Add watchOS 7.2 and iOS 14.3 Cardio Fitness Notifications

Today’s WatchOS 7.2 and iOS 14.3 updates introduce a new cardio fitness feature that will allow users to determine their cardio fitness level and receive notifications if the Apple Watch comes in the lower range.

Apple claims that the “breakthrough technology” in WatchOS 7 will help determine the cardiovascular potential of the Apple Watch VO2 max. VO2 max is the maximum amount of oxygen the body can use during exercise, and this can be enhanced by physical activity.

Previously the Apple Watch was already able to estimate high VO2 highs during outdoor walks, runs or hikes, but using all the sensors in the Apple Watch, it is now possible to take the watch on the watch OS Cardio Exercise Measurements as users monitor their workout throughout the day Regardless.

“Cardio fitness is increasingly recognized as a powerful predictor of overall health, and with today’s update to Watsos 7, we’re making it more accessible to more people,” said Apple CEO Jeff Williams. “Using its advanced sensors, the Apple Watch now brings low cardio fitness levels directly from a clinic to a user’s wrist, so people have more insight into how to improve their long-term health through daily activity.”

This functionality allows Apple Watch to better measure the VO2 Max for users who do not do a lot of workouts. In a press release announcing the new feature, Apple says the American Heart Association’s 2016 study acknowledges the link between low cardio fitness and a higher risk of significant health problems such as heart disease and high blood pressure later in life.

Cardio Fitness is available as a new type of health app on the iPhone, and is classified as high, above average, below average or less relevant to your peers and same sex. Users can also keep track of how their cardio fitness levels have changed over the past week, month or year, and receive an announcement on the Apple Watch that includes guidelines for improving fitness levels if they fall within the lower range.