Health & Fitness

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Explore the technical aspects of health and fitness features, including sensor data acquisition, health data processing, and integration with the HealthKit framework.

Health & Fitness Documentation

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watchOS 26.0.2+ Health Data Sync Failure - Series 7 - FB20533870
I'm reporting a critical Health data synchronization failure that began immediately after updating from watchOS 18 to watchOS 26.0.2 (stable release) and persists in watchOS 26.1 beta 2. Bug Description: Complete failure of Health data sync from Apple Watch to iPhone Health app. All health metrics are being captured and stored locally on the watch but fail to sync to the paired iPhone. Affected Data Types: Activity rings (Move, Exercise, Stand) Heart rate measurements Sleep tracking data Workout data All other HealthKit data points Environment: Device: Apple Watch Series 7 Initial failure: watchOS 26.0.2 (23R362) - stable release Current: watchOS 26.1 beta 2 (23S5052c) Paired iPhone: iPhone 17 Pro Max, iOS 26.1 beta 2 (23B5052c) Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity: Normal Watch pairing status: Connected and functional for all other features Reproduction: Updated Apple Watch Series 7 from watchOS 18 to watchOS 26.0.2 on September 30, 2025 Health data sync ceased completely starting October 1, 2025 Issue persists after updating to watchOS 26.1 beta 2 and iOS 26.1 beta 2 Data remains stored locally on watch and is viewable in watch apps Apple Watch appears as connected data source in Health app but no data transfers Troubleshooting Performed: Multiple device restarts (both iPhone and Apple Watch) Bluetooth/Wi-Fi toggling and reconnection Verified Privacy > Motion & Fitness > Fitness Tracking and Health enabled on both devices Confirmed data source priority settings in Health app Extended charging periods to allow background sync operations Verified no Low Power Mode restrictions Impact: Critical functionality loss for primary Apple Watch use case. Unable to track longitudinal health data, breaking continuity of health records dating back to watchOS 18. Feedback Submitted: FB20533870 filed via Feedback Assistant with sysdiagnose from both devices Questions for Engineering: Is this a known regression in watchOS 26.0.2 or later builds? Are there any watchOS 26.1 beta release notes addressing HealthKit sync issues that I should review? Should I capture additional diagnostic data (e.g., specific console logs, HealthKit database states)? Is unpairing/re-pairing expected to resolve this, or would that indicate a deeper architectural issue? Additional Context: Apple Watch appears in Settings > Bluetooth as connected Can successfully change watch faces from iPhone Notifications, Messages, and calls work normally No previous sync issues prior to watchOS 26.0.2 Senior Apple Support advisor escalation completed; awaiting engineering review This appears to be a regression introduced in watchOS 26.0.2. Any guidance on additional diagnostics or confirmation of a fix in upcoming builds would be appreciated.
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Oct ’25
Feature Request – Real-time HealthKit Streaming API for Trusted CarPlay Partners (e.g., Mercedes-Benz ENERGIZING)
Current HealthKit APIs provide access to heart-rate data through queries, but not as a true real-time stream. This limitation prevents systems such as Mercedes-Benz ENERGIZING from dynamically adapting the vehicle environment — including light, sound, seat massage and climate — to the driver’s physiological state. The ENERGIZING Coach developed by Mercedes-Benz uses continuous biometric feedback to enhance comfort, focus and safety by adjusting sensory stimuli based on live pulse data. Garmin wearables can already support this because they offer open Bluetooth Low Energy protocols. The Apple Watch, on the other hand, stores heart-rate data securely in HealthKit and makes it available through delayed write intervals. As a result, the current query mechanisms such as HKAnchoredObjectQuery or HKObserverQuery deliver updates with a latency of several seconds to minutes, which is too slow for the type of sub-second reaction required by driver-assistance or wellness systems. I would like to propose that Apple consider creating a real-time HealthKit streaming entitlement for verified partners such as automotive manufacturers participating in the CarPlay ecosystem. This entitlement could be limited to specific biometric signals like heart rate, heart-rate variability and stress index, and should function only when the user explicitly opts in. The data could travel one way from the iPhone to the vehicle head unit during an active CarPlay session, remain local and encrypted, and never be stored in the cloud. A latency of around half a second would be ideal. Technically, this could follow an asynchronous delegate model similar to HKLiveWorkoutBuilder or a Combine publisher interface adapted for CarPlay Health sessions. A capability like this would extend Apple’s health ecosystem beyond the wrist into the driving environment, allowing cars to respond in real time to the physical state of their drivers. It would strengthen Apple’s commitment to both privacy and safety, while supporting automotive partners that focus on human-centered design. Imagine a driver whose heart rate drops below a vigilance threshold: the Apple Watch detects it instantly, CarPlay transmits the signal securely to the ENERGIZING system, and the vehicle gently adjusts lighting and seat vibration to restore alertness. This kind of integration fits perfectly with Apple’s long-term vision of “Health Everywhere” and would make a measurable contribution to road safety and driver well-being. I would be happy to provide a more detailed use-case document or to collaborate with the Health Technologies and Car Experience teams to outline how this integration could be implemented securely and efficiently.
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Oct ’25
Is there any way to access real-time sleep stage data from Apple Watch?
I'm trying to make a watchOS app that uses sleep data to wake users up when they enter lighter sleep stages. Apple has HealthKit, which exposes HKCategoryValueSleepAnalysis to view each stage throughout sleep, but unfortunately, this data is only written after the user wakes up. I did some research and found that the Apple Watch’s sleep classifier is part of Apple’s private system process, and apps can’t access that model directly or as it’s running. So, there’s no way to “record” my own data stream and match it with Apple’s classification during the night. Has anyone found a way to approximate or access live sleep-stage data in another way? I’m thinking of combining CoreMotion (for movement) and heart rate data from a HKWorkoutSession to infer stages myself, but I’m wondering if there’s any Apple-approved or more accurate approach for this. In other words, is there any way to use an Apple Watch to detect sleep stages accurately while the user is still asleep for the purpose of timing an optimal wake-up? Thanks
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Oct ’25
HealthKit in React Native + Expo Dev Client: no authorization prompt (and no data)
Hi everyone, I’m building a health app with React Native using Expo Dev Client on a real iPhone. I need to read Apple Health (HealthKit) data, but the authorization sheet never appears—so the app never gets permissions and all queries return nothing. What I’ve already done Enabled HealthKit capability for the iOS target. Added NSHealthShareUsageDescription and NSHealthUpdateUsageDescription to Info.plist. Using a custom dev build (not Expo Go). Tested fresh installs (deleted the app), rebooted device, and checked Settings → Privacy & Security → Health/Motion & Fitness. Tried both packages: react-native-health and @kingstinct/react-native-healthkit. Same behavior: no permission dialog at first use. Ask Is there a known reason why the HealthKit permission sheet would not show on modern iOS when called from a React Native bridge (with Expo Dev Client)? Are there any extra entitlements, signing, or config-plugin steps required beyond HealthKit capability + Info.plist? If you’re successfully fetching Apple Health data from React Native on recent iOS, could you share the exact steps that made the permission sheet appear and data flow (Expo config/plugin used, Xcode capability setup, profile/team settings, build type, bundle ID nuances, any Health app reset steps, etc.)? This would help me and others hitting the same “authorized call but no prompt/no data” issue. Thank you!
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Oct ’25
Enabling Cycling Power Read from Garmin Connect To Health
I am working on a cycling fitness app and I want to read the cycling power recorded using my Garmin edge from the Garmin Connect App. Currently the data is not transferred to the Health/Fitness Apps. Ideally it would be good to be able to query the power samples similar to the heart rate samples, but even the average power would suffice, as I could then calculate the Kilojoules.
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Nov ’25
WatchOS 26.1 - Steps Background delivery not working
I am using this below code since WatchOS 10 to set the user steps observer and get the callback of steps whenever changes. This is still working perfectly fine till watchOS 11 but when i updated to watchOS 26.1, I am not getting the callback of steps, like the observer is not working at all. I should get a callback inside query block whenever user take steps, but it is not working in watchOS 26.1. func setupStepCountObserver(completion: @escaping (Double, Double) -> Void) { let stepCountType = HKObjectType.quantityType(forIdentifier: .stepCount)! let query = HKObserverQuery(sampleType: stepCountType, predicate: nil) { [weak self] _, completionHandler, error in if let error = error { print("Error setting up observer query: \(error.localizedDescription)") return } // Fetch the latest step count data self?.getLast20SecTodaysSteps(completion: completion) // Call the completion handler to let HealthKit know you have processed the update completionHandler() } // Execute the query healthStore.execute(query) // Enable background delivery of updates healthStore.enableBackgroundDelivery(for: stepCountType, frequency: .immediate) { success, error in if let error = error { print("Error enabling background delivery steps: \(error.localizedDescription)") } else if success { print("Background delivery enabled for steps.") } } }
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Nov ’25
HKLiveWorkoutBuilder begincollection freezes in sim
When calling beginCollection on HKLiveWorkoutBuilder the function never completes and gets stuck. (On the second workout session, the first session works flawlessly) To reproduce: Run the MirroringWorkoutsSample on WatchOS https://developer.apple.com/documentation/healthkit/building-a-multidevice-workout-app. Start the workout and then end the workouts it should work perfectly fine the first time. Start the workout and end again, and you should see the problem, the workout doesn’t end.
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Dec ’25
HKLiveWorkoutBuilder begincollection freezes in WatchOS simulator
The second time i start a workout session, the beginCollection instance method on HKLiveWorkoutBuilder freezes. To recreate run the Apple Sample Project Building a multidevice workout app. It looks like a bug with the HealthKit SDK and not the code but i could be wrong. The only workaround i found was erasing the simulator and reinstalling the app.
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Dec ’25
Can 3 party apps obtain Intervals information created using WorkoutKit?
I am developing a running training app that coaches can use to create interval workout plans. I can use HKWorkout to get information about Splits similar to that in Fitness app, but I can't get information about Intervals. My idea is to show interval details when users view their completed custom interval workout plans. Can I use Healthkit (or another feasible method) to get the actual distance or time of exercise in intervals workout ? (I know the workoutPlan property, but it doesn't reflect the segments of a real interval training workout.) Any insights or suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!
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Dec ’25
Perfect month award fitness app on iPhone
Hi! I have over 800 days strike in closing my move circle. However oerfect month badge is not popping up for November, we have now mid of Dec and still no update. I updated iOS to 26, did multiple resets and hard resets and still no badge. I checked many forums and post but any of given tips is working in my case. i know it sounds funny, but it’s frustrating that I’m not getting this little gold medal to keep me motivated 😅 does anyone know how to deal with it? Is it common issue?
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Dec ’25
How to monitor heart rate in background without affecting Activity Rings?
I'm developing a watchOS nap app that detects when the user falls asleep by monitoring heart rate changes. == Technical Implementation == HKWorkoutSession (.mindAndBody) for background execution HKAnchoredObjectQuery for real-time heart rate data CoreMotion for movement detection == Battery Considerations == Heart rate monitoring ONLY active when user explicitly starts a session Monitoring continues until user is awakened OR 60-minute limit is reached If no sleep detected within 60 minutes, session auto-ends (user may have abandoned or forgotten to stop) App displays clear UI indicating monitoring is active Typical session: 15-30 minutes, keeping battery usage minimal == The Problem == HKWorkoutSession affects Activity Rings during the session. Users receive "Exercise goal reached" notifications while resting — confusing. == What I've Tried == Not using HKLiveWorkoutBuilder → Activity Rings still affected Using builder but not calling finishWorkout() (per https://developer.apple.com/forums/thread/780220) → Activity Rings still affected WKExtendedRuntimeSession (self-care type) (per https://developer.apple.com/forums/thread/721077) → Only ~10 min runtime, need up to 60 min HKObserverQuery + enableBackgroundDelivery (per https://developer.apple.com/forums/thread/779101) → ~4 updates/hour, too slow for real-time detection Audio background session for continuous processing (suggested in https://developer.apple.com/forums/thread/130287) → Concerned about App Store rejection for non-audio app; if official approves this technical route, I can implement in this direction Some online resources mention "Health Monitoring Entitlement" from WWDC 2019 Session 251, but I could not find any official documentation for this entitlement. Apple Developer Support also confirmed they cannot locate it? == My Question == Is there any supported way to: Monitor heart rate in background for up to 60 minutes WITHOUT affecting Activity Rings or creating workout records? If this requires a special entitlement or API access, please advise on the application process. Or allow me to submit a code-level support request. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
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Dec ’25
Treadmill integration and weighted vest with HealthKit
I don't understand why elevation data is not stored in the sample using a standard length unit. Why is it stored in HKQuantityTypeIdentifier.flightsClimbed (which is 10 feet)? Surely it is not a memory usage issue. Treadmill GATT provides elevation in meters. Using HKMetadataKeyElevationAscended for the total elevation gain throws away a lot of data. Why is there no support for weighted vest or backpack? Changing body weight is not the same and provides incorrect energy. Users want to compare workouts with different weights. I don't see any metadata key for carried weight.
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Jan ’26
Enrollment Stuck in "Processing" for Organization
Hello everyone, I’m currently enrolling as an Organization from Albania and I’ve been stuck on the "Enrolling" status for 8 business days now. I have my D-U-N-S number sorted and everything was submitted. I sent an email last week to the support but I haven't heard back yet. I’ve already sent another support message 2 days ago but no reply so far. I’m curious to hear from others who have enrolled recently (especially in 2026): How long did your organization verification take? Did you receive a verification phone call, or was it just approved via email? For those in the Balkans/Europe, did you have to provide extra local business registry documents (like the QKB extract) manually? I’m trying to time my launch with my Google Play release, so I’m a bit anxious about the "black hole" of waiting. Any experiences or "nudge" tips would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
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2w
Abnormal Background Delivery Frequency of HealthKit on Specific watchOS Devices
1/ Issue Summary In our application, we use HKObserverQuery together with:HKHealthStore.enableBackgroundDelivery(for:frequency: .immediate) to enable HealthKit Background Delivery, allowing the system to wake our App Extension in the background to process health data updates. Under the same app build, identical HealthKit permission configuration, and the same watchOS version, we have observed significant differences in background delivery frequency across different devices. Specifically, on certain devices (e.g. Apple Watch Series 10, watchOS 26.2.1), the background delivery frequency is significantly reduced, behaving as if it is capped at approximately once per hour. On other control devices, under the same configuration, background delivery is triggered much more frequently and consistently, at approximately every 8–16 minutes. This behavior is consistently reproducible on the affected devices. **We would like to understand whether there are any officially recommended implementation patterns, best practices, or device-/system-level considerations when using HKObserverQuery and Background Delivery, in order to achieve more consistent and predictable background update behavior across different devices running the same system version. ** 2/ Detailed Device Comparison We conducted internal comparison testing across multiple devices with the following results: Device A (Affected / Abnormal) Model: Apple Watch Series 10 (46mm) OS: watchOS 26.2.1 Serial (partial): C*HY Background Delivery Frequency: ~ once every 60 minutes (significantly lower than expected) Device B (Normal) Model: Apple Watch Series 10 (42mm) OS: watchOS 26.2.1 Serial (partial): G*4R Background Delivery Frequency: ~ every 8–16 minutes Device C (Normal) Model: Apple Watch Series 8 (41mm) OS: watchOS 26.3 Serial (partial): C*J6 Background Delivery Frequency: ~ every 8–16 minutes Device D (Normal) Model: Apple Watch Series 5 (41mm) OS: watchOS 10.6.1 Serial (partial): G*TQ Background Delivery Frequency: ~ every 8–16 minutes All devices share the following conditions: HealthKit permissions: Full read/write permissions granted Background App Refresh: Enabled System state: Low Power Mode, Do Not Disturb, and all Focus modes disabled App build: Identical app build installed on all devices HealthKit configuration: Same data types and same frequency parameter used in enableBackgroundDelivery Implementation: Identical HKObserverQuery implementation logic 3/ Abnormal Behavior Observed On the affected device(s), we observe that: HealthKit background delivery appears to be heavily coalesced or throttled The system rarely attempts to wake the App Extension Behavior is clearly inconsistent with other devices using the same configuration The behavior does not match our expectations for HealthKit Background Delivery with .immediate frequency 4/ Troubleshooting Already Performed We have already attempted the following on the affected device(s): Restarted both Apple Watch and paired iPhone Re-paired the Apple Watch Uninstalled and reinstalled the app Revoked and re-granted HealthKit permissions Confirmed that Low Power Mode, Do Not Disturb, and Focus modes are all disabled The issue remains consistently reproducible. 5/ Assistance Requested We would appreciate guidance on: Whether there are any officially recommended implementation patterns, tuning options, or best practices for using HKObserverQuery and HealthKit Background Delivery Whether there are any known device-level or system-level factors that may cause significantly different background delivery behavior on different devices running the same watchOS version How to best achieve consistent and predictable background update delivery behavior across devices for apps that rely on this mechanism 6/ Additional Information We can provide sysdiagnose logs from both affected and unaffected devices for comparison We can also provide a minimal reproducible sample project if needed
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1w
[After iPhone migration] Health app permissions for connected app are not shown
After upgrading to a new iPhone and restoring from an iCloud backup using the same Apple ID, I noticed an issue with Health app permissions. ■ What is happening On my previous iPhone, an app had permission to read step count data. After restoring to the new iPhone, the app still appears in the Health app under Sources. However, when I tap the app, the usual data type permission toggles (such as Steps) are not displayed at all. As a result, the app is unable to read step count data. ■ Additional details The app itself seems to be recognized as a Health data source. However, the data type permission screen is empty. No ON/OFF switches are shown. The backup was created on iOS 18, and the restore was performed on iOS 26. I have not yet confirmed whether this also happens with other iOS version combinations. ■ Questions Is it expected behavior that Health app permissions (per data type) are not restored via iCloud backup? Has anyone experienced a similar situation where the app appears under Sources but the permission options are missing? If so, how did you resolve it? Any information from users who have experienced the same issue would be greatly appreciated.
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15h