# Apple Watch Unveils New Features to Improve Activity Monitoring
The Apple Watch has consistently been a go-to choice for fitness aficionados, equipping individuals with resources to track their health and activity metrics. With the latest enhancements in watchOS 11 and iOS 18, Apple has rolled out features designed for users who might need to pause their fitness routines without compromising their Activity streaks. This article delves into the new functionalities of the Apple Watch, like the option to pause Activity rings and the debut of the All Rings Closed awards.
## Temporarily Pausing Activity Rings
One of the standout updates in watchOS 11 is the feature that permits users to briefly pause their Activity rings. This functionality is especially advantageous for anyone who needs to take a day, week, or even month off due to various factors such as injuries, travel, or personal obligations. By enabling the pause option for Activity rings, Apple fulfills a highly sought-after request, supporting users’ motivation without the stress of interrupting a streak.
## All Rings Closed Awards
Alongside the pause feature, Apple has also introduced a novel category of awards known as the All Rings Closed awards. The Activity rings represent three objectives: Move, Stand, and Workout. Initially, the Stand and Workout targets were set at 12 hours and 30 minutes per day, respectively, but Apple has permitted users to modify these benchmarks over the years. For younger individuals, there are even specific metrics aimed at encouraging outdoor activities instead of focusing solely on calorie expenditure.
### Achieving New Milestones
The All Rings Closed awards are awarded for completing all three Activity rings over a designated number of days. Users can earn badges for significant milestones such as 365 days, 500 days, 1000 days, and even 3500 days. This functionality not only promotes regular activity but also acknowledges users’ commitment to their fitness paths.
As of December 3rd, 2023, the 3500 days award stands as the highest milestone achievable, representing a remarkable accomplishment for dedicated Apple Watch users. The accolades can be accessed in the Fitness app (previously known as Activity) on both the Apple Watch and iPhone, allowing users to monitor their advancement and celebrate their successes.
### Recognizing Previous Accomplishments
A thrilling feature of the All Rings Closed awards is that they consider the total number of days users have already successfully closed all three rings. This means that even if users decide to take a hiatus, they can still strive toward earning these new awards based on their past achievements. This feature introduces an added dimension of encouragement and acknowledgment, inspiring users to persist in their fitness endeavors.
## Conclusion
With the rollout of the ability to pause Activity rings and the novel All Rings Closed awards, the Apple Watch continues to mature as a well-rounded fitness tracker. These enhancements not only meet the varied requirements of users but also enrich the experience of tracking health and fitness objectives. Whether you’re an experienced athlete or just embarking on your fitness path, the Apple Watch offers the resources and encouragement essential for remaining active and involved.
As Apple persists in innovating and refining its offerings, users can anticipate even more features that aid their health and wellness aspirations. What milestones have you reached with your Apple Watch, and how do these new additions motivate you to remain active?
