WWDC 2024: Apple Watch users finally get a sick day function

Apple Watch users have long asked for the ability to pause their activity rings without losing their hard-won streak, and Apple finally delivered.

The company announced Monday at its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) that Watch users who need rest or recovery because of illness or injury will be able to pause their activity rings for a day, week, month, or more.

SEE ALSO: Everything announced at WWDC 2024, from iOS 18 to Apple Intelligence

Prior to this feature, there was no simple way for users to opt-out of activity goal without manually decreasing it, or losing their streak if they stopped activity altogether. Apple rewards activity streaks with digital notifications and badges.

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The new feature is part of watchOS 11, which is expected to launch later this year.

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The update also includes the new Vitals app, which will notify users when two or more key health metrics, including heart and respiratory rate, indicate they're unwell or under physiological stress. Presumably, that insight will help users decide on whether to pause their rings.