I’m thrilled to sit down with Simon Glairy, a leading expert in wearable technology and fitness tracking, to dive into the fascinating world of Apple Watch Activity awards. With his deep understanding of how technology intersects with personal health and motivation, Simon offers unique insights into how these digital badges inspire users to stay active. In this conversation, we’ll explore the impact of these awards on user engagement, the distinction between standard and limited-time challenges, the personalization of goals, and what’s in store for 2025. Let’s get started!
How do Apple Watch Activity awards contribute to keeping users motivated in their fitness journeys?
These awards are like little digital trophies that tap into our innate desire for recognition. Whether it’s a badge for closing your activity rings or hitting a personal best, they create a sense of achievement that keeps users coming back. The gamification aspect—turning exercise into a series of challenges with visual rewards—really resonates. I’ve seen how users feel a rush of pride when they unlock a new badge, and it often pushes them to set bigger goals. It’s not just about fitness; it’s about building a habit through positive reinforcement.
What makes limited-time awards, like the Earth Day Challenge, stand out compared to the everyday badges?
Limited-time awards are special because they’re tied to specific dates or events, creating a sense of urgency and exclusivity. Unlike the standard badges you can earn anytime, something like the Earth Day Challenge on April 22 or the Global Running Day Challenge on June 4, 2025, is only available for a short window. This rarity makes them feel more prestigious. They also often align with meaningful causes or global movements, which adds an emotional layer—users aren’t just working out for themselves, but to be part of something bigger.
Speaking of 2025, which of the upcoming limited-time challenges are you most excited about, and why?
I’m really looking forward to the Global Running Day Challenge on June 4, 2025. It requires a 5K run, which I think strikes a great balance—it’s challenging yet achievable for a wide range of users, from beginners to seasoned runners. It’s also a fantastic way to bring the global fitness community together on a single day. Events like these foster a sense of camaraderie, and I love how Apple uses tech to connect people through shared goals. I can’t wait to see the social buzz around it.
How do the Monthly Challenges differ in their approach from other types of awards?
Monthly Challenges are unique because they’re somewhat personalized to the user’s activity history. Unlike one-day events or standard badges, these challenges often span an entire month and might ask you to burn a specific number of calories or log a certain amount of exercise time. This tailored approach makes them feel more relevant—Apple’s algorithm looks at your past performance to set a goal that’s just out of reach, pushing you to improve without feeling impossible. It’s a smart way to keep engagement high over a longer period.
Can you walk us through the process of viewing these awards, and how that visibility impacts user motivation?
Absolutely. Users can check their awards either on the Apple Watch itself by opening the Activity app and tapping the badge icon in the bottom-right corner, or on their iPhone via the Activity app’s ‘Awards’ section under the ‘Summary’ tab. Both show a library of badges—unlocked ones in full color and locked ones greyed out. Seeing those unearned badges is a powerful motivator; it’s like a visual to-do list. I’ve heard from users that scrolling through and spotting a badge they’re close to unlocking often spurs them to lace up their sneakers and get moving.
Among the standard awards, like the ‘Close Your Rings’ badges, which do you think poses the biggest challenge for users?
I’d say the 3,000 Move Goals badge is one of the toughest. It represents an incredible level of consistency and dedication over years of use. Most users might aim for shorter-term goals like a Perfect Week or hitting 100 Move Goals, but 3,000 is a monumental milestone. It’s not just about physical effort; it’s about maintaining that commitment through life’s ups and downs. I think only a small percentage of users actively pursue it, but for those who do, it’s a badge of honor that reflects a lifestyle change.
What’s your forecast for the future of fitness tracking awards and challenges in wearable tech?
I believe we’re going to see even more personalization and integration with AI. Imagine awards that adapt not just to your fitness history, but to your schedule, mood, or even local weather conditions—suggesting indoor challenges during a storm, for example. I also expect more social elements, like team-based challenges or global leaderboards, to amplify the community aspect. And with advancements in health sensors, awards could evolve to celebrate not just activity, but recovery, stress management, or sleep quality. The future is about making fitness tracking a holistic, deeply engaging experience that feels uniquely yours.
