New Apple Watch updates will help you exercise more (or less)

Perceived effort is coming to Apple Watches

Apple Watch and iPhone showing traning load figures
(Image credit: Apple)

Apple's WWDC 2024 is in full swing, and the Apple Watch is getting some fun and handy new updates! Say hello to the brand new Vitals app and a cool AI-powered feature that picks the best photos from your gallery.

But the most exciting update is all about training. Your Apple Watch will now rate your workout efforts based on your age, weight, heart rate, and more. Using these stats and machine learning, the wearable will give you an effort score after each workout. And since effort is a personal thing, you can also set your perceived effort manually.

We've seen this feature in other wearables like Garmin watches, and it's a fantastic way to train smarter and keep your workout log organized.

Another neat addition is a feature that makes it easier to skip workouts without breaking your streak. You can now pause your rings in the Fitness app for a day or even a week so you can enjoy your holiday without stressing about missing your fitness goals.

Of course, some might use this feature to skip workouts just because, but let's hope most will use it wisely!

For more info, check out T3's WWDC 2024 coverage here.

Matt Kollat
Section Editor | Active

Matt Kollat is a journalist and content creator who works for T3.com and its magazine counterpart as an Active Editor. His areas of expertise include wearables, drones, fitness equipment, nutrition and outdoor gear. He joined T3 in 2019. His byline appears in several publications, including Techradar and Fit&Well, and more. Matt also collaborated with other content creators (e.g. Garage Gym Reviews) and judged many awards, such as the European Specialist Sports Nutrition Alliance's ESSNawards. When he isn't working out, running or cycling, you'll find him roaming the countryside and trying out new podcasting and content creation equipment.