Apple has released the seventh beta versions of iOS 26 and watchOS 26 for developers, featuring significant updates, particularly the redesigned Blood Oxygen monitoring feature. This enhancement, announced last week, is now available for users of the Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, and Ultra 2 in the United States. The introduction of this feature follows a lengthy absence from the American market due to a patent dispute with health technology company Masimo.
The revamped Blood Oxygen feature was initially launched as part of iOS 18.6.1 and watchOS 11.6.1 last week, marking a significant milestone for Apple after 18 months of not offering this capability in the US. Users can now access the Blood Oxygen feature through the beta versions, allowing them to monitor their health more effectively.
To utilize the new Blood Oxygen feature, users can initiate a session in the Blood Oxygen app on their Apple Watch. The device collects the necessary data through its sensors, which is then transmitted to the paired iPhone for analysis. Importantly, results can be viewed in the Respiratory section of the Health app on the iPhone, although users will not be able to check the results directly on the Apple Watch.
Enhanced Functionality for Users
The redesigned feature also introduces background blood oxygen measurements. This allows the Apple Watch to continuously collect data without needing to initiate a session manually, enhancing user convenience. The data collected in the background is seamlessly sent to the iPhone for calculation and analysis.
As of now, the seventh beta versions of iOS 26 and watchOS 26 are exclusively available to developers. Apple is anticipated to release a public beta later this week, allowing a broader audience to test these features. This move reflects Apple’s ongoing commitment to enhancing user health monitoring capabilities while addressing previous limitations.
For those eager to explore the latest advancements in Apple technology, the new Blood Oxygen feature represents a significant step forward in personal health management. Users are encouraged to share their experiences and any additional new features they discover in the iOS 26 beta 7.
As Apple continues to innovate, the introduction of the Blood Oxygen feature highlights the company’s focus on integrating health technology into its product lineup, ultimately benefiting users in their pursuit of better health monitoring.
