Apple Watch Owners Claim Vitals App Predicts Sickness Before They Feel It

Apple Watch owners are buzzing about the potential of the new Vitals app, introduced in watchOS 11, to detect signs of illness before symptoms even appear. This feature has garnered praise from users who report receiving notifications about potential health issues days before they actually feel unwell.

Early Illness Detection Praised by Users

Several Apple Watch owners have shared their experiences online, amazed at how the Vitals app accurately flagged potential sickness before they even felt unwell. One Reddit user, "dalethomas81," posted that the app notified them of elevated wrist temperatures three days before they felt the onset of illness. Another user, "Vicari0," described the app as "spot on" after receiving similar notifications.

These early illness alerts are based on various health metrics that the Vitals app tracks while users sleep. This includes heart rate, respiratory rate, blood oxygen levels, and wrist temperature. When multiple data points show irregularities outside of the user's typical range, the app notifies them. However, it doesn't provide a specific diagnosis, simply advising users to be aware of the unusual readings.

Sleep Data as a Key Indicator

The Vitals app gathers data while users sleep to spot potential health issues. By monitoring sleep patterns, wrist temperature, and other vitals over time, the app identifies what Apple refers to as "outliers" when metrics fall outside normal ranges. These alerts have helped some users detect potential illnesses like colds or even COVID-19 days before feeling symptoms.

For instance, Rory Evans, an X (formerly Twitter) user, shared that his Apple Watch detected changes in his vitals a few days before testing positive for COVID. He praised the app's ability to flag these health shifts, calling it "useful tech to have in a fast-paced world."

How the Vitals App Works

The Vitals app operates by analyzing various metrics such as wrist temperature, heart rate, and respiratory rate. When the app detects unusual patterns, users receive a notification that highlights these changes, along with possible factors like illness, medication, or environmental changes. However, Apple advises users to ensure their watch is fitted properly-not too tight or loose-so the sensors can work effectively.

The app has received widespread praise for its ability to track these health indicators, though Apple cautions that readings may be impacted by how the watch is worn. Even with this warning, many users continue to find the app a helpful tool in monitoring their health.

Via