Data from a large observational study suggest that people who use the Apple Watch are more likely to maintain increased physical activity levels beyond the initial surge seen at the start of the year. The findings are based on activity trends collected through the Apple Heart and Movement Study, which includes more than 250,000 consenting participants in the United States.¹ This analysis offers insight into how wearable health technology may support long-term engagement with exercise.
Researchers examined anonymized activity data from Apple Watch users who opted to share their information for research purposes. The analysis focused on daily exercise minutes recorded by the device’s built-in motion sensors and heart rate monitoring system. Exercise minutes include periods of brisk activity that meet Apple’s predefined intensity thresholds.¹
The data covered activity patterns across several months, with particular attention to the transition from late autumn through early spring. A consistent drop in physical activity was observed during November and December, followed by a marked increase in January. These trends were identified among U.S. participants but reflect seasonal behavior patterns commonly reported in physical activity research.
According to the analysis, more than 60 percent of users increased their daily exercise time by at least 10 percent in early January compared with their December baseline. Importantly, this increase did not rapidly decline. Nearly 80 percent of those who increased activity maintained higher exercise levels through late January, and approximately 90 percent of this group sustained elevated activity into February and March.¹ These findings contrast with previous reports suggesting that most New Year fitness resolutions fade within weeks.
The Apple Watch uses accelerometers, gyroscopes, and optical heart rate sensors to estimate movement patterns and exercise intensity. The Activity app organizes this data into daily goals related to movement, exercise, and standing time. Users receive real-time feedback, weekly summaries, and long-term trend reports that display changes in activity over months and years.² These features allow individuals to monitor progress without requiring technical expertise.
Regular physical activity plays a central role in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and mental health disorders. Public health guidelines consistently recommend sustained moderate-to-vigorous physical activity rather than short-term bursts.
The observed maintenance of increased exercise levels among Apple Watch users aligns with these recommendations, although the data do not establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship.
The results apply only to individuals who regularly wore the Apple Watch and voluntarily shared their data. This population may differ from the general public in terms of health awareness, motivation, and access to technology.
Additionally, the analysis demonstrates association rather than causation. The study does not confirm that the device itself causes behavior change, nor does it measure long-term clinical outcomes.¹
As wearable devices become more integrated into daily life, understanding how they relate to sustained health behaviors is increasingly important. These findings add to the growing body of evidence that continuous feedback and activity monitoring are associated with longer adherence to physical activity routines.
For clinicians, researchers, and public health professionals, such data can inform future digital health strategies aimed at improving physical activity participation at the population level.
Apple. “Apple Watch Keeps Users Active and Motivated in 2026.” Apple Newsroom, January 2026.
World Health Organization. WHO Guidelines on Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour. Geneva: World Health Organization, 2020.
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