Apple Won't Have Yoga Workout Mode in WatchOS 4 Update

Our previous update hinted that yoga tracking might be coming to the Apple Watch soon. However, after further investigation, it appears that this feature may not be as imminent as we thought.

Upon closer examination of the leaked iOS release file related to the HomePod speaker, it becomes clear that the references to yoga are actually linked to manual workouts that users can program themselves on the Apple Watch. This means that automatic tracking for yoga is not currently in development.

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Yoga and Other Workouts on Apple Watch

Despite this update, our previous report still stands – there will be significant improvements to workouts on the Apple Watch with Watch OS 4. One of these features includes control over external yoga apps, which will allow users to access a wider range of workout options directly from their watch.

In addition to yoga, another feature mentioned in the leaked file is the inclusion of downhill skiing as a workout option. This has been hinted at by MacRumors and could potentially be coming to Apple Watch soon.

Yoga Tracking: The Challenges

Adding yoga tracking to a device like the Apple Watch can be challenging due to the complex movements involved. Unlike more straightforward workouts, yoga requires interpreting slow, precise movements, making it difficult for devices to accurately track progress.

Despite this challenge, there are already some fitness trackers on the market that allow users to add yoga as a workout option. However, these often require manual setup and may not provide entirely accurate tracking results.

Other Wearable Devices and Yoga Tracking

While Apple has yet to confirm plans for yoga tracking, other wearable devices like Fitbit offer similar functionality. For example, Fitbit allows users to add yoga as a preferred workout option, but this requires setting up the activity manually.

Misfit’s app also includes yoga as an activity option for its Shine device, although users must first set up a "tag" for yoga. It remains unclear how accurately these devices can track yoga movements.

Apple Response and Upcoming Features

When questioned about plans to include yoga tracking on Apple Watch, the company declined to comment. However, they have announced that Watch OS 4 will feature several new workout options, including HIIT (high-intensity interval training), a Siri activity coach, GymKit integration, and an enhanced Workout app.

What This Means for Users

While users may not be able to track their yoga sessions on Apple Watch just yet, the upcoming features announced by Apple do promise significant improvements to workouts on the device. Whether or not these new options will include automatic tracking for yoga remains to be seen.

In the meantime, users who wish to track their yoga progress can continue using third-party apps and devices that offer similar functionality.

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About the Author

Sarah Buhr is a journalist who writes about biotechnology, politics, gender, and diversity. She has appeared on camera at TechCrunch and welcomes tips on fun gadgets and gizmos.