Monitor walking stability on the iPhone: A curious feature

Smartphones have some hidden functions ready. But this is really strange – because with the iPhone you can monitor your walking stability. We’ll show you how it works.

Whether for scrolling in social networks, binge-watching Netflix and Co. or checking e-mails – anyone who owns a smartphone these days can hardly imagine their everyday life without it.

But not only the entertainment functions are in demand on the small pocket computers. They are also often used to monitor health or fitness levels.

Many smartphones and smartwatches can now also send an emergency call if the device has identified a fall or if the heart rate rises or falls unnaturally.

The iPhone even offers another feature to ensure user safety. Because with the Health app, the iPhone can also examine stability when walking.

How can iPhone monitor walking stability?

The Stability Walking feature is based according to Apple on custom algorithms. These analyze balance, stability and coordination via the motion sensors built into the iPhone.

Of course, Apple cannot predict when users will actually fall. However, if walking stability deteriorates, it can be said that the risk of falling is increased.

The Apple smartphone can not only measure the number of steps or your step length. Your speed and asymmetrical gait data are also recorded.

The walking stability on your iPhone is then derived from the collected data. Apple rates these based on a classification of “good”, “low” and “very low”.

This is how you can use the function on your iPhone

It only takes a few steps to monitor your walking stability on iPhone. To do this, first open your Health app and then follow the next steps.

• Select the “Overview” menu item at the bottom of the screen.
• Scroll down to the item “Walking stability notifications” and click on “Configure”.
• The next step is to enter your health information. This includes your birthday, weight and height.

Below is an overview of the possible stability levels. In the last step you can then activate notifications. This allows your iPhone to let you know when your stability is low or very low.

It is also possible to automatically share the walking stability data with friends or family members.

View your walking stability history on iPhone

If you would like to get an overview of how your walking stability has developed over a certain period of time, you can also see this in the Health app.

To do this, you have to select the menu item “Discover” in the menu at the bottom of the screen. In the “Mobility” area you will then find the “Stability when walking” function.

Here you can view the data, but you can also add the function to your favorites on the overview page. Apple also offers exercises to improve stability when walking here.

What technical requirements do you need?

Unfortunately, you cannot monitor your walking stability on all iPhones. The feature is only available on newer devices.

You need at least an iPhone 8 – or a newer device. Your operating system should also run at least iOS 15. If these conditions are met, you can analyze your stability while walking in the future.

According to Apple, the analysis works best if you carry your iPhone in a front pocket or near your waist when you walk.

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