Summary

The article discusses the limitations of the Apple Watch Series 6's blood oxygen monitoring feature, suggesting that a dedicated pulse oximeter is a more accurate and cost-effective tool for measuring blood oxygen levels, especially in the context of COVID-19.

Abstract

The Apple Watch Series 6 introduced a blood oxygen monitoring feature, marketed as a significant wellness and fitness enhancement. However, Apple itself emphasizes that this feature is not intended for medical use but rather for general fitness and wellness. The article contrasts the Apple Watch's SpO2 monitoring with traditional pulse oximeters, which are more accurate and directly measure oxygen saturation through the fingertip. It highlights the importance of monitoring blood oxygen levels during the COVID-19 pandemic, as low levels can be an early indicator of severe illness. Despite the appeal of the Apple Watch's new health features, the article advises that consumers may be better served by purchasing a less expensive pulse oximeter and considering the Apple Watch SE, especially for those already within the Apple ecosystem seeking a smartwatch for fitness and wellness purposes. The article also looks forward to the upcoming Apple Fitness Plus subscription service as a potentially more impactful tool for health and fitness.

Opinions

The Apple Watch Series 6's blood oxygen monitor is not as reliable as a dedicated pulse oximeter for medical purposes.
The feature's inclusion is seen as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, though it is not suitable for medical diagnosis or monitoring.
Some doctors believe that having a pulse oximeter at home can be beneficial for monitoring oxygen levels, which is particularly relevant during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The article suggests that the Apple Watch's blood oxygen sensor is more of a wellness feature rather than a medical tool.
The author expresses skepticism about the necessity of the blood oxygen monitoring feature, given its limitations and the availability of more accurate and cheaper alternatives.
The article recommends the Apple Watch SE over the Series 6 for most users, considering the cost savings and the actual utility of the blood oxygen feature.
Anticipation is expressed for the Apple Fitness Plus service, which is seen as a more valuable investment for those interested in fitness and wellness.

Apple Watch Spo2 Isn’t the Best Way to Measure Your Blood Oxygen

Even Apple says the new Apple Watch blood oxygen app is designed only for fitness and wellness

Apple Watch Series 6 delivers breakthrough wellness and fitness capabilities — Apple Newsroom

If you are to believe Apple, their blood oxygen monitor is a breakthrough feature. Let’s be honest here, the only reason why you would even consider a smartwatch with a blood oxygen monitor is because of covid-19.

As information about covid-19 becomes ubiquitous, we have become familiar with pulse oximeters. Blood oxygen has become a hot topic in 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic.

A pulse oximeter isn’t a medical device to test for the coronavirus. It can come handy if you have one in your household to help monitor and measure your blood oxygen.

What is a pulse oximeter?

Pulse oximeters are medical devices used to measure the oxygen level (or oxygen saturation SpO2 %) and heart rate in the blood. It is usually clamped to your fingers.

Do you need a pulse oximeter for Coronavirus?

If someone has a reliable pulse oximeter at home, and they know how to adequately use it, it can be beneficial for some people at this Coronavirus Pandemic. Lung Doctor Explains — Dr. Mike Hansen

Some doctors believe that pulse oximeters can be a tool to detect a form of oxygen deprivation or “silent hypoxia”. Some Covid-19 patients experienced silent hypoxia and can be an early sign of Covid pneumonia.

All patients who have tested positive for the coronavirus should have pulse oximetry monitoring for two weeks, the period during which Covid pneumonia typically develops. All persons with cough, fatigue and fevers should also have pulse oximeter monitoring even if they have not had virus testing, or even if their swab test was negative.

Apple watch series 6 new features

One of the new features getting a lot of press is that the new Apple Watch Series 6 measures your blood oxygen level with a revolutionary new sensor and app. But if you scroll down the Apple website, a disclaimer that says,

*Blood Oxygen app measurements are not intended for medical use, including self-diagnosis or consultation with a doctor, and are only designed for general fitness and wellness purposes. — Apple Newsroom

Apple watch series 6 in blue, courtesy of Apple

There are a lot of good reasons to get the new Apple Watch but don’t get it because of the blood oxygen monitor feature. You are better off getting a $20 oximeter that works better than what the new Apple watch series 6 offers. A $20 pulse oximeter which serves the same purpose is far more accurate as it measures through the fingertip rather than the wrist.

The Apple Watch’s blood oxygen sensor isn’t a medical device and won’t be able to diagnose or monitor any medical conditions. The company says the feature is simply there to help users understand their fitness and wellness. But Apple did connect the feature back to the COVID-19 pandemic during the product announcement: “Blood oxygen and pulse oximetry are terms that we’ve heard a lot about during the COVID pandemic,” said Sumbul Ahmad Desai, Apple’s VP of health. — An excerpt from The Verge: Apple Watch’s blood oxygen monitor is for ‘wellness,’ not medicine.

The new Apple watch series 6, courtesy of Apple

The brand new Apple Watch Series 6

The brand new Apple Watch Series 6 is still a very good smartwatch. It has the same design as the previous generation, the Apple Watch Series 5. The new upgrade comes with new color options. The new Apple Watch comes in blue, red, and in space gray.

It can be Apple’s subtle way of reminding everyone that 2020 is an election year, a reference to the Republican party (red), and the Democratic party (blue). I wonder which color will sell well.

Another new feature is the solo loop wristband. The reason for a solo loop is to minimize the time to put on your Apple Watch. Some are beginning to be not happy about it. The problem is when it doesn’t have a snug fit. You have to return both the watch and the solo loop band, and it will take time before you get a new Apple Watch.

If you’re a musicphile, you should go with the LTE model, to stream music especially if you are outdoor and without your iPhone.

The sleep tracking option is a feature that one already finds in other smartwatches, particularly the Fitbit Versa. Apple comes late with this feature but with the new watchOS 7, the new Apple Watch comes not only with the sleep tracking but a rebranded fitness app.

With the Apple Watch Series, 6 having the same 18-hour battery life as the series 5, it can now charge to full in 1.5 hours. Apple continues to add new watch faces and maybe someday we will get third party options that can further personalize your watch face with some creative designs.

The new Apple Watch is powered by the S6 SiP with a 64-bit dual-core processor which is the same chip used in iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro. It is 20% faster than the chip found in Apple Watch Series 5.

In September 2019, Apple added a new feature to the iPhone 11 and iPhone 11 Pro without saying a single word onstage — and it did it again today with the Apple Watch Series 6.

The feature is Apple’s U1 ultra-wideband locator chip, which could let these devices find each other, find other gadgets equipped with similar tech, and even securely unlock your car and your door without ever pulling an iPhone out of your pocket. — The Verge

To be honest, I think most people should just buy the Apple Watch SE. I feel the oxygen monitoring is not a must-have feature right now. Certainly not for the reasons given by Apple, that it is all for fitness and wellness. A powerful health tool like a pulse oximeter can work the same and it will save you dollars, that you can instead use for what I believe can do more for your fitness and wellness, the soon to be available Apple’s Fitness Plus subscription.

Fitness Plus

Access to Apple’s Fitness Plus service will cost $9.99 a month or $79.99 a year and with the purchase of a new Apple Watch, you will get 3 months of free subscription. It also comes bundled as part of Apple’s new Apple One subscription. Apple says Fitness Plus will be available before the end of the year.

I’m most excited for the Fitness Plus, the $9.99 subscription that gives you access to a bunch of workout videos that require very little equipment and will make your Apple Watch Series 6, a smartwatch that can help you with your fitness and wellness goals, instead of a blood oxygen monitor which I can’t overemphasize as anything, but a hyped feature of the new Apple watch.

So, is it time to get an Apple watch? Yes, if you are looking for a smartwatch and if you are part of the Apple ecosystem, you won’t be disappointed with an Apple Watch but consider getting the Apple Watch SE to save you money which you can instead get a $20 pulse oximeter and join Apple’s Fitness Plus to help you start with your digital fitness and wellness journey.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases which may result from the sale of the oximeter or the Apple watch.