Apple Health Gets Smarter: New Sleep Insights and Blood Oxygen Return
Apple continues to refine its Health app with the release of iOS 26.4, bringing new insights into sleep patterns and restoring a previously removed feature: blood oxygen monitoring. These updates, available now to developers and public beta testers, signal Apple’s ongoing commitment to providing users with comprehensive health tracking tools.
Deeper Dive into Your Sleep with Average Bedtime
Understanding sleep isn’t just about how long you sleep, but also when. IOS 26.4 introduces a new Average Bedtime metric within the Sleep section of the Health app. This feature displays your typical bedtime over the past two weeks, alongside your bedtime from the previous night for easy comparison. Previously, the app focused on average sleep duration over seven days. now, users gain a more nuanced understanding of their sleep schedule consistency.
Consistent bedtimes are linked to improved sleep quality and overall health. By visualizing this data, Apple aims to empower users to identify and address potential disruptions to their sleep routines.
Blood Oxygen Monitoring Returns to Vitals
In a significant update, blood oxygen level readings have been re-integrated into the Vitals graph within the Health app. This functionality was removed in early 2024 due to a patent dispute, but has now been reinstated following a “redesigned” version launched in August 2025. But, it’s important to note that, in the U.S., blood oxygen readings are still taken on the iPhone and cannot be viewed directly on the Apple Watch.
The Vitals graph now provides a consolidated view of key health metrics, including heart rate, respiratory rate, wrist temperature, blood oxygen and sleep duration. This holistic approach allows users to identify potential correlations between different health indicators.
A History of Blood Oxygen Access
Apple initially removed the Blood Oxygen feature from the Apple Watch in January 2024. A redesigned version was launched in August 2025, allowing users to seize readings on their Apple Watch and view the results on their iPhone. Despite this redesign, Blood Oxygen was not initially present in the Vitals overview. The iOS 26.4 update corrects this, restoring the integrated view.
What This Means for Apple Health Users
These updates demonstrate Apple’s responsiveness to user needs and its dedication to navigating complex regulatory challenges. The return of blood oxygen monitoring, even with its current limitations, provides valuable data for users interested in tracking their respiratory health. The addition of Average Bedtime further enhances the app’s sleep tracking capabilities, offering a more complete picture of sleep patterns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When will iOS 26.4 be available to all users?
A: iOS 26.4 is currently available to developers and public beta testers, with a public launch planned for spring.
Q: Can I view blood oxygen readings directly on my Apple Watch in the U.S.?
A: No, in the U.S., blood oxygen readings must be taken on the Apple Watch and viewed on your iPhone.
Q: What other data does the Health app track?
A: The Health app tracks a wide range of data, including steps, walking distance, running distance, activity data, medications, and medical records.
Q: How can I set up a Medical ID in the Health app?
A: You can set up a Medical ID by opening the Health app, tapping your profile picture, and selecting Medical ID.
Q: Is my health data secure in the Health app?
A: Apple emphasizes the privacy and security of health data. Data is encrypted and stored securely on your device.
Pro Tip: Pin the health data most important to you in the Summary tab for quick and easy access.
Seek to learn more about maximizing your Apple Health experience? Explore Apple’s official support page for detailed instructions and troubleshooting tips.
Share your thoughts on the new Health app features in the comments below!
