An Apple Watch a day keeps the doctor away.
Following the release of the iOS 11 software update last month, some users are surprised by their device’s ability to flag early symptoms of illness before they become sick, like COVID or a cold.
Surprisingly accurate health assessment from the Apple Watch’s Vitals app – available on Series 8 models and above – uses vital metrics taken over a week while the user sleeps, according to mac rumors,
“If several metrics are outside your specific ranges, you will receive a notification with references to factors that may have been involved – such as medications, altitude change or illness, for example,” apple notes,
Many people shared their experiences online regarding clairvoyant techniques, including a reddit user Who wrote, “The Vitals app knew I was sick 3 days before I was” along with a screenshot of its diagnosis.
In their case, the app caught three “outliers” within the person’s wrist temperature, which can be viewed additionally on iPhones and iPads.
“I started using Vitals when it first came out on beta and since then I’ve almost gotten sick twice,” another user commented, before adding, “Both times it came out a few days ago And I didn’t find anything wrong.”
In the same post, someone shared a screengrab showing that their Apple Watch “knew I was not 100% OK after my COVID and flu jabs” and took measurements not only of wrist temperature, but also heart and respiratory rates. Irregularities were also seen.
on x, Posted by user Rory Evans That his Series 9 Watch had “detected a few things from my vitals a few days before I tested positive for COVID”.
“Such a clever and very useful technology – especially in such a fast-paced world.”
However, Apple warns that readings may be affected depending on how you strap it on.
“Wearing your Apple Watch with the right fit – not too tight, not too loose, and with room for your skin to breathe – keeps you comfortable and allows the sensors to do their job.”
