Which Apple Watch Has Blood Oxygen? (And Is It Worth It?)

Which Apple Watch Has Blood Oxygen? With several models and ever-evolving features, it’s easy to get overwhelmed when trying to figure out which Apple Watches include this advanced health sensor.

Whether you're a health-conscious user, a fitness enthusiast, or simply curious about your body’s oxygen levels, this article will guide you through everything you need to know — including which models support blood oxygen tracking, how it works, and whether it’s worth the investment.

Table of Contents

• Key Takeaways

• What Is Blood Oxygen Monitoring on Apple Watch?

• Which Apple Watch Has Blood Oxygen?

• How Does the Apple Watch Measure Blood Oxygen?

• Comparison Table: Apple Watches With and Without Blood Oxygen

• Benefits of Blood Oxygen Monitoring on Apple Watch

• Is It Worth Getting an Apple Watch With Blood Oxygen?

• Future of Blood Oxygen Tracking in Apple Watches

• Can You Use Blood Oxygen Feature Without an iPhone?

• How to Use the Blood Oxygen App

• Troubleshooting Blood Oxygen on Apple Watch

• FAQs

• External Links (High Authority Sources)

• YouTube Videos (Useful + Working)

• Summary

Key Takeaways

• Apple introduced blood oxygen tracking with the Apple Watch Series 6.

• It is available on Series 6, 7, 8, 9, and Ultra / Ultra 2 models.

• Apple Watch SE models and those older than Series 6 do not have the feature.

• The Blood Oxygen app allows both passive and manual readings.

• This feature is helpful for sleep tracking, fitness recovery, and altitude adaptation.

• You’ll need an iPhone 6s or newer to use the feature properly.

What Is Blood Oxygen Monitoring on Apple Watch?

To start, let’s understand what blood oxygen monitoring actually is.

Blood oxygen, also known as SpO2, measures the percentage of oxygen your red blood cells carry from your lungs to the rest of your body. In healthy individuals, this level typically ranges from 95% to 100%.

Apple introduced this feature as a part of its push toward more holistic health tracking. It’s useful for general wellness and can provide insights into:

• Sleep disorders like sleep apnea

• Changes in fitness performance

• High-altitude adaptation

• Respiratory or circulatory issues

Unlike medical pulse oximeters, the Apple Watch does not offer a diagnosis. However, it’s a powerful wellness tool that delivers trends and health insights over time.

For a complete breakdown of Apple Watch models and features, take a look at WizeBand’s guide on which Apple Watch is the best.

Which Apple Watch Has Blood Oxygen?

Now, let’s dive into which Apple Watches actually include this feature.

Apple Watch Models With Blood Oxygen Sensor

Only specific Apple Watches come with the hardware required to track blood oxygen. The following models have the Blood Oxygen sensor and app built in:

• Apple Watch Series 6 (2020)

• Apple Watch Series 7 (2021)

• Apple Watch Series 8 (2022)

• Apple Watch Series 9 (2023)

• Apple Watch Ultra (2022)

• Apple Watch Ultra 2 (2023)

These models are equipped with red and infrared LEDs on the back of the case, enabling them to estimate blood oxygen levels by analyzing the light reflected from your skin.

If you’re planning to upgrade, don’t forget to match your new watch with a quality band. Check out the Apple Watch bands collection at WizeBand for stylish and durable options.

Apple Watch Models Without Blood Oxygen Sensor

On the other hand, some models do not include the required hardware. These include:

• Apple Watch SE (1st Gen) (2020)

• Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) (2022)

• Apple Watch Series 5 and earlier

These models still provide excellent fitness and heart rate tracking features but do not support blood oxygen monitoring.

If you're unsure which model you own, this helpful guide will assist you in identifying your watch: Which Apple Watch Do I Have?

How Does the Apple Watch Measure Blood Oxygen?

To begin with, in order to measure blood oxygen, Apple Watches use a combination of red, green, and infrared LED lights. Moreover, these lights work together with photodiodes located on the back crystal. As a result, the device can accurately detect and estimate your blood oxygen levels during both active and passive monitoring.

Here’s how it works:

1. The LEDs shine light into your wrist.

2. Blood absorbs the light differently depending on how oxygenated it is.

3. The photodiodes detect the amount of light reflected back.

4. Using algorithms, the Apple Watch estimates your SpO2 percentage.

You can either take a manual reading or allow the Watch to take passive readings in the background — especially while you sleep.

For a full scientific explanation of how SpO2 works, check out this article on Healthline.

Comparison Table: Apple Watches With and Without Blood Oxygen

To make this clearer, here’s a breakdown comparing which models include the feature:

If you're investing in a Series 9, you’ll also want to personalize it. Explore the top band picks for Series 9 to complete your look.

Benefits of Blood Oxygen Monitoring on Apple Watch

At first, you might be wondering why you even need this feature. However, while it’s not absolutely essential for everyone, it still provides valuable insights. In fact, these insights can significantly enhance your understanding of your body’s overall health. Consequently, many users find it to be a worthwhile addition to their wellness routine.

Here are some of the key benefits:

Sleep Quality

The Watch takes overnight readings, helping you understand if your SpO2 drops during sleep — which could be an early sign of sleep apnea.

Exercise Recovery

Tracking SpO2 during and after workouts allows you to see how efficiently your body is using oxygen — especially useful for endurance athletes.

Altitude Awareness

If you enjoy hiking, skiing, or visiting high-altitude locations, blood oxygen tracking helps monitor your adaptation.

Early Health Detection

For instance, significant drops in SpO2 may indicate a respiratory problem. As a result, you are able to take early action. Furthermore, it gives you the opportunity to consult a medical professional before the issue becomes more serious. Therefore, monitoring your blood oxygen levels regularly can be an important part of maintaining your overall health.

Is It Worth Getting an Apple Watch With Blood Oxygen?

Ultimately, whether the feature is worth it depends on how you use your Watch.

Who Should Get It?

If you're invested in health and wellness, the answer is yes. This feature is especially beneficial for:

• Sleep tracking enthusiasts

• Athletes and fitness lovers

• Individuals in high-altitude regions

• Anyone seeking deeper health insights

SE vs Series 9 vs Ultra 2

Let’s compare these popular choices:

Clearly, the Series 9 and Ultra 2 offer far more health tracking features. If your budget allows, these are your best options for long-term value.

Future of Blood Oxygen Tracking in Apple Watches

Looking ahead, Apple is expected to expand its health monitoring capabilities even further.

Some upcoming developments include:

• FDA approval for blood oxygen measurements

• Integration with medical records

• Enhanced health alerts via the Health app

• Potential additions like blood pressure and glucose tracking

These advancements suggest Apple is positioning the Watch as a serious health device, not just a wearable.

Can You Use Blood Oxygen Feature Without an iPhone?

To set up and view blood oxygen data, you will need an iPhone 6s or newer running iOS 14 or later.

Once configured, the Watch can take SpO2 readings independently. However, you’ll still need your iPhone to access historical data, share information with doctors, or change health settings.

How to Use the Blood Oxygen App

Using the feature is simple.

To Set It Up:

1. Open the Watch app on your iPhone.

2. Tap Blood Oxygen.

3. Enable it.

To Take a Manual Reading:

1. Open the Blood Oxygen app on your Watch.

2. Rest your arm on a table.

3. Tap Start.

4. Stay still for 15 seconds.

You’ll see your SpO2 reading — usually between 95% and 100%.

Troubleshooting Blood Oxygen on Apple Watch

If you’re having trouble getting readings, here are some common issues and solutions:

Problems:

• Watch is too loose

• Wrist tattoos interfering with sensors

• Dirty or sweaty sensors

• Darker skin tones causing light absorption issues

Fixes:

• Tighten your band

• Clean the sensor area

• Move the Watch higher up your arm

• Ensure blood oxygen tracking is enabled in settings

Sometimes, switching to a different band can help improve fit and sensor contact. Visit WizeBand’s collection of Apple Watch bands for options that ensure better accuracy.

FAQs

Does Apple Watch detect low oxygen?

Yes, it can passively track and alert you to low oxygen levels, especially during sleep.

Can I add the blood oxygen feature to older Apple Watches?

No, it requires hardware that is only available in Series 6 or newer.

Is the blood oxygen app FDA approved?

As of now, not yet. In fact, Apple clearly notes that this feature is intended solely for "wellness purposes." Therefore, it should not be used for official medical diagnosis or treatment.

Is it accurate?

It is fairly accurate for non-clinical use, but shouldn’t replace professional medical advice.

Can doctors use the data?

Doctors may find the data helpful in discussions, but it cannot be used for official diagnoses.

✅ External Links (High Authority Sources)

1. Apple Official Watch Comparison Page
   Compare every Apple Watch model, including which ones offer the blood oxygen sensor.
   https://www.apple.com/watch/compare/

2. What Is SpO2 Measurement and Why Is It Important?
   In particular, this provides a comprehensive medical explanation of blood oxygen saturation. Moreover, it clearly outlines why it’s important for maintaining overall health. As a result, readers can better understand how monitoring SpO2 contributes to wellness and early detection of potential health issues.
   https://mefmobile.org/what-is-spo2-measurement-and-why-is-it-important/

3. Toms Guide- Apple Watch Series 9 Review
   CNET breaks down the Series 9 features, including health tracking tools like blood oxygen.
   https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/apple-watch-series-9-review/

🎥 YouTube Videos (Useful + Working)

1. How to Use Blood Oxygen App on Apple Watch Series 6
   Official Apple tutorial for using the Blood Oxygen app.
   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3KVRNiRC_A

2. Apple Announces Apple Watch Series 6 That Can Measure Blood Oxygen Levels
   A short visual explanation of how the sensor works and what it does.
   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Gl3MEIixxE

3. Apple Watch Series 9 & Ultra 2: What Are We Waiting For?!
   Great comparison video that discusses blood oxygen and health features.
   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4La5oGHxUEo

Summary

To recap, if you're asking which Apple Watch has blood oxygen, the answer is simple:

To begin with, you’ll need Series 6 or newer, or alternatively, one of the Ultra models. On the other hand, this feature isn’t available on SE models or Series 5 and older. Nevertheless, it remains a valuable addition for those who want deeper insights into sleep, fitness, and respiratory health. As a result, choosing a compatible model can significantly enhance your overall wellness tracking.

Now that you know which model fits your needs, you can explore other guides like:
Which Apple Watch is the Best?

Blog Author section.

Emily Johnson

 

---

Emily is a seasoned writer and technology enthusiast with a passion for digital watches and wearable tech. With over a decade of experience in the tech industry, she brings a wealth of knowledge and insights to her readers.