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The body temperature tracking feature is expected in the Apple Watch Series 8. Interestingly, the feature was already planned for the Series 7. But software problems have prevented its introduction.
There have been many rumors about the Apple Watch's fitness sensors and capabilities, with body temperature measurement being one of the most important potential new features. TF Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has suggested that this feature could now be included in the Apple Watch Series 8 if Apple gets the algorithms working. In a new Twitter post Kuo claims:
Apple dropped body temperature tracking for the Apple Watch 7 because the algorithm failed to qualify before entering the EVT phase last year.
Kuo is referring to engineering validation testing, a phase in which hardware features are tested before a design goes into production. Despite missing the Series 7, Kuo adds:
Apple Watch Series 8: Will the algorithm meet Apple's high standards?
I believe the Apple Watch 8 could measure body temperature in 2H22 if the algorithm can meet Apple's high standards before mass production.
Although this is a seemingly simple task for a device, Kuo explains that it is actually a difficult problem for Apple.
The challenge in implementing an accurate measurement of body temperature is that skin temperature fluctuates rapidly depending on external influences. A smartwatch cannot support body temperature measurement in hardware, so it needs a great algorithm to work together.
Kuo points out that Apple isn't the only one struggling with this issue, as Samsung is also facing this challenge. Kuo expects the South Korean competitor's Galaxy Watch 5, scheduled for release in late 2022, to lack the same feature "due to algorithm limitations." Interested in the Apple Watch SE? The smartwatch is currently priced at from 269 euros available. (Photo by TanyaKim / Bigstockphoto)
