Apple released the first beta of iOS 14.4 and more in mid-December. Now hints of a new workout feature have been discovered.
Twitter user Khaos Tian has a Contribution Apple has released a new feature called "Time to Walk" in iOS 14.4. Apple appears to be preparing an audio-guided walking workout for the Apple Watch. "Time to Walk" appears to be a variation of "Time to Stand," the prompt to stand up for a moment every hour. This new feature encourages users to take a walk every day—under supervision.
Apple Watch: Time to go for a walk
The Apple Watch regularly displays a "Time to Stand" reminder to remind users not to sit for too long. The idea is to stretch their legs and walk across the room, take a bathroom break, or do something else to keep moving. With iOS 14.4, Apple seems to want to go even further. There are indications that Apple will remind users to take a walk once a day in the future. At least, this is what the current beta suggests. The feature itself currently appears to be disabled. Interestingly, it also comes with an audio track, allowing users to receive voice prompts or encouragement during their walk. Users can download the corresponding workouts to the Apple Watch when it's turned on and connected to an iPhone. The button to download the workouts is located on the watch and in the Watch app.
iOS 14.4 & Apple Watch: Walking with or without Fitness+?
References to "WORKOUT_GUIDED_WALK" were also found in the iOS 14.4 code, which indicates guided walking. The new feature may be related to Fitness+, Apple's newly launched sports and fitness service. It currently only includes workouts that users can perform indoors. Users can run and cycle, but only on a treadmill or exercise bike. This means that users cannot currently use Fitness+ outdoors. However, audio-based walking workouts could be intended for precisely this purpose. However, it is not impossible that the new feature will appear independently of Fitness+. Along with "Time to Walk," the code clues suggest that Apple is also working on "Time to Push" workouts for people with physical limitations who cannot walk. This can be compared to "Time to Roll," the alternative to "Time to Stand" for users in wheelchairs. (Photo by raditya / Bigstockphoto)
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