Vitals app on Apple Watch can predict disease risk and warn about colds
When the Vitals app arrived on Apple Watch, it introduced a way for wearables to reflect health signals that sometimes precede real illness. In discussion threads on Reddit, users described receiving alerts that suggested a higher likelihood of catching a cold several days before noticeable symptoms appeared. Those early impressions pointed to the possibility that continuous biometric data could reveal subtle shifts in the body that foreshadow a minor health event, giving users a chance to adjust plans or rest early to mitigate the impact.
A Reddit user known as dalethomas81 described a case in which Vitals indicated an elevated illness risk three days before waking with mild symptoms. Other testers in the beta program reported similar results, noting that the tool could identify predispositions to colds based on a blend of signals such as heart rate variability, breathing patterns, sleep quality, and overnight oxygen levels. Across shared experiences, many testers observed consistent early signals that aligned with later health experiences, reinforcing the impression that wearable data can offer forward-looking health cues rather than just present-state readings.
Vitals runs on Apple Watch Series 8 and newer models that support watchOS 11 or later. The app collects a range of data points, including breathing rate, heart rate, temperature readings where available, sleep duration, and blood oxygen saturation. Using these indicators, Vitals presents a health status in the Vital signs section and issues alerts when measurements drift outside established ranges. The aim is to give users a practical snapshot of wellness where it matters most, while clearly avoiding medical conclusions. Users control what data is shared and how the analysis is used, and privacy options are designed to be transparent and straightforward to manage.
Apple emphasizes that Vitals is not intended to diagnose diseases. It is a trend-tracking tool meant to surface deviations that may warrant attention, with formal medical evaluation remaining essential for diagnosis and treatment decisions. Readings changing over time can help users monitor how lifestyle, sleep, and activity impact health, but they should not replace the guidance of a qualified clinician. The best use of Vitals is as a companion that complements regular medical care by highlighting patterns that deserve discussion with a doctor.