Wearable | The VergeThe Verge is about technology and how it makes us feel. Founded in 2011, we offer our audience everything from breaking news to reviews to award-winning features and investigations, on our site, in video, and in podcasts.2026-04-21T17:07:54+00:00https://www.theverge.com/rss/wearables/index.xmlhttps://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/01/verge-rss-large_80b47e.png?w=150&h=150&crop=1Victoria Song<![CDATA[Wearable health tech might be Tim Cook’s greatest legacy ]]>https://www.theverge.com/?p=9159762026-04-21T13:07:54-04:002026-04-21T13:05:51-04:00
The Apple Watch was the first new product in the post-Jobs era.
An apple a day keeps the doctor away. Granted, 19th-century proverb writers were talking about the fruit, but Tim Cook helped give new meaning to the adage with the release of the very first Apple Watch. In fact, I'd argue that when he hands the reins to John Ternus in September, it won't be iPhones, Macs, AirPods, or the Vision Pro that defines Cook's legacy. It'll be how the Apple Watch set the course for modern health tech.
You don't have to take my word for it. In 2019, Cook himself told told Mad Money host Jim Cramer, "…If you zoom out into the future, and you look back, and you ask the question, 'What was Apple's greatest contribution …
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Victoria Song<![CDATA[Peloton, stay in your lane]]>https://www.theverge.com/?p=9137662026-04-17T09:04:23-04:002026-04-17T10:00:00-04:00
People keep trying to make Peloton more than what it is, when the product itself is enough.
This is Optimizer, a weekly newsletter sent every Friday from Verge senior reviewerVictoria Song that dissects and discusses the latest gizmos and potions that swear they're going to change your life. Opt in for Optimizer here.
The camera zooms in on two well-formed cheeks clad in white shorts. These buns of steel belong to one Hudson Williams, star of the steamy hockey romance Heated Rivalry. As the camera pans up, a bead of sweat drips down his chin toward his clavicle. Sweaty abs are shown. The music swells. Hollywood's mega-hunk of the moment is swaying his chiseled visage back and forth, semi-gyrating on… a Peloton treadmill. A $6,695 …
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Stevie Bonifield<![CDATA[Gucci-branded Google smart glasses are coming next year]]>https://www.theverge.com/?p=9135232026-04-17T05:25:34-04:002026-04-16T16:31:31-04:00
Google’s “Project Aura” will be its first Android XR glasses, expected later this year. | Image: Google, Xreal
Google is reportedly partnering with Gucci to make a pair of AI smart glasses stylish enough people might actually want to wear them. According to Reuters, Gucci parent company Kering is planning to launch the glasses sometime in 2027.
Google's first pair of Android XR glasses, "Project Aura," are expected to launch this year. They feature essentially the same look as Meta's Ray-Ban glasses, with chunky, black plastic frames. They'll usher in Google's second attempt at smart glasses, after Google Glass infamously failed to catch on over a decade ago.
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David Pierce<![CDATA[Ben McKenzie vs. crypto]]>https://www.theverge.com/?p=9116052026-04-17T09:08:23-04:002026-04-14T09:34:32-04:00
A few years ago, during the absolute peak of the cryptocurrency craze, a somewhat surprising skeptic emerged. Most people know Ben McKenzie from his acting work on Southland or Gotham, or would recognize him instantly as Ryan Atwood from The O.C. While seemingly everyone else was buying Bitcoin, McKenzie decided to figure out what Bitcoin was actually all about. And, of course, he decided to film it.
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Thomas Ricker<![CDATA[A sleek, wearable airbag for cyclists is nearly here]]>https://www.theverge.com/?p=9115402026-04-14T06:04:52-04:002026-04-14T05:58:51-04:00
The lightweight Airbag deploys in just milliseconds after detecting a crash. | Image: Van Rysel
What you're looking at is a new airbag system integrated directly into a "race-ready" skinsuit, not bolted on like other solutions. It was developed for road cyclists by Van Rysel, with the help of airbag technology specialist In&motion. It's currently being tested on pro riders ahead of a general consumer release sometime "within the next two years."
Its development comes after the UCI, pro cycling's governing body, put out a call in February seeking gear that could help protect riders traveling faster than ever.
The current version is in final validation ahead of potential race deployment. It has a total weight of about 700 grams (500 gr …
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Sheena Vasani<![CDATA[The Apple Watch Series 11 has returned to its best-ever price]]>https://www.theverge.com/?p=9111912026-04-13T19:43:21-04:002026-04-13T14:48:17-04:00
You can buy the Apple Watch Series 11 for $100 off in multiple sizes and colors. | Photo by Amelia Holowaty Krales / The Verge
If you’re still holding onto an older Apple Watch, now might be a good time to upgrade. Right now, the 42mm Apple Watch Series 11 with GPS is on sale for around $299 ($100 off) at Amazon, Best Buy, and Target, which is its best price to date. If you prefer a larger size, the 46mm is also $100 off for a limited time, with the base GPS configuration selling for about $329 at Amazon, Best Buy, and Target.
While it’s not a significant upgrade over the Apple Watch Series 10, we still recommend it if you’re using a Series 5 or Series 6. It’s Apple’s fastest and most durable flagship wearable yet, with a bright, wide-angle OLED display that’s easy to read at a glance. It offers the longest battery life of any Series model to date, allowing you to eke out up to 24 hours (or 38 hours in low-power mode) on a single charge with the base configuration. The LTE version doesn’t drain as quickly either thanks to Apple’s power-efficient 5G modem, and you can charge a dead watch to 80 percent capacity in just 30 minutes.
On the health and wellness side, it offers a diverse range of features, from FDA-cleared hypertension notifications and sleep scores to ovulation tracking, sleep apnea detection, and fall detection. Beyond that, you get access to watchOS 26 features like Workout Buddy, which offers real-time coaching, as well as wrist flick and double tap gestures so you can control the watch without touching the screen. Rounding things out, you also get Apple’s usual set of smart features, including Apple Pay, Siri, and access to music directly from your wrist.
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Victoria Song<![CDATA[Why your Whoop might tell you to up your testosterone]]>https://www.theverge.com/?p=9097362026-04-21T12:08:40-04:002026-04-10T10:00:00-04:00
Whoop is popular among congressional staffers.
This is Optimizer, a weekly newsletter sent every Friday from Verge senior reviewerVictoria Song that dissects and discusses the latest gizmos and potions that swear they're going to change your life. Opt in for Optimizer here.
Last week, our editor-in-chief Nilay Patel messaged me about his new Whoop band, which he'd gotten thanks to a generous yearlong offer from Chase. A few days later, he sent a cursed screenshot. The Whoop AI coach had recommended several ways in which he could dramatically improve his testosterone levels. Not because he was deficient, but because they were at "not sick" levels. Whoop optimizes for performance levels. …
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Brandon WidderSheena Vasani<![CDATA[Here are the best Apple Watch deals available right now]]>https://www.theverge.com/21289209/best-apple-watch-deals2026-04-09T18:31:47-04:002026-04-09T18:30:00-04:00
In September, Apple launched its latest batch of smartwatches, including the Apple Watch Series 11, the SE 3, and the Ultra 3. Each has its own pros and cons, but the introduction of Apple’s newest wearables also means there are now more Apple Watch models on the market than ever before — and a lot more deals to be had.
But with all of those options, which one should you pick? Generally speaking, you want to buy the newest watch you can afford so that it continues to receive software updates from Apple. The latest update, watchOS 26, launched in September on the Series 6 and newer models, leaving those with a Series 5 and older devices in the proverbial dust. Fortunately, picking up a watch from the latest (or a recent) generation ensures you’re getting a futureproof smartwatch with an updated design, a robust feature set, and plenty of sensors.
The Apple Watch Series 11 is a fairly iterative update of the Series 10, meaning those who already own Apple’s last-gen flagship may not necessarily feel compelled to upgrade. That being said, the newest model does tout a more power-efficient 5G modem and a more scratch-resistant display, as well as an additional 6 hours of battery life over the Series 10. It’s also the slimmest Apple Watch to date and the first to offer FDA-cleared hypertension notifications out of the gate, which you can also now leverage on both the Series 9 and Ultra 2.
If you are looking to upgrade, however, you can pick up the Apple Watch Series 11 in the 42mm / GPS configuration at Amazon and Walmart starting at $329 ($70 off), which remains the second-best price we’ve seen for the base model. If you prefer the larger 46mm / GPS model, it’s also available at Amazon and Walmart for around $329 ($100 off), matching its lowest price to date.
While the Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3 introduce a handful of iterative updates, the new Apple Watch SE 3 represents a significant upgrade over its 2022 predecessor. The entry-level watch features the same speedy S10 chip found in Apple’s flagship models, for one, letting you take advantage of Apple’s double tap feature, wrist flick gestures, and on-device Siri. The SE 3 also (finally) adds an always-on display, 5G connectivity, support for fast-charging, and audio playback so you can listen to music or podcasts directly from your wrist.
On the health front, the SE 3 introduces a wrist-temperature sensor for retrospective ovulation tracking, along with breathing disturbance alerts, sleep apnea notifications, and a new Sleep Score that breaks down time spent in each stage. What you won’t find are the Series 11’s EKG functionality, blood oxygen monitoring, or hypertension notifications — those are exclusive to the Series and Ultra models.
In terms of deals,the Apple Watch SE 3 is currently available on Amazon in its 40mm base configuration with GPS for $239,a mere $10 discount and about $40 shy of its lowest price to date. You can also pick up the larger 44mm model on Amazon starting at $269, which, again, is $10 less than the MSRP.
Unsurprisingly, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 offers the most features, sensors, and ruggedness of any Apple Watch available thus far. It features a larger, wide-angle OLED display with a 1Hz refresh rate and thinner bezels, as well as both satellite and 5G connectivity. Better yet, battery life has been extended from 36 hours to 42 hours — a marginal improvement, but one that allows you to squeeze out a bit more life when necessary.
As far as deals go, the Ultra 3 recently dropped to an all-time low of $699.99 ($100 off), which is the current sale price on Amazon when you pick it up with either an Ocean Band or a Trail Loop strap. You can also grab it from Amazon with an Alpine Loop strap starting at $768 ($32 off), which remains one of the better prices we’ve seen on that particular model in recent weeks.
If the latest Ultra isn’t what you’re after, you can save some money by opting for an Apple Watch Ultra 2, which isn’t vastly different than Apple’s latest top-of-the-line model. The wearable runs on the older S9 SiP and features Apple’s second-gen ultra wideband chip, but that may not matter to you since it still offers precise GPS tracking, a range of diving-friendly sensors, and long-lasting battery life.
Right now, you can pick up the Apple Watch Ultra 2 at Best Buy with an Alpine Loop, a Trail Loop, or an Ocean Band starting at $574 ($225 off), which is about $125 less than the current price of the Ultra 3.
Update, April 9th: Updated to reflect current pricing / availability and several new links.
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Sheena Vasani<![CDATA[Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 8 is easier to recommend now it starts at $260]]>https://www.theverge.com/?p=9095022026-04-09T18:01:03-04:002026-04-09T17:10:47-04:00
Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 8 is on sale in multiple colors. | Photo by Amelia Holowaty Krales / The Verge
Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 8 is one of the best Android smartwatches you can buy right now, especially if you’re already using a Samsung phone. Right now the 40mm, Bluetooth-enabled version’s on sale for $289.99 ($60 off) at Amazon, Best Buy, and Samsung, which is its second-best price this year and only $50 shy of its all-time low price. Meanwhile, Woot is offering the 46mm, international version of the Bluetooth-enabled Classic model for even less at $259.99 ($240 off) in black and white, though it’s worth noting that it only comes with a 90-day Woot warranty instead of Samsung’s standard one-year coverage.
The wearable isn’t a dramatic overhaul from its predecessor, but it’s a solid upgrade if you’re coming from a Galaxy Watch 5 or older. The new “squircle” design is slimmer and more comfortable, and if you opt for the Classic model, you’ll also get a rotating bezel along with the Galaxy Watch Ultra’s customizable Quick Button. Both versions also introduce a few new health-focused tools. Our favorite is the Running Coach feature, which offers a personalized training plan based on your performance during a 12-minute run test. The wearable also offers sensors that attempt to estimate whether you’re getting enough fruits and vegetables in your diet, although in testing we found it can be a bit hit or miss.
Otherwise, it covers the essentials well, with reliable heart rate and blood oxygen tracking, as well as sleep apnea detection and EKGs when paired with a Samsung Galaxy phone. Beyond fitness, both wearables also support Google’s Gemini AI assistant, letting you handle quick tasks from your wrist like asking for nearby cafe recommendations or creating playlists without pulling out your phone.
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Victoria Song<![CDATA[Continuous glucose monitoring made me continuously crazy]]>https://www.theverge.com/?p=9073592026-04-08T07:01:19-04:002026-04-08T07:00:00-04:00
Continuous glucose monitors — also referred to as glucose biosensors — aren’t just for diabetics anymore.
Daily life is different when you're tracking glucose. A little over a year ago, I was on my way to a conference. My bags were packed, the Uber was on its way, but there was one last thing to do before I could head to the airport. Tearing open a small isopropyl alcohol wipe, I cleaned the skin on the back of my arm. After that, I applied a small applicator to the clean skin, doing my best to ignore the visible needle inside. I squeezed my eyes shut and pressed a button. It made a ka-thunk. I repeated the process on the other arm.
In my right arm, I now had a Dexcom Stelo. In the left, an Abbott Lingo. Both were over-the-counter continuous g …
