Health ap on Apple Watch completely misreads VO2 max.

The reading for VO2 max is absolutely incorrect. It would lead someone to believe that my pulmonary function is failing.

I exercise and run regularly so considered it wrong. I paid for a professional VO2 max test at my nearby university and discovered my true VO2 max which placed me in the 75th percentile for men aged 63. I am 73.

Whats wrong with this hardware? Any remedies? I like the device. . . Sort of.


Apple Watch Series 5, watchOS 10

Posted on Mar 20, 2025 9:46 AM

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4 replies

Mar 20, 2025 10:09 AM in response to Lifeisgood666

Your Watch doesn't take V02 max readings. It estimates it from various other data. It's never going to be as accurate as a professional test.


The first thing to do to ensure you get the best possible estimate is make sure that all of your information is accurate.


Track your cardio fitness levels - Apple Support


But remember, it's still only going to be an estimate.


Mar 20, 2025 10:56 AM in response to Lifeisgood666

Did you try to do the 1-Mile Walk fitness test, to find out roughly what your VO2 is, if you compare it to the same walk recored by your Apple Watch?

You can set a distance goal doing an Outdoor Walking Workout app and then compare the results your Apple Watch recorded with those of the 1-Mile Walk fitness test page, according to your age group.

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Health ap on Apple Watch completely misreads VO2 max.

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