Apple has been granted a patent for a system that takes the same health reading from several devices worn by one person, scores each for reliability, and either uses the best reading or blends them into a single value. This is commonly called sensor fusion and has long been used by watch brands for pace (GPS + accelerometer) and elevation (GPS + barometric pressure).
- US patent 12,758,110, “Dynamic multi-device physiological measurement systems and methods”, was granted to Apple on 13 October 2026. It follows a provisional application filed in July 2024.
- Each reading carries a confidence score based on signal quality and motion. The system takes the highest-confidence reading, or weights several readings by confidence, detected activity, or motion.
- A sensor whose reading is not needed can be switched off to save power.
- Heart rate is the main example. Heart rate variability, blood oxygen and respiration rate are also named.
- Named devices include a watch, earbuds and headphones, a phone, a ring, a chest strap, a band, head-worn devices, scales, and in-bed sensors.
What it means for athletes
An Apple Watch wearer running intervals with heart-rate-sensing earbuds would get whichever reading is steadier at that moment, without having to choose a source. Wrist optical readings are most likely to lag or lock onto cadence during hard efforts, which is why athletes still pair a strap for interval work, as a clinical ECG test of 62 Garmin devices showed for wrist sensors generally.
Switching off a redundant sensor would also save battery on long sessions, which matters more to an ultra runner than any gain in accuracy. The heart rate hub covers how optical and chest sensors compare, and the best Apple Watch for sport guide covers the current models.
Quick answers
Does this patent mean a new Apple product is coming?
No. A granted patent protects a method, and most never become a named feature. This one describes software that links devices Apple already makes.
Would a chest strap count as one of the devices?
Yes. The patent names chest straps among the devices whose readings can be scored and combined, without naming a brand.
The grant was issued in the same week as the patents in #2 Trademark & Patent Filing. Browse every issue at the Trademark & Patent Filing hub.
Source and original research by: the5krunner and Wareable
Last Updated on 17 October 2026 by tfk the5krunner
Small things I always use
- Garmin 90-degree charging adapter: Charges your Garmin from any USB-C cable. Essential when travelling. I use one.
- Body Glide: The blue anti-chafe stick swimmers and runners carry. I use it.
- Speedo earplugs: Fewer ear infections and no cold-water dizziness. I use them.
- Dryrobe Advance: My winter changing robe for open-water swims. I use one. A cheaper option is the AONYIYI changing robe.
- Maurten: Race fuel that stays easy on the stomach. I use them.
- Garmin charging puck: The quickest way to top up before a session. I use one.
- Injinji: Toe socks that stop rubbing, so you run more. I use them.
- Ultimate toe protectors: Stop black toenails on long runs. They work. I use them.
- Compressport R2 v2 calf sleeves: My calf sleeves of choice. I use them.
- Cellucor C4: My pre-workout before hard sessions.
- TPU tubes: Schwalbe Aerothan, Tubolito and Pirelli SmarTube. Light, tiny spares. I use all three.
- G8 insoles: Adjustable insoles that are good. I use them.
- Cycplus Cube: A 97g electric pump that gets a road tyre rideable in two minutes. I carry one. 5% off with code THE5KRUNNER.
Watches and sensors
- Polar H10: My daily driver for waking HRV.
- Polar Verity Sense: My backup arm-worn HR sensor.
- Nomad bedside charger: Charges my iPhone and Apple Watch overnight. I use it, and many of their bands.
- Train.Red: The best muscle oxygen sensor I’ve used.
- Tymewear: Accurate heart rate and reliable ventilatory zones. I use it to pace endurance rides over an hour.
- Garmin Forerunner 970: A pro-grade triathlon watch. I use this.
- Apple Watch Ultra 4: My daily smartwatch. No phone needed on rides.
- Garmin Fenix 9 Pro: I’ve just bought one.
On the bike
- Continental GP5000 for everyday riding, and Aero 111 on the front for special occasions.
- Helmets: Specialized S-Works Evade 3 for road riding, and Rudy Project Wing for TT-style races. I use both.
- Ravemen FR300: A front light that mounts under your Garmin or Wahoo. I use one.
- Wahoo TRACKR Radar: I use it on one bike and Varia on the other. They perform the same.
- Garmin Varia RTL515: Radar that warns you of cars from behind. I use this model.
- Wahoo ELEMNT Roam 3: The bike computer that’s easy to use. I use mine on most rides.
- Favero Assioma Pro RS2: Accurate power pedals that swap easily between bikes. I use this model.
Home and indoor training
- NPE Runn: Makes my basic treadmill smart, sending more accurate speed and distance to my watch and Zwift. I use it.
- Google Wifi: Keeps Zwift connected in my pain cave. I use it.
- Apple TV 4K: Zwift on the big screen. I use two.
- Google Nest Doorbell (wired, 2nd gen): My video doorbell, running in both Google Home and Apple Home. I use it.
Health, recovery and sleep
- FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus: Shows how my blood sugar responds to diet.
- hDrop: Measures my sweat loss in summer and indoors.
- Fourth Frontier Zone: Checks my heart under load in hard sessions.
- Oura Ring 5: My partner’s recovery tracker of choice.
- Eight Sleep: A cooling mattress cover my partner and I use nightly.
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tfk is the founder and author of the5krunner, an independent endurance sports technology publication. With 20 years of hands-on testing of GPS watches and wearables, and competing in triathlons at an international age-group level, tfk provides in-depth expert analysis of fitness technology for serious athletes and endurance sport competitors. ID
