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Apple Watch might get blood oxygen detection feature in iOS 14, report says

If a user's blood oxygen level drops below a certain level, they'll get an alert, the report said.

Shelby Brown Editor II
Shelby Brown (she/her/hers) is an editor for CNET's services team. She covers tips and tricks for apps, operating systems and devices, as well as mobile gaming and Apple Arcade news. Shelby also oversees Tech Tips coverage. Before joining CNET, she covered app news for Download.com and served as a freelancer for Louisville.com.
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  • She received the Renau Writing Scholarship in 2016 from the University of Louisville's communication department.
Shelby Brown
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Another health update could becoming to the Apple Watch.

Sarah Tew/CNET

The Apple Watch could reportedly be stepping up its health game based on snippets of iOS 14 code. The wearable might be adding the ability to detect blood oxygen levels, according to a report from 9to5Mac on Sunday. The Apple Watch might also incorporate a new health notification based on the new detection feature. 

The code reportedly indicated that the Watch would be able to alert the wearer if the blood oxygen saturation drops below a certain threshold. 

The blood oxygen detection feature, if it comes to fruition, would be another tool in Apple's health arsenal. It would join features like the EKG, the heart rate monitor, the menstruation tracker, the fall detection features and more. 

Apple didn't immediately respond to request for comment. Prior to Apple, Fitbit added a blood oxygen monitoring feature in January to its Versa, Iconic and Charge 3 wearables. 

Watch this: Is now the time to finally get an Apple Watch? (The Daily Charge 9/18/2019)
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.