Apple has reintroduced the Blood Oxygen feature for select Apple Watch models in the U.S.; but not without a major redesign. Rolling out with iOS 26 and watchOS 26 Beta 7, the updated feature is now available for Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, and Apple Watch Ultra 2 units sold in the U.S. Now, sensor data is collected by the watch, but measured and calculated on the paired iPhone, with results viewable in the Health app under the Respiratory section. The redesigned functionality first appeared with iOS 18.6.1 and watchOS 11.6.1, and is now making its way to beta testers on Apple’s latest platforms. With Apple continuing to navigate legal hurdles while maintaining user features, this redesign keeps vital health tracking alive, albeit with a slightly different workflow for U.S. Apple has released the first public beta versions of its upcoming software updates, allowing users to try iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27 Golden Gate, and watchOS 27 ahead of their official release later this year. On watchOS 27, users get a redesigned app grid, new workout features, and expanded health tracking, including menopause and perimenopause support. Apple has released watchOS 27 beta 3 for developers, bringing its upgraded Siri AI experience and a new standalone Siri app to the Apple Watch for the first time. Read more in our articles including "iOS 26, watchOS 26 Beta 7 bring back Blood Oxygen feature with a twist for U.S. Apple Watch users" and "Apple releases Public Betas for iOS 27, macOS 27, iPadOS 27, and watchOS 27".
Apple has reintroduced the Blood Oxygen feature for select Apple Watch models in the U.S.; but not without a major redesign. Rolling out with iOS 26 and watchOS 26 Beta 7, the updated feature is now available for Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, and Apple Watch Ultra 2 units sold in the U.S.
Now, sensor data is collected by the watch, but measured and calculated on the paired iPhone, with results viewable in the Health app under the Respiratory section. The redesigned functionality first appeared with iOS 18.6.1 and watchOS 11.6.1, and is now making its way to beta testers on Apple’s latest platforms. With Apple continuing to navigate legal hurdles while maintaining user features, this redesign keeps vital health tracking alive, albeit with a slightly different workflow for U.S.
Our coverage of Apple Watch health monitoring includes: "iOS 26, watchOS 26 Beta 7 bring back Blood Oxygen feature with a twist for U.S. Apple Watch users"; "Apple releases Public Betas for iOS 27, macOS 27, iPadOS 27, and watchOS 27"; "Apple Watch gets dedicated Siri App in watchOS 27 beta 3". Each article provides unique insights and information.