Cupertino, California – Apple has rolled out its iOS 26.4 beta 1 update, introducing multiple enhancements to the Health app that are aimed at improving user experience and the functionality of health metrics. Among the notable changes are updates to how users can track their vital signs and sleep patterns.
The most significant addition is the reinstatement of Blood Oxygen readings to the Vitals section of the Health app. Earlier this year, Apple faced a setback when it removed the Blood Oxygen feature from the Apple Watch amid a patent dispute with health technology firm Masimo. A redesigned version of the feature returned in August 2024, allowing users to take blood oxygen readings via their Apple Watch but view the results solely on their iPhone. The removal of this data from the Vitals overview had frustrated many users who relied on it as a key health metric.
With the iOS 26.4 update, users will now benefit from the improved Vitals graph, which aggregates five key health metrics: heart rate, respiratory rate, wrist temperature, blood oxygen levels, and sleep duration. This consolidated view aims to provide users with a clearer picture of their overall health, making it easier to identify trends and anomalies.
In addition to the enhancements for vital signs, Apple’s latest update also improves sleep tracking capabilities within the Health app. A new feature offers users a two-week breakdown of their bedtimes, allowing for easier assessment of sleep patterns. The Sleep Highlight section displays both an average bedtime and the previous night’s bedtime, facilitating better sleep hygiene practices among users.
These updates are now available to both developers and public beta testers, who are encouraged to explore the new features and provide feedback. Apple has consistently prioritized user health and wellness, and these additions reflect the company’s commitment to offering sophisticated health monitoring tools.
As tech enthusiasts and developers dive into iOS 26.4 beta 1, they can look forward to more personalized insights into their health metrics, enabling them to make more informed lifestyle choices. The improvements to the Health app illustrate Apple’s ongoing effort to enhance user engagement and awareness around health monitoring.