iOS 26 and watchOS 26 Beta 7 Bring Redesigned Blood Oxygen Feature
Apple has rolled out iOS 26 and watchOS 26 beta 7, introducing a major update for Apple Watch users in the U.S.—a redesigned Blood Oxygen feature. This update directly addresses one of the most common questions from users: why was the Blood Oxygen app unavailable on newer Apple Watch models in the U.S., and what’s changing now? With this redesign, Apple has found a way to bring back functionality on the Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, and Apple Watch Ultra 2, ensuring users can once again track their oxygen levels while complying with recent trade restrictions.
This update matters because it blends Apple’s long-standing commitment to health tracking with a technical workaround that allows users to continue benefiting from a key wellness tool. By shifting how data is processed and displayed, Apple is not only enhancing the Health app experience but also ensuring that millions of Apple Watch users aren’t left without essential health metrics.
iOS 26 and watchOS 26 Beta 7 Explained
The iOS 26 and watchOS 26 beta 7 updates expand on changes first seen with iOS 18.6.1 and watchOS 11.6.1, where the Blood Oxygen app received its first major redesign. In this version, Apple Watch sensors still capture raw data, but instead of analyzing it directly on the watch, the data is processed by the paired iPhone. This allows results to appear in the Respiratory section of the Health app, creating a seamless experience while respecting legal and regulatory frameworks in the U.S.
For Apple Watch owners testing the latest betas, the redesigned Blood Oxygen feature represents more than a technical shift—it reflects Apple’s adaptability in protecting user access to health monitoring tools. This is especially important for fitness enthusiasts, those tracking respiratory health, and users who rely on the Apple Watch for everyday wellness insights.
Why the Blood Oxygen Feature Was Redesigned
The redesigned Blood Oxygen feature is not simply a cosmetic change but a strategic workaround following a U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) order. That ruling stemmed from a patent dispute that led to restrictions on the sale of certain Apple Watch models with the Blood Oxygen function enabled in the United States. Since early 2024, Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, and Ultra 2 models in the U.S. shipped without the feature, frustrating many buyers.
With the launch of iOS 26 and watchOS 26 beta 7, Apple has reintroduced the feature in a legally compliant way. By offloading processing to the iPhone, Apple both sidesteps the ITC restrictions and maintains the trust of its health-conscious user base. This move highlights Apple’s expertise in software design and its ability to navigate complex legal challenges without sacrificing the user experience.
What This Means for Apple Watch Users
For everyday users, the return of the Blood Oxygen feature on Apple Watch means one thing: peace of mind. Whether you’re monitoring sleep, checking oxygen levels after workouts, or simply tracking wellness trends over time, having this feature restored adds back a critical health tool that was missing for many. Importantly, because the data is now tied more closely to the iPhone, users may also notice better integration with the broader Health app ecosystem, making it easier to view respiratory data alongside heart rate, sleep analysis, and other health metrics.
The move also signals how future Apple Watch updates could be shaped by software innovation rather than hardware alone. By redesigning features at the system level, Apple shows that it can continue to deliver value to its users—even in the face of legal or technical barriers. For developers and beta testers, this update also hints at what the final public releases of iOS 26 and watchOS 26 might bring later this year.
The release of iOS 26 and watchOS 26 beta 7 with the redesigned Blood Oxygen feature is more than just another beta update—it’s a sign of Apple’s resilience and creativity. For U.S. users who lost access to the feature in 2024, this update restores functionality while reinforcing Apple’s position as a leader in consumer health technology. By prioritizing compliance, user trust, and health tracking innovation, Apple continues to shape how wearable technology supports everyday wellness.
As the updates move closer to public release, Apple Watch users can expect even more refinements, but for now, the return of the Blood Oxygen feature is a meaningful win for health tracking on Apple devices.
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