Apple Watch 'Series 6' to include new blood oxygen detection

Supply chain sources claim to confirm that the next Apple Watch will finally include the long-expected ability to monitor the wearer's blood oxygen levels.

Following multiple previous rumors, a new report appears to confirm that "Apple Watch Series 6" will include blood oxygen level monitoring as part of its array of health sensors. This sensor will join other systems on the Apple Watch to help detect heart-related issues.

According to Digitimes, Apple has tapped ASE Technology for what its sources call the "smooth development" of the feature. Digitimes says that the company has now obtained what it calls major orders for Apple Watch 6.

ASE has long worked with Apple on the Watch, making a system-in-package design that has been present, in various forms, since the original Apple Watch.

That original Apple Watch, and all models since, have contained the hardware to enable this blood oxygen detection, but it has not been enabled before. Similarly, Kevin Lynch, Apple vice president of technology, recently revealed that the related sleep tracking has been planned from the start.

Digitimes has a poor record for predicting Apple products, but a far stronger one for the reliability of its sources within the supply chain.

Apple Watch "Series 6" is expected to launch later this year. The new models are typically announced alongside the latest iPhone releases, and Apple has now said that those will be delayed.

23 Comments

kidrock2199 143 comments · 10 Years

About 4 years ago

I don’t understand how the watch will be able to determine this data, but it’s pretty cool. I love the watch and will definitely be upgrading this year. So far, I’ve had the Series 2 and currently the 4, both Nike editions. So I guess the next logical one should be the 6 😄

The only thing I don’t like about having an Apple Watch is it’s negative effect on my iPhone batteries. I STILL have to charge my phone every night. I did an experiment recently and shut off Bluetooth entirely for a whole day. The difference is huge!

aderutter 622 comments · 17 Years

About 4 years ago

If true this,will be a major smash hit.

I for certain will get one - I’m still on my series zero stainless steel, think I’ll stick with my series zero link bracelet though.

ihatescreennames 1971 comments · 19 Years

About 4 years ago

AppleInsider said:

That original Apple Watch, and all models since, have contained the hardware to enable this blood oxygen detection, but it has not been enabled before.

Does this mean the it will be enabled on all previous watch models? Or perhaps, all models that are able to be upgraded to watchOS 7? My guess is no but I guess we’ll find out.

aderutter said:

I for certain will get one - I’m still on my series zero stainless steel, think I’ll stick with my series zero link bracelet though.

When I upgraded to a Series 5 I went with a black watch so it would match my Space Black SS Link Bracelet. They look pretty good together even though they aren’t a perfect match.

fotoformat 302 comments · 13 Years

About 4 years ago

As a walker and 'fixie' cyclist in my mid-70s (ditched my car a decade ago) I welcome any additional instant and to hand information on my personal health.

That being said, I hope Apple have fixed the "glass face detaching" issue I have experienced twice in the past 9 months on a 42mm Watch 3 due probably to sweating, but not any knocks, rain or water ingress. The first time Apple replaced the Watch, but this time I may try an Apple store in Paris for a quick fix since I'm unsure whether there will be a further 1-year guarantee on their replacement product.

mike1 3431 comments · 10 Years

About 4 years ago

kidrock2199 said:

I don’t understand how the watch will be able to determine this data, but it’s pretty cool. I love the watch and will definitely be upgrading this year. So far, I’ve had the Series 2 and currently the 4, both Nike editions. So I guess the next logical one should be the 6 😄

The only thing I don’t like about having an Apple Watch is it’s negative effect on my iPhone batteries. I STILL have to charge my phone every night. I did an experiment recently and shut off Bluetooth entirely for a whole day. The difference is huge!

I think much of the user base has to charge their phone every night. Did not notice a difference with battery life on my phone when I got my S4 Watch 2 years ago. BT is always on anyway just so it can connect with the car and the AirPods and a BT speaker.

Personally, I've never been able to get a second day of normal usage out of the battery. Sometimes on a weekend or vacation where I'm not using the phone as much, but never during a normal day. For me, battery improvements need to be in daily increments. Does me no good if I can get a day and half out of the battery.