ResearchGate reported that a study conducted by researchers from the University of Mississippi found that Apple Watch miscalculates some biometrics used to monitor a user's physical activity and health status.
According to the magazine, researchers comprehensively analyzed data from 56 studies on the accuracy of Apple Watch smartwatches. They gathered information proving that these watches are very accurate in measuring heart rate, but make significant errors in calculating calories.
Expert analysis indicates that Apple Watch records heart rate with a margin of error of 4.43%. The margin of error for step counting does not exceed 8.17%. Researchers consider these results to be good results for wearable devices. However, Apple Watch's physical activity assessment relies on analyzing the user's calories burned, and here the American brand's watches are significantly off, by up to 28%.
The research indicates that the smartwatch underestimates all common types of exercise — walking, running, cycling, and mixed-intensity training.
“These watches are great for tracking habits and staying motivated, but don't take every number as 100% truth, especially when it comes to calories,” commented Professor Minsoo Kang, author of the study.
Meanwhile, Kang's colleagues note that Apple is gradually improving the capabilities of its smartwatch. "Not every update is a huge leap forward, but there is a noticeable trend toward incremental improvements over time," says study co-author Ji-Pil Choi.
