Apple Watch will now also predict lower thresholds, allowing less involved consumers a more full view of their overall health. Data shows that cardio exercise is a better indicator of mortality risk than traditional risk factors such as obesity, diabetes and hypertension.
The Watch uses various sensors, such as the heart tracker, the GPS, and the accelerometer, to achieve this. Apple claims this is a milestone, as determining VO2 max correctly normally involves clinical tests using advanced instruments. Cardio fitness is rapidly recognized as a strong indicator of optimal health, and with today’s update to WatchOS 7, we are making it much more available to more users,” said Jeff Williams, Chief Operating Officer of Apple. Apple Watch is now estimating average and higher levels of VO2 max during intense outdoor cycling, running or climbing, which many runners and other athletes are tracking to enhance results. Today, iOS 14.3 and watchOS 7.2 allow Apple Watch users to access the Cardio Fitness segment in the iPhone Health app and see if their cardio fitness rating is rated as high, above average, below average compared to people of the same age group and of the same sex.
