Here’s how the Apple Watch Vitals app can detect potential illness days before symptoms appear.
Earlier this week, Apple Watch users were excited to discover that a new feature in the latest watchOS update allows the Vitals app to indicate when your body may be showing early signs of illness. While health-tracking features on smartwatches like the Apple Watch, Fitbit, and Garmin—such as monitoring heart rate and step count—aren’t new, the Vitals app has garnered significant attention just a month after its release.
Available on Apple Watch Series 8 and later, the app has already proven its usefulness. Users on Reddit have shared their experiences, with one noting that the app detected their illness three days before any symptoms emerged. Another user reported receiving alerts about health irregularities days prior to feeling unwell.
How Your Apple Watch Detects Signs of Sickness
Although Apple hasn’t disclosed specific details about the Vitals app, it appears to analyze data collected during sleep to identify potential health issues.
According to Apple’s user guide, the feature is accessible to anyone who tracks sleep data with their watch. This data encompasses vital signs such as heart rate, blood oxygen levels, respiratory rate, wrist temperature, and sleep duration. In one Reddit case, the watch identified an elevated body temperature.
Users can activate notifications for measurements that fall outside the normal range, providing early warnings about possible illness. While the app cannot prevent sickness, this proactive alert can be beneficial.
Overall, Reddit users have expressed appreciation for the app’s utility. One user stated, “This is my favorite watchOS 11 feature,” while another remarked, “It’s kinda insane how useful this feature can be.” However, it’s crucial to remember that the watch should not replace professional medical advice.
Lastly, please note that blood oxygen monitoring will be unavailable on models sold in the U.S. on or after January 18, 2024.