My apple watch ultra vo2 max reads 29 but my garmin is 45. I'm in good condition and run and exercise daily with intense exercise multiple times a week. i've had my watch for 4 months and have set it up to record vo2. The reading seems pretty useless on apple watch.
Algorithm, isn’t that just math, in this case that needs correcting.
My watch dropped from high 40’s to 28 with little evidence as to why.
As an ex cyclist I suspected high 40’s was low, but the drop raised enough concern that I went for a medical at my cost.
VO2 max >65! It’s not just wrong it is miles of and providing misinformation that is concerning, cost me money to investigate and was ultimately so so wrong!
Sort it out, not acceptable to be alarming people with data that is so inaccurate!
Apple Watch uses the FRIEND chart for VO2max. You’re comparing apples to oranges. Here’s the Mayo Clinic paper with the chart:
https://www.mayoclinicproceedings.org/article/S0025-6196(15)00642-4/pdf
me too
That could be it. But my bike computer (Wahoo) does upload to Apple Health so the rides SHOULD be included in the Apple algos…..
But my VO2 in Apple Health is clearly off by a lot so that can not be trusted. Perhaps it will improve when Apple introduces cycling specific data on the Ultra ?!
I believe it will only improve if you then use the Apple Workout app to track your cycling activity. Garmin Connect also writtes data to Apple Health, just not to the area that contributes to Vo2 Max. If you go into Apple Health and look specifically into the Vo2 Max area you can actually see which data sources are being taken into account. Check if your Wahoo device is listed. I suspect not…
Hi, being cyclist myself, I'd like to know more about how you managed to measure VO2max using Apple Watch.
Do you use 3rd app like Athlytic for VO2max estimation while cycling or you use Apple Watch Fitness app?
Thanks.
Apple VO2 Max seems to be much higher if you RUN than if you do other sports (like biking, elliptical, and swimming, and then Apple just uses your outdoor walks to estimate). I used to run more and was 42-43, now I do elliptical, biking, and swimming and it is around 34, and I’m in nearly the same shape.
Hjulbenet04 wrote:
I’m a cyclist and track all my rides on both Garmin Connect and Apple Health.
My Vo2 max on Garmin is 53 and on Apple Health it is 32…..
That is a ridiculous difference….
Having read the comments above it seems that’s just the way it is with the Apple algorithm… but in my opinion it is pretty useless !
As has been said earlier, your cycling does not count towards VO2 max on Apple algorithms. It is presumably picking it up from your walking or running sessions which may not be generating high values.
Useless? That’s an opinion.
Same here. I just switched from a Garmin to an Ultra 2 about 2 weeks ago and my VO2Max on Apple is more than 10 pts lower than Garmin. And Apple has me at “Below Average” while Garmin has me at Excellent. I’ll probably just ignore it.
Apple will not read this, I can guarantee. Post the result to https://apple.com/feedback
Unless someone posts who works in the algorithm design office in Cupertino it would be wild speculation anyway.
No problem. It certainly doesn't hurt to ask. I still would make your observations known to Apple using the link I provided. It may help them improve the algorithm.
I have the exact same issue. My Apple Watch ultra says Vo2 max 41 and my Garmin epix2 48. That’s a big difference!
Great point - on Apple Watch it goes up and down - Garmin seems more constant.
have decided to get a test done properly like the guy in the video link in this chat and see what is correct!
thanks for sharing - seems you have the exact issue I have. I am booked for my physical VO2 max measurement this Friday so we will see who is correct apple or Garmin!
Looking forward to hear ! My guess is that your “real” Vo2 max will be closer to Garmin… but will be interesting !
Vo2 Max much lower compared to Garmin.
