Apple Watch users in the US have an exciting update to look forward to. Following a successful legal battle, Apple is rolling out a refreshed blood oxygen feature for specific models: the Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, and Apple Watch Ultra 2.
This latest change allows users to monitor their blood oxygen levels differently. Instead of the watch processing this data itself, it’s now done via the paired iPhone, with results showing up in the breathing section of the Health app.
How to Access the Updated Blood Oxygen Feature
If you’re keen to use this new functionality, here are the steps to follow:
1) Verify Your Apple Watch Model
- Launch the settings on your Apple Watch.
- Select General.
- Tap About.
- Check the Model Name—ensure it indicates Series 9, Series 10, or Ultra 2.
- To confirm it’s a US model, either check your original purchase receipt or log into your Apple ID account to review your device specifics. Typically, US models end with LL/A.
2) Update Your iPhone
- Open Settings on your iPhone.
- Go to Software Update.
- Tap Update Now to install iOS 18.6.1.
3) Update Your Apple Watch
- Open the Watch app on your iPhone.
- Select General.
- Hit Software Update.
- Install WatchOS 11.6.1.
Remember, this update won’t change the functionality for Apple Watches that already had the initial blood oxygen feature or for those purchased outside the US.
4) Restart Both Devices
Once the updates are completed, make sure to restart both your iPhone and Apple Watch for the changes to take effect.
5) Use the Blood Oxygen App
To take a reading:
- On your Apple Watch, press the Digital Crown to access apps.
- Select the Blood Oxygen app.
- Sit still and keep your wrist flat, with the watch facing upwards.
- Tap Start to begin measuring.
- Wait for the measurement to complete; the iPhone will process the data, which will show up in the Health app’s breathing section.
- Tap Learn More for additional information on your blood oxygen data.
See Your Health Metrics
All your blood oxygen readings will be stored in the iPhone’s Health app. To view them:
- Open the Health app on your iPhone.
- Tap Browse at the bottom right.
- Select Breathing, then click on Blood Oxygen.
This lets you filter readings to track measurements during sleep or in high-altitude settings, helping observe trends over time.
What Does This Mean for You?
If your Apple Watch couldn’t track blood oxygen levels due to legal issues, this update brings the feature back. It provides valuable insights for fitness training, traveling at high altitudes, or general wellness monitoring. Of course, Apple emphasizes that this tool is for fitness purposes and not a substitute for medical advice. Additionally, these newer models still offer other health features like irregular rhythm notifications and fall detection.
In essence, Apple’s determination to reinstate this feature highlights the growing importance of health tracking in wearable technology. Do you think this solution strikes the right balance, or should they aim for the original version instead? Feel free to share your thoughts.
