Get ready for some exciting updates from Apple! iOS 26.4 is here, and it's bringing some interesting changes to the Health app. But here's the catch: it's not just about the numbers anymore.
Let's start with the Sleep section. Apple has introduced a new metric called Average Bedtime, which gives you a clearer picture of how your bedtime routine affects your sleep quality. Under the Sleep Highlight, you'll find the time you usually go to bed based on a two-week average. This feature is a game-changer for those who want to optimize their sleep schedule.
But here's where it gets controversial: iOS 26.3 only showed the average sleep time over seven days. Now, iOS 26.4 is providing a daily bedtime readout, which might spark some debates about the ideal sleep duration. And this is the part most people miss: the Vitals section has also undergone an update.
In the U.S., Apple has restored blood oxygen level to the line graph overview. Previously, blood oxygen was listed as a separate metric, but now it's integrated into the Vitals overview. This change might raise some eyebrows, especially considering Apple's legal dispute with Masimo over blood oxygen sensing patents. Apple had to remove this feature from the Apple Watch due to the import ban, but they've found a way to bring it back, albeit with a twist.
The blood oxygen readouts are now only available on the iPhone. So, if you want to monitor your blood oxygen levels, you'll have to rely on your iPhone instead of your Apple Watch. It's an interesting development, and it leaves us wondering: will Apple find a way to bring this feature back to the Apple Watch in the future?
iOS 26.4 is currently available to developers and public beta testers, with a public launch planned for spring. Stay tuned for more updates, and feel free to share your thoughts on these changes in the comments! Are you excited about the new features, or do you have concerns about the blood oxygen monitoring situation?
