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CNET
12-06-2025
- Health
- CNET
9 Hidden Apple Watch Health Features, According to a Doctor at Apple
If you own an Apple Watch, then you know just how small but mighty the wearable device can be. But are you aware of all the different ways this high-tech watch can assist you in monitoring and improving your health? To help you learn more about the not-so-obvious health features hidden on the Apple Watch that can support your heart health, fitness, sleep and more, we spoke with a doctor at Apple. Tips and Tricks for the Apple Watch Series 10 Tips and Tricks for the Apple Watch Series 10 Click to unmute Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Skip Backward Skip Forward Next playlist item Unmute Current Time 0:01 / Duration 5:53 Loaded : 3.37% 0:01 Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 5:52 Share Fullscreen This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Text Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Caption Area Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Drop shadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Close Modal Dialog This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button. Close Modal Dialog This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button. Tips and Tricks for the Apple Watch Series 10 1. The Vitals app metrics Using overnight health metrics, the Vitals app can reveal much about your health and how it changes daily. From heart rate and wrist temperature (available on Apple Watch Series 8 or later and any Apple Watch Ultra model) to respiratory rate and sleep duration, you can get a thorough picture of your health from just one glance at your watch. If you purchased an Apple Watch sold in the US before Jan. 18, 2024, you may also be able to measure your blood oxygen. "When two or more of your metrics are out of range, we will notify you with information about why that might be," Dr. Lauren Cheung, a clinician at Apple, tells CNET in an email. "How it works is just after you wake up, you might see a notification from the Vitals app. For example, maybe your heart rate and wrist temperature were high -- this could be due to illness or alcohol consumption." With the health information provided by the Vitals app, you can make informed decisions about your body. If specific metrics are outside your normal range, you can choose to get extra rest that day or visit your doctor if you have particular symptoms. How to set up the Vitals app on the Apple Watch To set up your typical range, you must wear your Apple Watch for at least seven days. Ensure your watch is not loose on your wrist; otherwise, it might not capture accurate readings. To set up notifications, go to Settings on your Apple Watch, tap Vitals and turn on notifications. For sleep specifically, make sure Track Sleep with Apple Watch is set up and Sleep Focus is enabled. To do so, open your iPhone's Health app, tap Get Started under Set Up Sleep, tap Next and then follow the on-screen prompts. You can also use your Apple Watch's Sleep app and follow the on-screen instructions. 2. Noise notifications Apple You can use the Noise app on your Apple Watch to measure the sound levels in your environment. You can also enable noise notifications so your watch can tell you when you're exposed to dangerously loud sounds. When asked why noise notifications were added to the Apple Watch, Cheung says, "The world can be loud, and we believe it's important for you to be educated and empowered about how your environment, and the noise around you, can impact your hearing health over time. That way, you can take action; whether that's moving to a quieter space or popping in AirPods Pro 2 with Hearing Protection." With the AirPods Pro 2, Apple also offers a Hearing Test that can give you a baseline for your hearing health and help you adjust accordingly. Or you can even use your AirPods Pro 2 as a hearing aid. How to set up Noise notifications on the Apple Watch Simply go to the Watch app on your iPhone, tap My Watch, tap Noise, tap Noise Threshold and then pick a decibel level. Different limits are listed based on World Health Organization recommendations. 3. Ovulation estimates "The technology is pretty remarkable," Cheung says. "We created new temperature-sensing capabilities on Apple Watch that help you understand nightly changes from your baseline temperature, which can be caused by exercise, jet lag or even illness. The unique two-sensor design improves accuracy by reducing bias from the outside environment, detecting changes as small as 0.1 degrees Celsius." With the Apple Watch Series 8 or later and all Apple Watch Ultra models, this technology allows the Cycle Tracking app to estimate when ovulation occurs. "The reason we can do that is because after you ovulate, there is a biphasic shift, or in other words, an increase in temperature in response to changing hormones," Cheung says. This can also help improve the Cycle Tracking app's period predictions. How to set up ovulation estimates on the Apple Watch First, set up Cycle Tracking with fertility predictions enabled and no ongoing cycle factors logged. To do so, open your iPhone or iPad's Health app, tap Browse on the iPhone or open the iPad's sidebar, tap Cycle Tracking, tap Get Started and follow the on-screen instructions. You will also want to ensure you set up Track Sleep with your Apple Watch and have Sleep Focus enabled for at least 4 hours per night for five nights. To set up Sleep, follow the instructions in your Apple Watch's Sleep app. 4. Fall detection Apple/Screenshot by CNET According to Cheung, many Apple Watch users have reported the benefits of fall detection. "For those who have an active lifestyle, they can choose to enable it during workouts -- the feature is able to recognize the unique motion and impact of falls from a bike and other workout types," Cheung says. If your watch detects a hard fall, it will sound an alarm, display an alert and tap you on the wrist. With the alert, you can either dismiss it by tapping "I'm OK" or contact emergency services. The watch automatically calls if you've been immobile for around a minute. After, it will message your emergency contacts with your location. If you don't have cellular or Wi-Fi coverage, Fall Detection may reach emergency services via the Emergency SOS via satellite system (if available). Note that Apple Watch can't detect all falls and may mistake a high-impact activity as a fall. How to set up fall detection on the Apple Watch To enable it, on your iPhone, open the Watch app, tap My Watch, tap Emergency SOS and turn Fall Detection on or off. If enabled, you can choose whether you want it to always be on or only during workouts. This works for Apple Watch SE, Apple Watch Series 4 or later and Apple Watch Ultra or later, and if you inputted your age when you set up your Apple Watch or in the Health app, the Fall Detection feature turns on automatically if you're 55 or older. 5. Heart health notifications For those with Apple Watch Series 1 or later and people aged 13 and over, you can have your Apple Watch alert you if your heart rate is high or low or has an irregular rhythm. "For the most part, you don't have to do anything besides turn them on," Cheung explains. "They work passively in the background as you live your day. If your heart rate is unusually high or low, you can get a notification, so you can take action. And if your heart rhythm shows signs of atrial fibrillation -- an irregular heart rhythm -- you'll receive a notification." Cheung describes atrial fibrillation as the most common type of arrhythmia among adults, which can have serious side effects on your health if not treated. "For instance, it's the leading cause of stroke," Cheung says. "And some people with AFib can have little to no symptoms, so they may not even realize they're experiencing episodes and ultimately may not seek attention." If you get an irregular rhythm notification, you can speak with your doctor and even share a PDF that includes information about your heart health notifications and, if you take one, your electrocardiogram. Available on Apple Watch Series 4 or later and all Apple Watch Ultra models, the ECG app allows you to take a test that records the timing and strength of the electrical signals that make your heartbeat. How to set up heart health notifications on the Apple Watch To set up heart rate notifications, go to the Apple Watch app on your iPhone, tap My Watch, tap Heart, tap High Heart Rate and choose Beats Per Minute, tap Low Heart Rate and choose a BPM. For irregular rhythm notifications, open your iPhone's Health app, tap Browse, tap Heart, tap Irregular Rhythm Notifications and enable them. 6. Time in daylight Apple Your Apple Watch's ambient light sensor can automatically estimate your time in daylight. If you manage a family member's Apple Watch, you can also see how much time they spend in daylight. "There are a few reasons it's important to be aware of how much time in daylight you're getting," Cheung explains. "For adults, research shows that spending around 20 minutes outdoors every day has both physical and mental health benefits, including providing essential vitamin D and even boosting your mood." Time in daylight is crucial for kids' vision health. "The International Myopia Institute recommends children spend 80-120 minutes outside each day to help lower their risk of myopia, or nearsightedness," Cheung says. How to set up time in daylight on the Apple Watch Start by making sure that Motion Calibration & Distance is turned on. You can do so in the iPhone's Settings app. Tap Privacy & Security, tap Location Services, turn on Location Services, tap System Services and ensure that Motion Calibration & Distance is on. To view your time in daylight, go to your iPhone's Health app, tap Browse, tap Other Data and then tap Time in Daylight. 7. State of mind You can log your emotions and daily moods in the Mindfulness app on your Apple Watch, which can help you identify your feelings and notice patterns in your mental health. From the app, you can also take time for a Reflect or Breathe session, which can tell you more about your heart rate once complete. "Emotional awareness and regulation is an important element of mental health and we're happy to be introducing tools and resources for our users across the world," Cheung says. "One of the tools we introduced is State of Mind, which can help tremendously in a few ways. First, the act of using it can create benefits for your mental well-being in and of itself. Second, it can help you identify important insights and trends on what might be contributing to your state of mind so you can take action. And third, it can encourage you to check in with yourself using depression or anxiety assessments in the Health app." Cheung adds that taking the time to identify our feelings can help us control how we respond to our moods and emotions. This can positively affect our health and, over time, allow us to build resilience. How to set up State of Mind on the Apple Watch In your Apple Watch's Mindfulness app, tap State of Mind and then tap Get Started if it's your first time using it. From here, you can log how you feel in the moment or how you've felt overall that day. To see your history and patterns over time, open your iPhone's Health app, tap Browse, tap Mental Wellbeing, tap State of Mind and tap Show in Charts. From there, you can also view how your State of Mind relates to your sleep, exercise, time spent in daylight and mindful minutes. 8. Sleep apnea notifications Apple "Sleep apnea is a prevalent disorder where breathing momentarily stops during sleep, preventing the body from getting enough oxygen," Cheung states. "It's estimated that sleep apnea impacts more than 1 billion people worldwide and, in most cases, goes undiagnosed. If left untreated, it can have important health consequences over time, including increased risk of hypertension, type 2 diabetes and cardiac issues." If your Apple Watch detects elevated breathing disturbances while you sleep over 30 days, you will receive a sleep apnea notification. From there, you can create a PDF showing when sleep apnea may have occurred, three months of breathing disturbance data and more, which you can then share with your doctor to discuss the next steps. This feature is available on the Apple Watch Series 9 or later or Apple Watch Ultra 2. Just make sure you have the latest version of WatchOS and iOS. Note that this feature is intended for people aged 18 or older who have not already been diagnosed with sleep apnea. How to set up sleep apnea notifications on the Apple Watch Make sure Sleep is set up. On your iPhone, open the Health app, tap Get Started under Set Up Sleep, tap Next and follow the on-screen steps. Then, wear your Apple Watch to bed for at least 10 nights over 30 days. To turn on sleep apnea notifications, open the Health app on your iPhone, tap Browse, tap Respiratory, tap Set Up under Sleep Apnea Notifications, tap Next and then follow the on-screen instructions. Under Respiratory, you can also view your sleep apnea notifications and breathing disturbances. 9. Handwashing With Handwashing, the Apple Watch Series 4 and later can detect when you begin washing your hands and time you until you reach the recommended time of 20 seconds. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also recommends this as the minimum amount of time. If you stop washing your hands before 20 seconds, your watch will encourage you to keep going. It can even remind you to wash your hands whenever you return home. "We wanted to find a way to help our users of all ages track their time spent washing their hands, especially during a time when it was particularly important early in the pandemic, so we introduced the feature in 2020," Cheung explains. "The approach uses machine learning models to determine motion which appears to be handwashing, and then uses audio to confirm the sound of running water or squishing soap on your hands." How to set up handwashing on the Apple Watch On your Apple Watch, open Settings, tap Handwashing and turn on the Handwashing Timer. You can do the same on a managed Apple Watch and set up handwashing reminders.
Tom's Guide
31-05-2025
- Health
- Tom's Guide
Exclusive: I spoke to Apple about its cycle tracking features and how it has the potential to change lives
I've been writing about fitness tech long enough to remember when menstrual tracking was first added to a device. It was the Fitbit Versa back in 2018. At the time, it seemed groundbreaking. Seven years later, the gender gap in female healthcare still exists all over the world, but thankfully, cycle tracking is no longer seen as an add-on. Smartwatch developers have realized that for the 1.8 to 2 million users who menstruate each month, cycle length and regularity are key indicators of their overall health. But where does Apple, the creator of one of the most popular smartwatches on the planet, come into things? Apple added a skin temperature sensor to its Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch Ultra, giving users more accurate ovulation data. More recently, Apple added a new pregnancy feature, allowing wearers to get useful insights until they're 12 weeks postpartum. Plus, as a company, Apple prides itself on keeping its users' data private — something more important than ever in a post-Roe era. To find out more, I sat down with Apple and spoke to the medical professionals behind the cycle tracking feature, as well as those working with patients on the frontline, to hear how the data collected has the potential to change lives. We've rated the Apple Watch 10 as the best Apple Watch for most people, with all of Apple's health tracking features, a skin temperature sensor, and the option to choose from two different bezel sizes. Your menstrual cycle can be a key indicator of your overall health. Cycles that are unusually long (more than 40 days) or irregular, for example, have been linked to infertility, coronary heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Far more than just knowing when to expect your period, keeping track of your cycle can help users notice any changes and get help faster. Both heart and wrist temperature can help with ovulation predictions. First temperature, because you do change post-ovulation. We rely on heart rate data a little less, but you can also see some deviation and get more accurate data Once you've set up cycle tracking on your Apple Watch, you can review your cycle history at the click of a button, and export it or send it to your doctor should you need. Dr Asha Chesnutt, who works on Apple's clinical team, explains how the cycle tracking is at the heart of the health app. Heart health data, for example, improves the device's cycle predictions, although you'll need to turn this on if you'd like to use it. 'Both heart and wrist temperature can help with ovulation predictions. First temperature, because you do change post-ovulation, and you can usually see that. We rely on heart rate data a little less, but you can also see some deviation and get more accurate data,' says Dr Asha. Doctors like Dr Asha work with Apple's development team, helping to give users information about their health in an understandable format. 'You wouldn't believe how much time went into deciding on those colors,' Dr Asha says, talking about the different colors reflecting your period predictions and ovulation estimate on the Health app. 'I've taken care of patients for long enough to make it a thing I always ask — 'how is my patient going to use this? What's helpful to them? What's not helpful to them?' We're always thinking about that.' Understanding what's normal for you and your body can help you spot patterns. If your Apple Watch notices a pattern of irregular cycles, infrequent periods, prolonged periods, or persistent spotting, you might receive an alert or notification about a possible cycle deviation. Cycle deviations might be down to stress or lifestyle changes, as well as medical conditions such as PCOS, thyroid disorders or conditions such as endometriosis. Cycle deviations might be down to stress or lifestyle changes, as well as medical conditions such as PCOS (Polycystic ovary syndrome), thyroid disorders or conditions such as endometriosis. U.K.-based Dr Raj Arora explains how this data is helping women get life-changing diagnoses faster: 'I always say to patients, don't wait for it to happen. Actively get involved. Track your cycles. When we're talking about something like endometriosis, which has a 10-year wait time for a diagnosis normally, we're now seeing patients coming to us saying I've tracked all my symptoms on my Apple Watch, I have regular periods but they're really heavy, I'm in a lot of pain and I'm missing work, my mind is already going straight into should we scan or do bloods for this. "Without that data, as doctors we'd be sending patients away for two months, and asking them to bring back a diary of symptoms. It's just expediting things. It's helping patients advocate for themselves. ' I'd be remiss to talk about Apple's cycle tracking without mentioning its long-term research study into menstrual health and its relationship to other health conditions. Recent data from this study looked at the current trend of cycle syncing — the idea of syncing your exercise routine to your menstrual cycle. The study looked at more than 22 million workouts across more than 110K participants and found that daily exercise minutes were similar, no matter the cycle phase. Participants who reported regular menstrual cycles did more exercise minutes per day overall, compared to participants with irregular cycles. Participants with regular cycles typically had 20.6 minutes of exercise per day. Participants with irregular cycles typically had 18.6 minutes per day. This study is the first long-term research study of this scale into menstrual cycles. The study aims to advance the understanding of the relationship between the menstrual cycle and gynecologic health conditions like infertility, menopause, and PCOS, to inform the development of new products, as well as early screening for conditions. I'll admit, spending time with Apple looking behind the scenes at the development of these health features was an eye-opener. Far from being a device you wear to track your steps or answer a phone call, the watch on your wrist has the power to give you a deeper insight into your overall health. But where does Apple hope to be in the future? Dr Asha answers, 'What I hope it changes is the narrative from being just a bystander when it comes to your health. Up until now, you have waited until you have symptoms before you see a doctor. We want you to be totally driving your narrative, and driving the fact that you want to check your vitals and stay healthy for longer. I want people to think about what they can do today to keep their body healthy and more active for longer.' The overriding message I was left with after a morning with Apple was that the health features on its devices aren't just ticking a box. They are cleverly constructed algorithms, designed by doctors, for patients. The most powerful message, however, is that the data sitting in the Health app on your iPhone can help you stay healthy for longer, get a diagnosis faster, and allow you to advocate for yourself in an appointment with your healthcare provider.
Tahawul Tech
29-01-2025
- Health
- Tahawul Tech
Kickstart your wellness journey with Apple Watch's powerful health features
The New Year is the perfect time to focus on health and wellness, with many looking for smarter ways to track and improve their well-being. Whether it's optimizing sleep, monitoring vital signs, or staying active, technology plays a crucial role in making health management more accessible and effective. To showcase its latest health innovations, Apple invited and select media outlets for an exclusive virtual briefing. The session provided an in-depth look at Apple Watch's cutting-edge features, including Vitals tracking, Sleep Apnea notifications, Retrospective Ovulation Estimates, Time in Daylight monitoring, and State of Mind insights. More than just a smartwatch, Apple Watch is a powerful health companion—equipped with intelligent features designed to help users live healthier, sleep better, and take control of their well-being. Let's explore how simple Apple Watch tricks can enhance your daily health routine. Stay on Top of Your Health with the Vitals App The Vitals app provides a snapshot of your overnight health metrics, including heart rate, respiratory rate, wrist temperature, sleep duration, and blood oxygen levels. Your Apple Watch analyzes these key indicators and alerts you when multiple metrics are out of your typical range. This feature helps you understand how factors like travel, alcohol intake, or even illness may impact your health. 💡 Tip: Charge your Apple Watch before bed to ensure a full night of tracking. The Apple Watch Series 10 charges up to 80% in just 30 minutes, meaning even a quick charge before sleep can keep your health insights running smoothly. Track Ovulation and Temperature Trends Your Apple Watch can measure wrist temperature while you sleep, helping you monitor fluctuations influenced by diet, exercise, sleep quality, and even menstrual cycles. If you're a Cycle Tracking user with Apple Watch Series 8 or later, you can use this data to estimate the likely day of ovulation after it occurs, improving period predictions. 💡 Tip: Make sure Sleep Tracking and Sleep Focus are enabled to receive accurate wrist temperature data. Monitor Your Mental Well-Being with State of Mind Mental health is just as important as physical health, and Apple Watch helps you keep track of it. The State of Mind feature lets you log daily moods and emotions, providing insights into how factors like sleep, exercise, and time in daylight affect your mental well-being. 💡 Tip: Use the Journal app to record your thoughts, and the time spent journaling will be reflected in your Mindful Minutes in the Health app. Get More Sunlight for Better Health Spending time outdoors can have significant benefits for both physical and mental health. Apple Watch's ambient light sensor estimates the time you spend in daylight each day, helping you track whether you're getting enough natural light exposure. 💡 Tip: Aim for at least 20 minutes of outdoor time daily to support overall well-being. You can view how your time spent in daylight influences your mental health in the State of Mind app. Never Miss a Medication with the Medications App The Medications app makes it easy to keep track of your prescriptions, supplements, and vitamins with discreet reminders on your Apple Watch. If you forget to log a medication, the app will send a follow-up alert 30 minutes after the scheduled time. 💡 Tip: Enable follow-up reminders to ensure you never miss an important dose. The Apple Watch is more than just a fitness tracker—it's a holistic health companion designed to help you stay proactive about your well-being. Whether it's monitoring vitals, tracking sleep, enhancing mental wellness, or ensuring you never miss a medication, these simple yet powerful features make health tracking effortless. By making small adjustments to your daily habits and utilizing these smart Apple Watch tricks, you can take charge of your health in 2024 and beyond.
