt=8 "Instagram"), however, is one of the few that feel right at home on your wrist. There’s something about those little square pictures that make sense on the Watch’s small display. And because the picture feed is nearly identical to the mobile app, it’s even easier to get your daily dose of likes.
Find Near Me07find near me
Searching via the Apple Watch is a chore, and you’re likely to give up and go for the phone if you truly need to figure something out. However if all you need is a short suggestion on where to eat or where the nearest gas station is, a couple of taps in [Find Near Me](https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/find-near-me-for-iphone-find/id353369769?mt=8 "Find Near Me") will get you there.
Shazam08shazam2
[Shazam](https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/shazam/id284993459?mt=8 "Shazam") might be one of the few apps that makes more sense on the Apple Watch: All you really need this app to do is listen and report back—the extra features inside the phone apps are fun, but really not all that necessary to its core function.
Clear09clear
Productivity apps are a hard sell for the Apple Watch. It’s just too small, and your time too important—something could be easily missed or accidentally dismissed. But [Clear](https://itunes.apple.com/US/app/id493136154?mt=8 "Clear")’s extremely minimal UI, checklist-like setup, and focus on decluttering makes it perfect for for such a small screen.
MacID10unlock2
Nothing flashy here, just pure ease of use: Use the Apple Watch’s fingerprint sensor to [unlock your Mac](https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/macid-for-ios-and-apple-watch/id948478740?mt=8 "MacID") remotely. That’s it.
Dart11Dart
If you absolutely have to use your Apple Watch for email, you should try [Dart](http://dart.email/ "Dart"). Your emails come with prewritten responses for the recipient, so whatever they send back is sure to be easy and quick to read—you won’t sit there, squinting into that tiny display, trying to figure out what on earth that novel of an email says.
ProCamera 812camerapro2
[ProCamera 8](https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/procamera-8-+-hdr/id694647259?mt=8 "ProCamera 8") turns the Apple Watch into a remote shutter with a few other features to boot (like the ability to take multiple shots and set a timer). The app also has editing features if you want to try and do that from your watch, but really, the remote control from your wrist is what sells this.
