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 published a video showing a feature called "Time to Walk" in iOS 14.4. To be precise, Apple seems to be preparing an audio-controlled walking workout for the Apple Watch. "Time to Walk" seems to be a variation of "Time to Stand", the request 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 will periodically display a "Time to Stand" reminder to remind users not to sit around for too long. The idea is to stretch your legs and walk around the room, take a bathroom break, or do something else to keep moving. With iOS 14.4, Apple seems to want to go much further. There are hints that Apple will remind users to take a walk once a day in the future. At least, that's what the current beta suggests. The feature itself seems to be disabled for now. Interestingly, it also comes with an audio track so users can receive voice instructions or encouragement while walking. Users can load the corresponding workouts onto the Apple Watch when it's turned on and connected to an iPhone. The button to download the workouts is 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 do indoors. Users can run and cycle, but only on a treadmill or exercise bike. This means that users cannot use Fitness+ outdoors at the moment. However, audio-based workouts for walking could be intended for exactly this purpose. However, it is not impossible that the new feature will appear on its own - i.e. independently of Fitness+. Together with "Time to Walk", the code hints suggest that Apple is also working on "Time to Push" workouts for people who have physical limitations and 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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