Apple's next-generation Apple Watch and watchOS 7 will only focus on introducing new mental health features, according to information recently revealed by well-known leaker Jon Prosser on the Geared Up podcast.
In the final segment of the podcast, Jon Prosser mentions the new features of the Apple Watch.
He said the next-generation Apple Watch Series 6 will include a blood oxygen sensor that Apple will use to enable new mental health-related features, such as detecting panic attacks.
In the podcast he says:
What their biggest focus on is right now and I hope it comes this year, it might come next year, but I hope it's coming to WWDC is mental health capabilities.
Where they can take the oxygen levels in your blood with your heart rate and determine if you're hyperventilating.
They can identify a panic attack before it happens and warn you on your watch. Especially if you're driving, they'll ask you to pull over and they'll offer breathing exercises once you get pulled over.
Prosser said that while he expects the feature to be released this year, "it's also possible that it will be delayed until next year." But he hopes to be able to announce the news at the upcoming WWDC launch.
But if the new feature relies on a blood oxygen sensor, it's unlikely Apple will unveil it before the new Apple Watch goes on sale.
One possibility, however, is that if older Apple Watch models have the latent ability to detect blood oxygen levels, it's unclear if the feature will be revealed at WWDC, or if it doesn't involve oxygen monitoring.
Panic detection rumors were first shared by EverythingApplePro and leaker Max Weinbach in April, who said the Apple Watch will also be able to tell when users are under high stress.
However, Weinbach and EverythingApplePro have not hinted that the feature will rely on blood oxygen monitoring, saying that it will be available in the Apple Watch Series 4 or later.
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