Is it normal for Apple Watch to show fluctuating Heart Rates after update?

I have seen the same thing occur. Only during the past few weeks and possibly following IOS 18.1.1 update. I just received an Apple notification indicating a prolonged change (increase) in my resting heart rate. It has jumped during the day by 10-15 above the previous resting rate. I can only assume it’s a feature of the recent software update but I couldn’t say why it has happened.

I’ve had the same issue. Consistently 45-50 bpm for the last 2 years on Apple Watch 6. Since getting the 10 in September it varied wildly. Sometimes 45, sometimes 70-75. I’ve been sick once but nothing else in my training load or general wellbeing has changed.

I have exactly the same. mine is normally 57-60 and since I have my Apple watch 10, watch OS 11.1 it is 65-70. quite relieved to read it might be the watch as I don't feel like anything else changed. Thank you for sharing!

I’ve also noticed an increase in my resting heart rate. It updates throughout the day and it is quite a bit higher than what it has normally shown. I had subclinical hyperthyroid last year, so I do monitor my heart rate a lot and it has led to some health anxiety.

I’ve also noticed that my heart rate doesn’t get quite as low at night. It used to get in the mid to low 50s during various stages of my sleep, but now it barely gets to 59 or 60 at night.

I have the series 8 Apple Watch and I recently updated to OS 11.2. Perhaps that’s the problem.

OS11.2 is out

learn how to take your pulse, either wrist or carotid, then compare with what the watch shows.

As I advised in the beginning, check your HR using your carotid pulse and compare to the reading. Accurate or not?