Apple’s various features have been game changers for monitoring health and fitness. From heart rate monitors to fall detection, it’s become more than a fitness device for tracking exercise progress. The Apple Watch, iPhone and accompanying apps come through in emergencies, from calling 911 to tipping off users who are experiencing irregular vitals.
At this year’s Keynote, CEO Tim Cook kicks off by calling the new Apple Watch lineup the best ever.
Along with the Apple Watch Series 8, which features a string of new functions, the brand launches the all-new Apple Watch Ultra geared towards adventurers.
Here, we look at some of the best health and fitness features new to the Apple Watch Series 8, Apple Watch Ultra and iPhone 14.
Temperature Tracking
Recording body temperature to track ovulation used to be a tedious task that required meticulously taking temperature each morning and marking it down in a journal. The new Apple Watch Series 8 is now fitted with a temperature sensor that provides Retrospective Temperature Tracking every 8 seconds down to 0.1 celsius. The information is directly synced to the phone’s Cycle Tracking app and Wrist Temperature app.
The function tracks cyclical patterns in biphasic response, linked to shifting hormones and ovulation, making it a game-changer for women’s health.
Crash Detection
The Apple Watch’s Fall Detection function has been a lifesaver for active and elderly users. Apple adds two new motion sensors to the Apple Watch Series 8, one under the screen and the other on the case back, to measure G Force up to 256Gs. It’s also fitted with a high-dynamic gyroscope that measures orientation. The same feature is also added to the new iPhone 14.
Together with the microphone, barometer and GPS, the watch senses motion 3000 times a second. It can accurately detect four types of impact: front, side, rear end and roll-over in passenger cars, SUVs and pick-up trucks.
When a crash is detected, the watch automatically connects to emergency service and contacts and shares its location with authorities.
Apple Watch Ultra Huish dive app
The Apple Watch Ultra is an all-new device designed for adventures. At 49 mm, it features a smart pusher in addition to the digital crown, and it’s built with lightweight, durable and corrosion-resistant aerospace-grade titanium.
With enhanced GPS and a new Wayfinder compass that provides more accurate positioning, it’s the most powerful Apple Watch yet.
But the most exciting new feature is an app that works with the built-in depth gauge. The app, created in collaboration with Huish, essentially turns the Apple Watch Ultra into a dive computer that tracks depth, tide, temperature, current, and oxygen and calculates dive time.
For free divers and scuba divers, the app collects diver data, including depth up to 130 feet and geo-location, and automatically syncs to the users’ iPhone and iCloud when they surface.
Apple Watch Ultra’s Wayfinder compass
The Ultra taps into L5 GPS in addition to the L1 GPS already incorporated in the Apple Watch Series 8. This enhances accuracy in dense urban areas and locations with dense forests, making it Ultra the most accurate watch on the market.
The compass features a new Orienting View that allows users to mark different locations such as campsites and checkpoints; a backtracking feature makes it easy to retrace steps.
Emergency SOS via Satellite
Previously only accessible with bulky satellite phones, Apple has built technology that allows the sleek iPhone 14 to connect with a satellite signal.
The phone needs to be pointed directly at a satellite to connect, which is impossible with just the naked eye since satellites are positioned 15,00 miles above the earth. Apple created an app that indicates the direction of a satellite so users can point in the direction to send preset messages to emergency services.
On a clear day with a direct path to the satellite, it takes as little as 15 seconds to send a call for help.
The feature will launch first in the US and Canada in November, so users worldwide will need to stay tuned for this new feature.
Also see: Luxury brands like Gucci are launching wearable fitness tech; are they worth the premium?
