Apple is expanding the capabilities of its smartwatches with an official recovery tracking feature: the new app, named Readiness, evaluates daily physical preparedness based on personal fitness and health metrics. However, the application is exclusively available on the newly introduced Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4, as it strictly relies on a redesigned sensor system.
Four Levels to Assess Daily Form
The app calculates a daily readiness score on a scale from 0 to 10 points. The system assigns this score to one of four actionable recommendation levels:
- Go For It (8 to 10 points): High readiness for demanding, intense workouts.
- Ready (5 to 7 points): The body is well-rested and prepared for standard training.
- Pace Yourself (2 to 4 points): Recommended to keep workouts moderate and manage energy reserves.
- Recover (0 to 1 point): Priority is on rest and physical recovery.
For a quick overview, the current status can be added as a complication directly on the watch face or as a widget in the Smart Stack. Apple also provides additional in-depth details through the Fitness app.
Calculated from Activity, Vitals, and Sleep
The score’s calculation is built on three central pillars: activity data, vital signs, and sleep patterns. For activity, the algorithm considers active calories burned, perceived exertion from recent workouts, and overall training load. High-intensity exertion lowers the score throughout the day, while rest periods help maintain or improve it.
The app also analyzes readings from the Vitals app both day and night. If measurements deviate from an individual’s typical baseline, the score drops. Conversely, an above-average heart rate variability (HRV—the variation in time intervals between consecutive heartbeats) yields a positive impact. Furthermore, the previous night’s sleep quality as well as recent sleep trends are factored into the overall result.
Hardware Dependency: Older Generations Left Out
The Readiness app requires a newly engineered sensor architecture. According to Apple, this includes redesigned optical and electrical sensors alongside larger, more energy-efficient green LEDs. Older models such as the Apple Watch Series 11, Ultra 3, or SE 3 will not receive the feature—not even via an update to watchOS 27.
The new smartwatches are available for pre-order now and will launch on September 18. The Series 12 starts at $399, while the Ultra 4 is priced at $799. Users of existing models who do not wish to upgrade will still need to rely on third-party solutions from the App Store for similar recovery assessments.
Sources: 9to5mac
