The big difference between the Apple Watch 6 and its predecessor is that the new smart watch from Apple has a pulse oximeter. This allows you to measure the oxygen level in your blood, which gives a better picture of your condition and health. We explain how this function works.
In recent months, oxygen meters have not been dragged on due to the corona crisis. Low oxygen levels may be associated with a more serious course of corona infection. Pulmonologists also use them to keep an eye on corona patients who are sick at home. Many people have purchased such a meter to keep a finger on the pulse themselves, which led to a run on the pulse oximeters.
A pulse oximeter on the Apple Watch 6 could not be long off, also because many affordable fitness trackers, including the Honor Band 5 and Xiaomi Mi Band 5, already have one. But the oxygen saturation sensor in the Watch 6 works in a slightly different way than that in many fitness trackers. For example, you must meet specific criteria to use the meter and you must have an updated iPhone.
This is how you set the oxygen saturation sensor
To use the saturation sensor, you need an iPhone 6s or later, which has been updated to the latest version of iOS. Also update your Watch 6 to the latest version. You must also be 18 or older to use the meter.
If you meet all the conditions, open the Health app on your phone. You will then see instructions to configure the app and follow these steps. Don’t see any instructions? Then click on the tab in the app data and then on Breathing and Configure saturation. After you’ve completed the setup, open the Saturation app on your Apple Watch to start the measurement. Tap on Start and keep your arm still for 15 seconds. The measurement then takes another 15 seconds. You will receive the results at the end of the measurement. These are stored in the Health app and there you can clearly see the course of your saturation within a certain period.
Most people have a saturation value between 95% and 99%, but a saturation value of less than 95% may not be a problem for some people with a normal life. If a healthy person falls below 92% or 92%, it may be important to raise the alarm.
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