Apple watch users will be able to wirelessly sync their devices with cardio gym equipment after the technology giant unveiled a new operating system feature.

GymKit, which was launched at the company’s annual developer conference in June, has been designed to pair directly with treadmills, indoor bikes, elliptical machines and stair steppers made by global manufacturers, including Life Fitness and Technogym.

While cardio machines and Apple watches have long been able to track physical activity, this has always been without communication between the two machines. GymKit, now allows gym-goers to sync data captured by both devices, such as calories, distance, speed, floors climbed, incline and pace, to produce “the most accurate measurements possible”, according to Apple.

Chief operating officer for Apple Jeff Williams said: “We’ve created a truly individualised experience with the smartest Activity and Workout apps.”

GymKit is not the only fitness-focused addition seen in the watchOS 4 upgrade. Intelligent coaching and tailored encouragement will be available via the Activity app, alongside new motion and heart rate algorithms for high-intensity interval training (HIIT) provided by the Workout app.

WatchOS 4 will be available this autumn as a free update to Apple Watch.