Creating a More Inclusive Apple Fitness and Health Experience

Apple’s recent announcement of the inclusion of LiDAR sensors in their forthcoming Apple Car has sparked inquiries into the company’s future plans for its Activity/Fitness apps and the Apple Watch. Despite its continuous innovation and capacity for surprises, the company must also attend to the present needs of its users, particularly those contending with illness or injury.

When a user becomes unwell, it is an arduous period that impacts overall well-being, encompassing physical health, mental health, and sometimes finances. Sadly, the current Apple Watch, Activity/Fitness, and Health apps are not designed to cater to users who may be unwell. This applies to individuals recuperating from surgery or contending with reduced mobility due to injury. It is imperative for Apple to address these concerns and create a more comprehensive user experience.

The time has come for Apple to introduce a ‘time off sick’ feature, enabling users to indicate when they are unwell, injured, or convalescing from a medical condition. By implementing this feature, users can temporally halt activity notifications and target goals, affording them the necessary time and space to concentrate on recovery without feeling pressured or reminded of their inability to fulfill fitness objectives. This incremental addition can significantly impact the overall well-being of users contending with physical challenges.

Furthermore, despite the wide array of fitness routines available on Fitness+, there is a conspicuous absence of exercise recommendations for individuals with specific limitations, such as broken bones or strained muscles. Incorporating safe and appropriate exercise regimens for such circumstances would greatly benefit users seeking to maintain their overall well-being while contending with physical constraints.

The goal is not to promote high-intensity workouts for those with existing ailments, but to offer support and guidance aligned with their current health condition. This form of empowerment can be transformative for individuals navigating their road to recovery. By providing tailored advice and fitness options, Apple can play a pivotal role in promoting the overall health and wellness of its users, even during periods of illness or injury.

As Apple continues to innovate with advancements like on-device LLM AI and other groundbreaking technologies, it is equally crucial for the company to concentrate on the human aspect of health and well-being. While the development of new features and devices is important, considerations for the genuine needs of users, especially during periods of vulnerability, should be prioritised. A considerate ‘off sick/injured’ button and tailored recovery-focused features would illustrate Apple’s dedication to creating a more inclusive and supportive health and fitness ecosystem.

In conclusion, integrating a ‘time off sick’ feature and expanding fitness recommendations for users with physical limitations would signify a significant advancement in enhancing the Apple Fitness and Health experience. This serves as a call to action for Apple to give priority to the diverse health needs of its users and demonstrate a deeper commitment to overall well-being. Your voice holds significance, and your well-being is of utmost importance. Let us collaborate to fashion a more inclusive and supportive world of health and fitness with Apple’s innovative technologies. Thank you for participating in the discourse.