Best Apple Watch for Pilots: Affordable To Expensive Aviation Design

It's not hard to find a pilot wearing a smartwatch; they're not required, but they're becoming more and more common.

Among many options, the Apple Watch is the go-to smart watch for many pilots. 

So check out the best Apple Watch for pilots and excellent features here!

Best Apple Watch for pilots

Best Apple Watch Features for Pilots

During their recent iPhone 15 event, Apple unveiled several new Apple Watch models, including the Apple Watch Series 9 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2. 

These devices have a blood oxygen sensor, which makes them an excellent tool for pilots, along with the original Apple Watch Ultra and Series 8 from the previous year.

In fact, the use of the Apple Watch has grown since its debut, both as an in-cockpit resource and for preflight weather observations. 

Pilots may obtain useful information right out of the box from the newest model's GPS, compass, and O2 sensor.

Pilot Apple Watch features

Because it vibrates your wrist when the time is up, the bundled timer app is simple to use and unique from other tangible or iPad app timers you could have in the cockpit. 

The GMT watch face option, which shows the current Zulu hour with a distinct red hand, is another feature we truly enjoy.

Additionally, there is an integrated flashlight function that can be accessed through the Apple Watch Control Center. 

When you choose the flashlight symbol by pressing the side button once, the screen will become completely white and offer a little yet helpful amount of light for nighttime flight. 

To make it red, make many swipes from right to left.

Best Pilot Apps for Apple Watch

In order to optimize the watch's use in the cockpit, several aviation developers provide Apple Watch apps in addition to their main iPad/iPhone apps. 

These apps enable you to retrieve concise aviation data right from your wrist.

Below is a list of the best pilot Apple Watch apps that you may find helpful:

• Aithre Connect

Using this app, you may examine the vital signs of your portable oxygen tank monitor, carbon monoxide detector, and pulse oximeter.

Aithre Connect app

• Civil Twilight for Watch

You may legally log night flying or switch on your navigation lights at the appropriate times thanks to this app.

The reason is that it uses your location to automatically determine the hours for civil twilight and sunset/sunrise. 

Additionally, you may use this app's data as a complication to create a personalized watch face. 

Civil Twilight for Watch app

• Altimeter+

Use your watch to display an altimeter flying instrument. 

You have three options: the barometer, GPS, or ASTER computations to find altitude.

Altimeter+ app

• Aviation Altimeter for Watch

Beyond the basic functions, this altimeter watch app has an oxygen alarm and altitude warning capabilities that notify you haptically and visually when you are above 12,500 feet.

Aviation Altimeter

• Cloud Map

Look for visible cloud cover quickly by examining any of the 120 satellite images from the NOAA weather station. 

Plus, you may utilize the GPS function to locate the closest weather station image while you're on the go. 

Cloud Map app

Read more: Apple Watch for pregnancy

Best Apple Watch for Pilots

Since its first debut years ago, the Apple Watch has undergone significant development. 

The most recent models allow you to use all functions without carrying your iPhone with you wherever you go thanks to an inbuilt GPS, an always-on screen, an optional cellular data connection, etc.

So let's see which Apple Watch is the best for pilots!

Apple Watch Series 8

The Apple Watch Series 8 offers a number of built-in features that are useful to pilots, despite not being designed with them in mind. 

The finest thing is that it supports various useful aviation-related apps.

You can simplify your life both on the ground and in the air with the help of this incredibly user-friendly smartwatch.

Apple Watch Series 8

The integrated Global Navigation Satellite System (GPS), blood oxygen sensor, electrical heart sensor, optical heart sensor, and compass are among the features. 

They will assist you in monitoring your well-being so that you can give your all as a pilot.  

See “Apple Watch for heart monitoring” for more details!

Apple Watch Series 7

This smartwatch's cutting-edge features and creative design are especially suited to the particular requirements of aviation professionals.

The improved display of the Apple Watch Series 7 for pilots is one of its most notable improvements. 

Even in direct sunshine, the bigger Retina display's crystal-clear readability makes essential information quickly and effortlessly accessible. 

This is especially crucial for pilots who must swiftly access flight data and navigational information while in the cockpit.

Apple Watch Series 7

It also has strong health tracking features, which are advantageous for pilots' well-being on lengthy flights. 

Its integrated heart rate monitor helps pilots keep an eye on their stress levels and notifies them when their heart rate rises over a predetermined range.

Alternatives to Apple Watch for Pilots

Many aviators want their pilot smart watch to have the most functionality possible.

The perfect pilot watch must fit your requirements, from navigation to altimeter settings, and even monitoring oxygen levels and pulse while in flight.

We'll lay down our best picks for pilots' digital watches in addition to Apple Watch below: