Requirements for Listening to Music or Podcasts on Apple Watch

There are different ways to interact with audio content using your Apple Watch. When connected to your iPhone, you can use your watch to control the audio output. For example, use your Apple Watch to play, pause, or skip content. To listen to audio from your Apple Watch (as opposed to controlling it from iPhone), the Watch must be connected to a Bluetooth audio device, including speakers and headphones. You watch will not play the content from its built-in speaker. From here, there are additional requirements.

Apple Music

If you subscribe to Apple Music, you can play songs from the entire Apple Music catalog from your watch, as long as it’s connected to the internet through Wi-Fi or cellular. If you aren’t an Apple Music subscriber, you can play your songs, albums, and playlists — as long as the content is physically stored on your Apple Watch.

Podcasts

Like with music, you can control podcasts residing on your iPhone with your Apple Watch. You can also play stored podcasts from the wearable device. Syncing is required to transfer podcasts from your iPhone to Apple Watch.

Music on Apple Watch

It shouldn’t come as a surprise that Apple has made it possible to enjoy music from Apple Watch. After all, this is the same company that introduced iTunes and iPods years ago.

Syncing Music

To sync or store music on your Apple Watch: Your iPhone will now sync music to your Apple Watch. Keep both devices nearby to complete the process.

Deleting Music from Apple Watch

Even the newest Apple Watches have only 32GB of storage. Because of this, the time may come when you want to remove music from your device. To do so:

Listening to Music on Apple Watch

On Apple Watch you’ll see four main sections on the main Music app screen: On iPhone, Now Playing, Library, and For You.

On iPhone: Use these controls to play music content on your iPhone.Now Playing: Here’s the link to the currently playing song. On this screen, you can pause, play, rewind/fast forward music, and more.Library: Remember the music you synced above? It’s located here. Play it from your Apple Watch with Bluetooth headphones or speakers.For You: You’ll find content based on your tastes and listening history. It sometimes includes an odd mix and new music and old standbys.

What About Radio?

Apple Music subscribers can also listen to streaming radio from your watch, too. You can do so through the aptly-named Radio app. You’ll need an internet connection to listen to the content.

Podcasts on Apple Watch

Apple makes it possible to listen to music and podcasts directly on your Apple Watch. Additionally, you can use your wearable device to control content from your iPhone. These tools enhance the watch and take it beyond being merely a workout device. Next, On Apple Watch you’ll see four main sections on the Podcasts app screen: On iPhone, Now Playing, and Library.

Listening to Podcasts on Apple Watch

On iPhone: Use these controls to play podcasts on your iPhone.Now Playing: Here’s the link to the currently playing title. On this screen, you can pause, play, rewind/fast forward, and more.Library: Synced podcasts are here. Play the content from your Apple Watch with Bluetooth headphones or speakers.

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