The Apple Watch launched last Friday and we got to see what was inside Apple’s new smartwatch after the guys from iFixit took it apart.
When the Apple Watch was taken apart by the guys from iFixit, they discovered a number of sensors inside the smartwatch.
Advanced Sensors and Capabilities
One of the sensors is a new heart rate monitor and according to iFixit the hardware that Apple has used could be used to measure blood oxygen levels. This heart rate monitor is actually a plethysmograph, which looks and acts like a pulse oximeter. However, Apple isn’t claiming it can measure your blood oxygen level.
Apple’s heart rate monitor is actually a plethysmograph—it looks and acts like a pulse oximeter, but Apple isn’t claiming it can measure your blood oxygen level.
Whilst the sensor is capable of measuring blood oxygen levels, this is not something that Apple has implemented on the Apple Watch and this could be because they would need FDA approval for this sensor. The potential for this feature is significant, as it could provide users with more comprehensive health data, potentially alerting them to conditions such as sleep apnea or other respiratory issues.
Potential Future Features
The teardown by iFixit also revealed other interesting components that hint at future capabilities. For instance, the Apple Watch includes a Taptic Engine, which provides haptic feedback to the user. This feature is designed to make notifications and alerts more intuitive and less intrusive. Additionally, the watch includes a custom-designed S1 chip, which integrates many of the device’s components into a single module, enhancing performance and efficiency.
Moreover, the Apple Watch’s design includes a Digital Crown, which allows users to navigate the interface without obstructing the screen. This innovative feature is reminiscent of traditional watch crowns but is reimagined for a digital age, providing both functionality and a nod to classic watch design.
The inclusion of these advanced components suggests that Apple has laid the groundwork for future updates and features. For example, the heart rate monitor’s ability to measure blood oxygen levels could be activated in future software updates, pending regulatory approval. Similarly, the Taptic Engine and Digital Crown could be leveraged for new types of interactions and notifications as the watchOS evolves.
In addition to the hardware, the Apple Watch’s software ecosystem is designed to support a wide range of applications, from fitness tracking to communication. The watchOS platform allows developers to create apps that can take advantage of the watch’s unique features, such as its sensors and haptic feedback. This opens up a world of possibilities for future applications that could enhance the user experience in ways we have yet to imagine.
The Apple Watch’s launch marks a significant step forward in wearable technology. Its combination of advanced sensors, innovative design, and powerful software platform sets it apart from other smartwatches on the market. As developers and users explore its capabilities, we can expect to see new and exciting uses for this versatile device.
Source iFixit
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