After spending several weeks with the Whoop 5.0, I’ve rediscovered the value of a simple fitness band that emphasizes distraction-free health tracking. In a market increasingly dominated by smartwatches and rings, it begs the question: has the shift improved our health monitoring experience? While I find myself valuing my Apple Watch Series 10 more, there are compelling features in the Whoop 5.0 that Apple could learn from to enhance the upcoming Apple Watch Series 11 and WatchOS 12.
1. The Strain Metric
The Whoop 5.0 app employs three key metrics: Sleep, Recovery, and Strain. Among them, Strain stands out as a unique way to evaluate your daily effort. It combines familiar data points, such as heart rate and steps, but presents them in a refreshingly different way.
What makes Strain particularly interesting is that it offers personalized recommendations on how to reach your activity targets, moving beyond simple suggestions like “go for a walk.” For instance, it might advise you to take a 40-minute stroll or even suggests household chores to meet your goals. Apple Health tends to be more passive, lacking that level of engagement. With the Whoop app, I find myself more motivated to dive into my stats and seek unique ways to move throughout the day. Though it adds another number to consider, the evolving Strain metric is more engaging than Apple’s visual Ring system.
2. Whoop Band Material
The Whoop 5.0’s straps deserve special mention. With options like CoreKnit, SuperKnit, and SuperKnit Luxe, the quality is noteworthy. I’ve been using the SuperKnit Luxe, which impressively balances comfort with flexibility. While Apple’s Sport Loop band fits most situations snugly, it doesn’t quite match the level of comfort offered by Whoop’s material.
For continuous wear, I’d love to see Apple introduce a wristband made from similar material to Whoop’s SuperKnit. It’s that exceptional.
3. Healthspan and Pace of Aging
Another intriguing feature is Healthspan, which becomes accessible after tracking your sleep for 21 nights. Available only through premium plans, this feature can be both enlightening and encouraging. By analyzing various factors like sleep patterns and workout intensity, it estimates your “Whoop Age.” If your Whoop Age is lower than your actual age, you’re on the right path, but if it’s higher, adjustments may be necessary.
It effectively illustrates the impact of lifestyle on aging, reinforcing the idea that daily habits greatly influence long-term health. Incorporating something akin to Healthspan into Apple Health could elevate the Apple Watch’s value, helping users understand how everyday life shapes their wellness.
4. Longer Battery Life
During my testing period, I charged the Whoop 5.0 only once in 21 days, and its promise of 14 days on a single charge appears accurate—a far cry from the mere two days offered by the Apple Watch Series 10. This extended battery life liberates users from the constant anxiety of recharging. Although I don’t expect Apple to completely replicate this feat, improvements should aim to match the battery longevity seen in devices like the OnePlus Watch 3, which can last up to four days.
5. What’s Next for the Apple Watch?
The Apple Watch Series 10 holds a special place for me, but even I can acknowledge that its advancements have been somewhat incremental. Looking ahead, the Apple Watch Series 11 needs to introduce standout features to remain competitive. While I don’t advocate for copying Whoop’s characteristics directly, it’s clear that its focused, streamlined approach to health tracking offers valuable insights worth considering. The new Apple Watch is likely to debut alongside the iPhone 17 series this year, with WatchOS 12 expected to be unveiled during WWDC 2025 in June.
Whether you prefer a straightforward fitness tracker like the Whoop or the multifunctionality of an Apple Watch, understanding these devices’ strengths can elevate your health journey. Explore further with us at Moyens I/O, where we delve into more exciting tech discussions.