TheJakartaPost
Please Update your browser
Your browser is out of date, and may not be compatible with our website. A list of the most popular web browsers can be found below.
Just click on the icons to get to the download page.
Apple to expand health capabilities of Apple Watch with blood oxygen level detector
Change text size
Gift Premium Articles
to Anyone
Share the best of The Jakarta Post with friends, family, or colleagues. As a subscriber, you can gift 3 to 5 articles each month that anyone can read—no subscription needed!
Though the release date of such updates has not yet been announced, it's likely that both will be officially revealed later this year when the Apple Watch Series 6 is launched along with the next operating system update. (Bloomberg/-)
O
n Sunday after reviewing a chunk of iOS 14 code, 9To5Mac reported that Apple will be adding to their smartwatches the ability to detect people's blood oxygen levels.
In addition to improving the ECG feature on the Apple Watch, the company will reportedly also be giving the device the ability to detect the wearer's blood oxygen level for the first time, a feat that Garmin and Fitbit have already accomplished. The news comes from 9To5Mac, who had a look at a snippet of the next-generation iOS's code.
According to the media, the Watch will be able to notify users if their blood oxygen levels drop below normal in a way similar to how the device notifies a wearer if their heartbeat is irregular.
Read also: Massive study using Apple watch spots heart issues, with limits
Currently, it's unknown whether this feature will require new hardware or software to function properly; Users may just need to update their software to gain access to it or could need to purchase a new Apple Watch entirely.
Along with this ability, the code also revealed that the heartrate reading on the Series 4 and 5 watches will be improved, as right now the speed is inconclusive between 100 bpm and 120bpm.
Though the release date of such updates has not yet been announced, it's likely that both will be officially revealed later this year when the Apple Watch Series 6 is launched along with the next operating system update.
