2023-06-23 17:07:00
Apple Watches are considered solid heart rate monitors, but there are outliers in the top model “Ultra”, which is particularly intended for athletes: Some models are not able to correctly record the heart rate during training. The workout recording then shows significant dropouts, as those affected report.
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The problem can be observed especially at the start of a training session, as Mac & i was also able to reproduce on its own device: The Ultra only briefly displays the current heart rate, but then only shows a gray display. The measurement apparently fails and sometimes takes well over 10 minutes to record a value once more. The long pauses usually recur as training progresses.
Instead of the correct, current heart rate, affected Ultra models only show the last measured value in gray.
Training by heart rate zones impossible
The problem is usually evident in running and cycling workouts, abrupt changes in heart rate during interval units can throw the heart rate measurement out of step once more. The error does not show up when using the “Heart rate” app to record it selectively over the course of the day, and the background measurements also seem to deliver correct values.
The flaw makes training by heart rate zones – one of watchOS 9’s key innovations – virtually impossible with the Apple Watch Ultra. But it’s not just a bug in the live heart rate display: the data is also missing from the recording following the workout is complete, impairing or falsifying data derived from the heart rate, such as the training load.
Ultra owners upset with handling of issue
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The first users reported the problems and dropouts in heart rate measurement shortly following the introduction of the Apple Watch Ultra last fall. The problem has often been attributed to autumn and winter temperatures, which make it difficult for the sensor to work, but it can also be observed in summer heat. Affected readers are annoyed that the problem with Apple support seems unknown or is being dismissed. The usual basic troubleshooting such as reconnecting or reinstalling the Ultra does not help, and all previous watchOS updates have not eliminated the error.
The massive gaps in the measurement are also reflected in the recording of the training session.
It remains unclear how many Ultra models are specifically affected. Out of four Apple Watch Ultras in the Mac & i editorial team, two show the problems with heart rate measurement. At the same time, our test runs clearly showed that it is not the wearer’s or wrist’s fault: While Apple Watch Ultra 1 always determined the heart rate well, Apple Watch Ultra 2 showed the error described, both watches were worn identically for the consecutive runs with the same bracelet attached to the same wrist of the same person.
(lbe)
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