In a significant update to its health and fitness features, Apple is rolling out a new option for Watch users to take scheduled rest days, enhancing the device’s wellness capabilities.
What Happened: Apple has announced the introduction of rest days in the upcoming watchOS 11, a feature long requested by users, reported The Verge.
With the new update, Apple Watch wearers will now be able to pause their Activity Rings, allowing for days of rest without breaking their streaks. This development comes as the industry shifts focus from gamification to recovery and health improvement.
Additionally, watchOS 11 will enable users to adjust their fitness goals based on their weekly schedule, automating what was previously a manual process. This change is aimed at reducing the guilt associated with not meeting daily fitness targets, especially on busy days or during illness.
The introduction of these features reflects a broader recognition of the importance of rest in fitness regimens. It acknowledges that taking breaks can actually contribute to long-term motivation and health benefits.
Apple’s move to include rest and recovery options in their fitness tracking aligns with the practices of professional athletes and the offerings of other health trackers that prioritize rest, such as the Oura Ring and Whoop.
Why It Matters: The latest update to the Apple Watch is part of a growing trend within the tech giant to position the device as a comprehensive health and wellness tool. Earlier, Benzinga reported that Apple Watch had enhanced its health monitoring capabilities by directly syncing with Dexcom’s G7 glucose monitor, allowing users to access real-time glucose data on their wrist.
Earlier in April, a Benzinga report highlighted the various ways the Apple Watch can be utilized during medical emergencies, including automatic emergency calls and notifications to emergency contacts following falls. This not only underscores the device’s utility in critical situations but also its growing acceptance as a potentially life-saving gadget.
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This story was generated using Benzinga Neuro and edited by Shivdeep Dhaliwal
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