iFixit's Apple Watch Teardown Reveals Pulse Oximeter Capable of Measuring Blood Oxygen Levels

During iFixit’s teardown of the Apple Watch, they noticed something somewhat odd: the heart rate sensor wasn’t the typical module you’d typically find on any of the smartwatches that exist today. Instead, it has another sensor: a pulse oximeter.

A pulse oximeter can be quite handy, especially if you workout outdoors. For instance, say you’re hiking up a mountain, a pulse-oximeter should be able to provide you with a better sense of how you’re adapting to higher altitudes. It could also be used by physicians to help get a better sense of your health (ahem, HealthKit). The more data, the better.

So, why isn’t Apple touting this feature? There could be variety of reasons. iFixit seems to think that it has to do with FDA approval, but it’s also possible that Apple hasn’t quite got it accurate enough to be considered a solid feature.

I’m sure we’ll be hearing more about this sensor soon. Perhaps WWDC or maybe later. Either way, it’s interesting to know that it’s there.