The latest Apple Watch update promises better treadmill workout tracking — so I tested it

Apple introduced a new update for watchOS 27 in June, with a feature that caught my attention more than the other enhancements. The company promised more precise distance tracking during treadmill workouts and walks, achieved through improved motion tracking algorithms. These updates aim to improve the smartwatch's performance in measuring indoor activity, matching its strong outdoor capabilities.

I tested the feature using the beta versions of watchOS 27 on Apple Watch Ultra 3, Apple Watch Series 11, Apple Watch Ultra 4, and Apple Watch Series 12. Since I didn't own a treadmill, I used one at my gym and paired the watches with a Coros Pod 2 to compare the results. The test runs varied in pace and duration, ranging from short one-mile sessions to hour-long steady runs and interval workouts.

The results showed that the distance tracking algorithms in the latest Apple Watches were generally accurate, with a difference of about 200 meters compared to the treadmill and Coros Pod 2. This difference is smaller in longer runs, such as marathons, and more noticeable in shorter races like 5km. While the pacing data generally matched the Coros Pod 2 and the treadmill, the Apple Watches occasionally struggled to register faster sections during interval sessions.

The improvements in distance tracking should positively affect pace measurements, but there are still some limitations. For the best accuracy, I recommend performing the 20-minute outdoor run calibration and using a footpod sensor like the Coros Pod 2 or Stryd, which provides more accurate data closer to the moving body part.