The Apple Watch is packed with health and wellness features, many of which go beyond simple step tracking and heart rate monitoring. While most users are familiar with basics like activity rings and heart rate tracking, Apple has incorporated a wide range of lesser-known health features designed to improve your well-being. In this article, we’ll explore 10 health features on the Apple Watch that you might not know about, including how they work and why they matter.
1. Cardio Fitness Score (VO2 Max)
Did you know your Apple Watch can measure your cardio fitness level? The VO2 Max feature estimates the maximum amount of oxygen your body can use during exercise. A higher VO2 Max score is associated with better overall cardiovascular health.
- Found in the Health app under Cardio Fitness
- Uses heart rate and motion data to estimate fitness levels
- Can provide notifications if your cardio fitness is low
Improving your VO2 Max through regular cardio workouts can reduce the risk of heart disease and improve endurance over time.
2. Walking Steadiness Alerts
The Walking Steadiness feature uses your Apple Watch’s motion sensors to monitor your balance and gait. It analyzes walking patterns and can notify you if your steadiness is declining, potentially helping to prevent falls.
- Found in the Health app under Mobility
- Uses sensors to detect changes in balance and coordination
- Provides alerts when walking steadiness reaches a low level
This feature is particularly useful for older adults or those recovering from injuries, as it helps identify mobility issues early.
3. Noise Monitoring and Hearing Protection
Exposure to loud noises over time can cause hearing damage, and your Apple Watch can help protect your ears with noise level monitoring. The Noise app measures ambient sound and alerts you when levels reach unsafe thresholds.
- Found in the Noise app
- Detects and warns of sound levels over 80dB, which may harm hearing
- Tracks daily noise exposure over time
Enabling noise alerts can help you reduce the risk of hearing loss, especially if you work in loud environments or frequently attend concerts and sporting events.
4. Respiratory Rate Tracking During Sleep
Your Apple Watch tracks your breathing rate while you sleep, providing insights into your respiratory health. This can help detect irregularities or sleep disorders over time.
- Found in the Sleep app
- Measures breaths per minute while sleeping
- Helps identify trends that could indicate respiratory conditions
Tracking your respiratory rate can provide early warnings for issues like sleep apnea or changes in lung function.
5. Blood Oxygen Monitoring
The Blood Oxygen (SpO2) sensor on newer Apple Watch models helps track how well oxygen is being delivered to your body. This feature can be useful for athletes, high-altitude travelers, and those with respiratory conditions.
- Found in the Blood Oxygen app
- Provides on-demand readings and background measurements
- Helps monitor conditions like asthma, COPD, and altitude sickness
Keeping an eye on your blood oxygen levels can help you understand your overall lung and heart health.
6. Irregular Heart Rhythm Notifications
Your Apple Watch can detect irregular heart rhythms, such as atrial fibrillation (AFib), which may indicate an increased risk of stroke or heart disease.
- Found in the Heart app
- Uses heart rate data to identify unusual patterns
- Sends alerts if an irregular rhythm is detected
This feature has helped many users detect potential heart conditions early, prompting them to seek medical attention.
7. Cycle Tracking for Women’s Health
The Cycle Tracking feature helps women monitor their menstrual cycles, ovulation windows, and symptoms. It provides predictions and insights that can be useful for fertility planning and tracking hormonal health.
- Found in the Health app under Cycle Tracking
- Allows logging of symptoms, cycle length, and ovulation tests
- Provides cycle predictions based on entered data
This feature can be a valuable tool for women looking to better understand their reproductive health.
8. Mindfulness and Guided Breathing
The Mindfulness app offers guided breathing exercises and reflections to help reduce stress and improve mental well-being.
- Found in the Mindfulness app
- Offers deep breathing exercises to promote relaxation
- Provides daily reminders to take moments of mindfulness
Studies show that deep breathing and meditation can help lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety, and improve focus.
9. Fall Detection and Emergency SOS
Your Apple Watch can detect hard falls and automatically alert emergency services if you don’t respond within a certain timeframe.
- Found in Settings > Emergency SOS
- Detects sudden falls and prompts the user to confirm if they’re okay
- If unresponsive, it calls 911 and shares your location
This feature is particularly useful for older adults, outdoor adventurers, and those with medical conditions that may increase their fall risk.
10. Temperature Tracking (Apple Watch Series 8 and later)
The Apple Watch Series 8 and later include a skin temperature sensor that helps track changes in body temperature over time.
- Found in the Health app under Temperature
- Measures baseline temperature changes while sleeping
- Useful for illness detection and menstrual cycle insights
Monitoring temperature fluctuations can help with early illness detection and reproductive health tracking.
Final Thoughts
The Apple Watch is much more than a fitness tracker—it’s a powerful health companion with features designed to monitor and improve your well-being. Whether you’re interested in heart health, sleep tracking, stress management, or respiratory function, Apple has packed in some incredible tools to help you stay on top of your health.
If you haven’t explored these features yet, take some time to dive into the Health app and unlock the full potential of your Apple Watch!