With the rollout of new-generation operating systems through its entire ecosystem, Apple is bringing a slew of features to users of iPhones, iPads, Apple Watch and other Apple consumers. One such for iPhone users builds on the pre-existing fall-detection feature on the Apple Watch. Only this one aims to prevent the fall from happening altogether.
The new feature is called "Walking Steadiness" and was first showcased at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference in June. It comes as a part of a series of features that particularly aim to help better take care of the elderly. Of course, it need not be mentioned that it will be a huge help to people of other ages as well.
As the name suggests, Walking Steadiness attempts to measure the balance, stability, and coordination of an iPhone user by assessing their walk. It does so by capturing important mobility data from the built-in motion sensors in iPhones. So as the users walk, the technology uses custom algorithms to assess their walk.
Apple says that Walking Steadiness has been built on real-world data from the Apple Heart and Movement Study. It claims that the study comprised more than 1,00,000 participants across ages and is the “largest data set ever used to study fall risk.” It also shares that users can even capture everyday movements and surface classifications through the feature within their Health app as OK, Low, or Very Low.
The feature now rolls out with the iOS 15 to iPhone users. It will basically work while your iPhone is kept in your lower's pocket. It will then assess your balance as you walk on a flat surface. The feature will check for signs of limping and for asymmetric steps in general to assess vulnerability.
The idea is to have a pre-emptive warning in case the walking pattern of a person indicates a health risk. An insight into such a fall risk can help users take proactive measures. Apple says that over 37 million people each year require medical attention as a result of a fall. Some of these cases lead to other serious injuries and subsequent loss of movement. Walking Steadiness is an attempt by Apple to tackle this issue by avoiding it altogether.
The technology is a natural evolutionary step towards the risk by Apple, following the fall detection feature on Apple Watch that initiates an emergency response if it detects a fall and subsequent immobility. Walking Steadiness on iPhone is more of a predictive step than a response.
Walking Steadiness: How to turn on
iOS 15 users aiming to set up Walking Steadiness notifications can do so through their Health app. Users can see the option under "Summary" and will have to provide information like height, weight, and age to turn the notifications on.
Once set up, the feature will take a few days to collect enough information and assess your walking pattern accordingly. It will display the progress under the Browse tab in the bottom right, through Mobility > Walking Steadiness.
If you find your Walking Steadiness score is low, know that you are at risk of falling. The Health app then offers exercise videos that serve as correction measures for the risk. You can, of course, seek professional help too at this point
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