The Apple Watch has become a constant companion for millions of people. It wakes users up, nudges them to move, tracks their sleep, and taps their wrist whenever a message comes in. For many, it feels less like a gadget and more like something they wear without thinking. It promises better health, better habits, and better awareness of the body.
But for one former Apple engineer, that constant presence slowly became too much.
Ray Fernando, who once worked on the Apple Watch team, recently shared why he decided to stop wearing the very device he helped build. In a video that has been widely shared online, Fernando explained that he took off his Apple Watch about a month ago, not because it failed him, but because it started demanding too much from him.
He admitted that life without the watch felt strange at first, almost like something was missing. Yet that feeling quickly gave way to relief.
Fernando said the Apple Watch had once been a powerful force for good in his life. When he first started using it, he was significantly heavier and struggling to stay active. The watch helped him track his walks, stay accountable, and slowly build healthier routines. For years, it served exactly the purpose it was designed for.
Over time, though, the experience changed. As more features were added, from sleep tracking to health reminders and endless notifications, the watch began to interrupt rather than support his day. Every vibration pulled his attention away, even during quiet moments like walking outdoors. Instead of being present, he found himself reacting to the device.
What made this more frustrating was that Fernando knew how to manage it. He was familiar with settings meant to reduce distractions. Still, he felt stuck in a cycle of checking alerts, adjusting options, and keeping the watch under control. The mental effort of managing the device started to outweigh its benefits.
Eventually, he made a simple decision. Instead of constantly tweaking settings, he stopped wearing the watch altogether.
Today, Fernando says he no longer feels the need to track everything. After years of monitoring his activity, he understands his body well enough to know when he has walked enough or pushed himself hard. He relies on breathing, movement, and basic awareness rather than numbers on a screen.
He is careful to point out that this is not a criticism of Apple or the Apple Watch. In fact, he credits the device for helping him change his life and build lasting fitness habits. His choice reflects a shift in priorities, not regret.
For Fernando, stepping away from the Apple Watch is about reclaiming attention, reducing noise, and choosing peace over constant tracking. It is a reminder that even the smartest devices need to know when to step back.
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
