Apple is known for charging exorbitant prices even for accessories that are actually cheap. The latest coup from the hardware manufacturer from Cupertino is a drinking bottle for just under 85 euros. TECHBOOK explains what this unusual offer is all about.
In any case, a drinking bottle is not one of the typical gadgets that one would expect in the Apple online shop. However, the Apple drinking bottle from the third-party manufacturer HidrateSpark can do a little more than just keep soft drinks cool at the price mentioned. Above all, as a useful accessory, it should support the health functions of the Apple Watch or the iPhone. We took a closer look at how this works and whether it is worth buying.
HidrateSpark STEEL exclusively at Apple
The “HidrateSpark STEEL” is a vacuum-insulated stainless steel bottle that keeps drinks cold for up to 24 hours. It is available in black and silver and holds 620 milliliters, which looks unusual. A smart LED sensor puck lights up to remind you to drink and tracks water intake by syncing via Bluetooth with the HidrateSpark app. The HidrateSpark STEEL package includes both a regular lid and a straw lid. Throughout the day, the HidrateSpark STEEL calculates and constantly adjusts your personal fluid goal, taking body and activity into account.
Compatible with Apple devices
The sensor puck tracks how many milliliters you drink and then records this through the app on iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch. The drinking bottle then works on the devices themselves in connection with Apple Health. This is how the free HidrateSpark app syncs with the bottle. After creating the obligatory user account, you can then create an individual fluid target (e.g. daily drinking amount) via Apple Health. Actual hydration is then measured by the bottle and sent back to Apple Health. The data is processed there and can also be manually adjusted later, for example if drinks from other containers have to be added.
Connection via Bluetooth
The data connection works via Bluetooth. There is a light ring on the bottom of the drinking bottle, which is intended to remind you to drink regularly throughout the day. Various lighting patterns can be set here, among other things. This works with a rechargeable battery and an associated quick charging cable. The bottle itself is made of vacuum-insulated stainless steel and is designed to keep drinks cool for up to 24 hours. Also included is a wrist strap and two lids, including one for use with drinking straws.
Is the Apple water bottle worth it?
Ultimately, the drinking bottle fulfills two essential functions. On the one hand you can use it to keep drinks cool for a longer period of time on the go, on the other hand it reminds you to drink and sends the daily drinking amount to Apple devices or the Health app via Bluetooth. Basically a nice toy, but from our point of view basically without any real utility. Stainless steel bottles, which keep drinks cool on the go, are sometimes available online for less than ten euros. Ultimately, you mainly pay for the data function and, of course, as so often, for the fact that it is an Apple product from the in-house online shop.
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However, there are people who have to pay attention to their daily fluid intake due to chronic illnesses. In such cases, the HidrateSpark STEEL to be useful. But even in such cases, one could also use an alternative smartphone app for reminder routines. All in all, the 85 euros definitely seem exaggerated to us. However, the price may fall over time, and it is definitely worth keeping an eye on other online shops or price comparison portals such as idealo.de. Original accessories are occasionally on sale at local Apple dealers, but the bottle is displayed there as unavailable, at least for the time being.