Blood Oxygen backported?

[oeagleo]

Just wondering if I should buy a Series 5 watch now, or wait for the Series 6. The big thing for me is the Blood Oxygen monitoring (SpO2), as I have a decreased lung function. The big question is does any one "know", if Apple will follow precedent and back port this capability to the Series 5 watches, or does anyone have any ideas along this line?
I know someone who is beta testing the new software, and while the "hand washing" feature is there, there isn't any indication of the SpO2 function.
Anyone have any ideas?
TIA

 

[bttrdg]

I’d assume not. Whether it is dependent on hardware or not, like Memoji, Apple will likely restrict flagship functionality to its newer devices (i.e. Series 6). An obvious choice from a commercial perspective.

 

[btrach144]

Highly unlikely that they'll bring it to old models otherwise they would have announced it as a feature of wOS 7 at WWDC back in June. Everyone thought sleep tracking would require a Series 6 but Apple announced it as being a wOS 7 feature that is supported on the past couple of generations at least.

If you have a medical condition that would benefit from the feature, I would highly recommend waiting 24 hours to see what Apple announces. There will always be Series 5 on discount at random Target stores or Best Buy stores that had a unit or two leftover if you're not happy with what Apple releases and want to get a cheaper option.

 

[oeagleo]

From what I've seen, the conference tomorrow will only announce the Apple Watch SE (Series 5 minus the ECG), but nothing on a series 6. *sigh* I'm using a Galaxy Active 2 at the moment and cannot wait to dump it, hence, my haste.

 

[btrach144]

From what I've seen, the conference tomorrow will only announce the Apple Watch SE (Series 5 minus the ECG), but nothing on a series 6. *sigh* I'm using a Galaxy Active 2 at the moment and cannot wait to dump it, hence, my haste.

Tomorrow's conference will announce Series 6, cheaper Apple Watch, iPad Air, and Apple Service bundle.

So far it seems:

September: Series 6, cheap AW, iPad, Apple Bundle
October: iPhone, air tags
November: Apple silicon