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When will Apple Watch register steps on a Walking Desk / Treadmill

I really want to purchase a Apple Watch. However, I walk 20K - 30K steps per day on a walking desk and the Apple Watch will not register. I am not willing to move it to my ankle or put in my pocket. I currently put a Fitbit in my pocket to track and sync their app data to Apple Health with a separate program. Problem is it does not close the rings.. etc. Putting my iPhone in my pocket is not a good solution, since I need to answer the phone or text during my walking time. I am up an down on this walking desk all day. The only real solution seems to be, Apple producing a small device you could place in your pocket and select it as a priority for walking like you can the iPhone. Maybe there isn't just enough market for something like that but seems with their focus on Health it would have happened by now. Any suggestions outside of what I have mentioned?

Posted on Nov 2, 2024 11:14 AM

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3 replies

Nov 2, 2024 3:50 PM in response to MTland

There's really nothing that can be suggested that will be practical. Your Watch measures steps by the gyroscope and accelerometer, and with a walking desk or treadmill, you usually have your hands on a bar or the desk, making your hands generally stationary so there's little or no movement for the Watch to measure. That's why people suggest putting your Watch on your ankle or in a pocket. So unless your desk/treadmill is one that offers an app for your Watch or iPhone that can connect the two Watch directly to the desk/treadmill, there's just no way for your Watch to measure your steps.


As to Apple producing some sort of pocket sensor, that's to me unlikely but you can suggest it:


Product Feedback - Apple


Regards.



Nov 3, 2024 6:54 AM in response to MTland

The only options possible are either a treadmill/walking desk that supports connecting a phone or watch directly, or as you opined some sort of additional sensor device. The latter coming from Apple is highly unlikely, though none of us can say with certainty that they would never consider it. Whether a third party would or does do such a device I have no guess.


Regards.

When will Apple Watch register steps on a Walking Desk / Treadmill

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