I am a firm believer that the best Apple Watch apps help you get the most out of your smartwatch. I am always surprised when I hear that Apple Watch owners, whether it is the latest Apple Watch Series 9 or an older model, have not freely downloaded third-party apps.

When they set up their Apple Watch, they are prompted to sync downloaded iPhone apps to their smartwatch. This means that any iPhone apps downloaded with a compatible watchOS version will be added to the watch upon initial setup. Optionally, apps that you download to your iPhone in the future can be automatically synced to your Apple Watch.

I make it a habit to install and test new Apple Watch apps for the best Apple Watch experience. Not every Apple Watch app is a must-have, but there are some that I use frequently enough to make a difference in my daily life. In no particular order, those apps are listed below.

You may not think of the Apple Watch as a gaming device, but there are some interesting games you can play from your wrist. My favorite is "Hit The Island," a mobile version of the app that ping-pongs balls against "Dynamic Island" on the iPhone. For me, it's a way to pass the time when I'm a little bored but don't want to (or can't) take out my phone, like on the way to work or in the waiting room.

Download Hit The Island for Apple Watch

If you haven't seen the step count complication when you change the dial on your Apple Watch, it's because it's not there. You can check your steps in the Fitness app, but if you want to see your progress at a glance on the watch face, you need a third-party app like Pedometer++. It allows me to reach the recommended 10,000 steps per day. There are a number of pedometer apps to choose from, but I recommend using Pedometer++ because it is free and ready to use.

Download Pedometer++ for Apple Watch

I'm one who refuses to jump off Spotify; while Apple Music's native app works seamlessly on the Apple Watch, Spotify users can enjoy their playlists on their watches as well. In addition, opening Spotify on the iPhone automatically opens the app on the Apple Watch for quick access to playback controls.

Download Spotify for Apple Watch

Many smart home brands support the Apple Watch app, allowing you to control your smart home devices from your wrist. For example, I can lock and unlock my Schlage Encode smart lock from my Apple Watch. However, the smart home app I use most often with my Apple Watch is Govee Home. I have nearly 10 Govee smart lights in my apartment, and the most convenient way to control them all is to use the Apple Watch version of the app.

Download Govee Home for Apple Watch

While most airlines have their own Apple Watch apps (including Delta, United, and JetBlue), the Flighty app manages all air travel with integrated destination to manage all air travel. It has up-to-date delay and gate information. You can also get specific information about the aircraft and keep a history of your trip. It's nice to have an overview of all my current trips right from my wrist, and while the best experience with Flighty requires a paid membership, for me as a frequent traveler, it's well worth it.

Download Flighty for Apple Watch

Runners and cyclists who use Strava will love the Apple Watch version of the app. With the cellular version of the Apple Watch, you can also stream music and make phone calls while on the trail. I rely on the app to track my walking and award progress and to keep in touch with friends throughout the activity.

Download Strava for Apple Watch

If you want to take your tennis game to the next level, SwingVision is for you. One of the best Apple Watch apps for the sport, SwingVision leverages AI and Apple device technology to create comprehensive reports of your play. I have been using SwingVision for Apple Watch for some time to track my heart rate, calories, distance traveled, number of shots, and type of shot. I can't say I train at a competitive level, but the more tennis I play, the more I can use it to track my progress.

Download SwingVision for Apple Watch

Did you know that you can track your water intake on your Apple Watch? You can earn characters for completing challenges in Waterllama. Some challenges encourage you to cut back on caffeine and lactose intake, while others are simply to stay hydrated. Therefore, I am prompted to keep track of my daily fluid intake. This has allowed me to fully improve my ability to stay hydrated.

Download Waterllama for Apple Watch

The meditation app Headspace puts guided breathing and meditation sessions on your wrist. It will be especially welcome for those with no meditation experience; the Apple Watch app saves meditations for easy access. There are also meditations designed for walking, which can be tracked as part of Apple Watch activity. There is also a free relaxation app, but Headspace requires a membership ($69.99/year) to use all the features. Fortunately, there is a trial period first to see if you like it.

Download Headspace for Apple Watch