The Quantified Scientist tests the Apple Watch Series 12’s new heart rate sensor

Billy Odell Tucker-Robinson Founder & Host — Banking With Billy Network • Intelligence Network • Data Science • AI Research • World News
Published: 2026-09-18T23:10:39.439Z • Permanent link

Rob ter Horst, a well-known figure in the quantified self movement, has released a new video where he compares the new Apple Watch Series 12's heart rate sensor against a Polar H10 ECG chest strap. The comparison was made in an effort to gauge the accuracy and reliability of the Apple Watch's heart rate monitoring capabilities. Ter Horst, who has a background in biomedical engineering, used his expertise to evaluate the two devices. He recorded his heart rate while wearing both the Apple Watch and the Polar H10, then compared the results to see which device provided the most accurate reading.

The Apple Watch Series 12's heart rate sensor was designed to be more accurate and reliable than its predecessors. The company has stated that the new sensor uses advanced algorithms and machine learning techniques to track heart rate in real-time. However, critics have questioned the accuracy of the device's heart rate monitoring capabilities. Ter Horst's comparison aims to provide a more objective assessment of the Apple Watch's heart rate sensor.

The results of Ter Horst's comparison were published on his YouTube channel, where he shared his findings with a large and engaged audience. The video has received thousands of views and has sparked a lively discussion among viewers about the accuracy of the Apple Watch's heart rate sensor. Ter Horst's comparison is seen as a significant development in the ongoing debate about the accuracy of wearable devices.

The accuracy of the Apple Watch's heart rate sensor has significant implications for the healthcare and fitness industries. Companies like Apple and Polar are major players in the market for wearable devices, and the accuracy of their products can have a major impact on customer trust and loyalty. If the Apple Watch's heart rate sensor is found to be inaccurate, it could lead to a loss of confidence in the device and potentially harm sales.

The accuracy of wearable devices is also closely tied to the development of new treatments for heart conditions. Wearable devices like the Apple Watch and Polar H10 can provide valuable insights into heart rate and other vital signs, which can be used to diagnose and monitor heart conditions. If the Apple Watch's heart rate sensor is found to be inaccurate, it could limit the effectiveness of these devices in helping to diagnose and treat heart conditions.

Institutions like the American Heart Association and the National Institutes of Health are already investing heavily in research on wearable devices and their impact on heart health. The accuracy of the Apple Watch's heart rate sensor is seen as a critical factor in determining the effectiveness of these devices in helping to improve heart health. As such, the results of Ter Horst's comparison are seen as a significant development in this ongoing research effort.