The new Apple Watch Series 8, expected to be released this September, could include a new feature that alerts wearers if they have a fever due to increased body temperature.
The functionality would be made possible thanks to a new built-in sensor, says Mark Gurman. In his Power On newsletter, the reporter says that Apple is now testing the new sensor, and provided it passes internal testing, it could be included in this year’s watch.
It’s thought that the new sensor would be included on both the new standard Series 8 and the rumored “rugged” Apple Watch, which is designed for athletes.
It’s thought that the new feature wouldn’t offer users a reading of their current body temperature to avoid sharing inaccurate information. Instead, it will simply alert users if it believes they have a fever because of a prolonged higher temperature.
“You can expect some new health-tracking features in this year’s Apple Watch. In April, I reported that Apple has been aiming to add body-temperature detection to its Series 8 model, assuming the capability passes muster during internal testing,” Gurman said.
“I now believe the feature is a go for both the standard Apple Watch Series 8 and a new rugged edition that’s aimed at extreme sports athletes.”
Earlier in the year, it had been reported that Apple was working on a body temperature sensor for the new series, but that the program had slowed down. However, it’s since been suggested that enthusiasm for the feature has increased inside of Apple Campus and that the feature has gone into testing.
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