The Apple Watch Series 7 is often praised for its sleek design, larger display, and durable build. But beyond its well-known features lies a collection of hidden tools that can transform how you interact with your watch daily. These lesser-known functions aren’t just clever—they’re practical, making the Apple Watch Series 7 more than a fitness tracker or notification center. In this guide, we explore 12 secret features that give you more power, convenience, and control right from your wrist.
10 Handy Secret Features of the Apple Watch Series 7
1. Type Faster with the Full QWERTY Keyboard and QuickPath
One standout feature exclusive to the Apple Watch Series 7 is the full-size QWERTY keyboard. Many users don’t realize you can use QuickPath, Apple’s swipe-to-type function, to quickly write messages. By sliding your finger across the keys, the watch predicts your words without tapping. It’s fast, intuitive, and a major upgrade from earlier input methods.
2. Use Your Watch as a Flashlight
Need a light in the dark? Just swipe up on the control center and tap the flashlight icon. The Series 7 screen becomes a bright light. There are three modes: a steady white beam, a flashing white strobe (useful for nighttime visibility), and a red light that protects your night vision. It’s a handy safety feature that’s easy to overlook.
3. Unlock Your iPhone with a Mask On
Wearing a mask often disrupts Face ID. Fortunately, the Series 7 allows you to unlock your iPhone if your watch is on, nearby, and unlocked. This function is seamless and secure. You’ll feel a haptic tap when the iPhone unlocks, giving you immediate access without needing a passcode.
4. Share Your Location Quickly via Messages
The Series 7 lets you share your exact location directly from your wrist. Inside a message thread, tap the contact, scroll down, and choose “Share My Location.” This can be vital when meeting friends or during emergencies. It uses the watch’s GPS, providing accurate data instantly.
5. Create and Use Focus Modes
Focus modes are not exclusive to iPhones. On your Series 7, you can set custom Focus profiles such as Work, Sleep, or Fitness. Each mode can silence certain notifications and display relevant watch faces. The automation can also activate based on location or time, helping you stay in the zone.
6. Control Your Camera Remotely
Using your Series 7 as a camera remote is especially useful for selfies or group shots. Open the Camera Remote app on your watch to see a live preview of your iPhone’s camera. Tap to focus, set a timer, or capture the image. This gives you full control without needing to touch your phone.
7. Use Hand Gestures for Navigation
AssistiveTouch lets you control the watch without touching the screen. Enable it in accessibility settings, and you can use gestures like pinching or clenching your fist to navigate. Double-pinch moves forward, while clenching selects an item. This is especially useful when your other hand is busy.
8. Name and Run Multiple Timers
With watchOS 8, the Series 7 allows you to set multiple timers. But did you know you can name them? Say “Set a 10-minute pasta timer” and “Set a 20-minute laundry timer.” Your watch will label and track both independently, a game-changer for multitasking in the kitchen or around the house.
9. Track Respiratory Rate During Sleep
Sleep tracking on the Series 7 goes deeper than just sleep duration. It also measures your respiratory rate—how many breaths you take per minute. This data appears in the Health app and helps identify patterns or irregularities over time. It’s a quiet but powerful health insight many users miss.
10. Use Siri for Quick Commands and Translations
Beyond setting alarms and reminders, Siri on Series 7 can translate phrases, identify songs, and even solve math problems. Try asking, “How do you say ‘good morning’ in Japanese?” or “What’s 18% of 150?” The results are spoken and displayed on the screen—ideal for quick answers without reaching for your phone.
11. Customize Watch Faces with Widgets (Complications)
The Series 7 supports more complications thanks to its bigger screen. You can add widgets for weather, battery life, fitness, and more. Tap and hold the watch face to customize it. You can even create different faces for Focus modes, giving your watch dynamic usefulness throughout the day.
12. Use the Apple Watch as a Digital Key and Wallet
The Series 7 goes beyond Apple Pay. You can store digital keys, boarding passes, event tickets, and even vaccination cards. Tap your watch to unlock doors (with compatible smart locks) or check into flights. It’s all stored securely in the Wallet app, right on your wrist.
Why the Series 7 Still Holds Strong in 2025
While the Apple Watch Ultra offers more rugged features, the Series 7 is still a top-tier choice for most users. Its balance of design, functionality, and ease of use makes it a solid option. It supports the latest software updates, delivers strong battery life, and includes nearly all the key health sensors.
Comparing models? Don’t forget to check the Apple Watch Price before buying. There are often discounts on the Series 7 that make it an incredible value compared to newer models.
Conclusion
The Apple Watch Series 7 may appear straightforward, but its hidden features make it a powerhouse on your wrist. From health tracking to productivity tools, it offers more than meets the eye. Once you explore these functions, you’ll discover just how much smarter your watch—and your day—can become.
Whether you’re a long-time user or new to the Apple Watch Series, taking advantage of these hidden tools will change the way you see wearable tech. Start tapping into these secret features today and unlock the full potential of your Series 7.
Related Topics: