The function of blood oxygen measurement The new Apple Watch 6 is a sensitive issue for Apple. First, we do not know why we have had to wait until the 6 series to have this function, when dozens of inexpensive devices (smartwatches, sports bracelets and heart rate monitors) have had it for years.
Second, it turns out that if you are under 18 years old, Apple disables this function on the new Apple Watch, and third, if the device is set to family mode, you can't use the oximeter either, even if the user is of legal age. Weird, weird.
With the arrival of watchOS 7, you can now link a second Apple Watch to your iPhone (for a child or an elderly person) without the user necessarily having their own iPhone. In principle this type of configuration called «familiar»Is intended for the new Apple Watch SE, but is suitable for any series with watchOS 7 installed.
It is designed so that kids can carry an Apple Watch without having an iPhone, since it will be linked to the father's or mother's mobile. It is also a good option for the elderly. They may have fall detection, emergency calls, or health checks without having an iPhone.
But be careful, if you plan on having a senior relative of yours use an Apple Watch series 6 with family mode, you will not be able to use the blood oxygen measurement function, even if he is of legal age.
Apple has this function blocked for users under 18 years of age, and for devices paired in family mode, whatever age they are. The company does not explain the reasons for making this restriction.
What Apple has explained is that blood oxygen monitoring available on the Apple Watch Series 6 It is not intended for medical use, nor to regulate a medication related to the level of oxygen in the blood. It is only intended for "general fitness and wellness purposes." Weird, weird.
