Skip to main content

The Apple Watch 6 could be capable of detecting blood oxygen levels

 

The Apple Watch may soon be able to measure blood oxygen levels. Based on snippets of code inside iOS 14 acquired exclusively by 9to5Mac, Apple is developing two new health features for the next version of its smartwatch, likely to be called Apple Watch 6. At the moment it’s unclear whether these will be limited to the next-generation Apple Watch or also roll out to existing models through a software update.

Recommended Videos

Apple is said to be designing a new health notification that will go out whenever the watch detects the user’s blood oxygen levels have fallen below an alarming threshold. This will function similarly to the Apple Watch’s existing irregular heart rate alerts and nudge the user to consult a doctor instead of revealing anything conclusive.

A number of critical health conditions are associated with this health metric. When your blood oxygen saturation slips past the normal range, it can cause respiratory troubles and eventually lead to a cardiac arrest. As Apple continues to position the Apple Watch as more of an accessible health tool rather than a smartphone companion, the addition of blood oxygen detection will prove handy and compliment the rest of the features.

The ability to detect blood oxygen saturation is growing increasingly common among smartwatches. Fitbit brought it in January earlier this year to a handful of its products. French wearable maker, Withings’ latest, the ScanWatch can also record your blood oxygen levels.

All of these existing implementations rely on a set of special red and infrared sensors to measure blood oxygen levels. Therefore, it’s possible Apple’s new feature will be exclusive to the Watch Series 6. Although as per 9to5Mac, there is a chance it may come newer Apple Watch models with watchOS 7.

In addition to that, the Apple Watch’s electrocardiogram function may be all set for an upgrade. The Cupertino, California-based company is reportedly testing a better ECG app for the Watch Series 4 and Series 5 that will be capable of delivering more accurate results for heart rates between 100 and 120 beats per minute instead of producing inconclusive readings.

Apple is also rumored to be working on a sleep-tracking feature for the Apple Watch. The new feature, which was first detailed last year, will keep tabs on the user’s quality of sleep through a range of sensors and inputs such as their movement at night, heart rate, noises, and more.

Shubham Agarwal
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Shubham Agarwal is a freelance technology journalist from Ahmedabad, India. His work has previously appeared in Firstpost…
Google rolls out pulse loss detection to Pixel Watch 3 users
Pulse detect on Pixel watch 3

Google has begun rolling out its Loss of Pulse Detection feature to Pixel Watch 3 owners in the United States. This potentially life-saving feature uses the watch's optical heart rate sensors to detect if the wearer's pulse ceases at any point. That can include instances like cardiac arrest or other heart-related abnormalities. When these issues are detected, the watch can automatically contact emergency services should the wearer become unresponsive. The rollout is gradual, with availability expected to reach all users over the next few weeks.

Initially announced alongside the Pixel Watch 3 in August 2024, the feature was already available in several European countries. However, its US debut required clearance from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) before being released which was granted in late February 2025. Now that it's headed out to new and old Pixel Watch 3 owners, now might be a good time to invest in one should be looking for an alternative to the smartwatch you might currently be wearing.

Read more
This modular Pebble and Apple Watch underdog just smashed funding goals
UNA Watch

Both the Pebble Watch and Apple Watch are due some fierce competition as a new modular brand, UNA, is gaining some serous backing and excitement.

The UNA Watch is the creation of a Scottish company that wants to give everyone modular control of smartwatch upgrades and repairs.

Read more
Apple’s AI Doctor could transform your health, here’s why
A person wearing the aluminum Apple Watch Series 10.

Apple has been one of the most transformative companies of our lifetime. Products like the iPhone, the iPad, and the iPod have established or transformed entire segments of the technology market, but the company’s biggest impact could be in health.

Smartwatches and fitness trackers existed long before the first Apple Watch, but Apple’s foray into the health space transformed how we stay in shape. As the popularity of the Apple Watch and iPhone has grown, so has their utility in managing your health, especially as third-party app developers and equipment makers have created new experiences.

Read more