A recent teardown of the Apple Watch has revealed health-related capabilities that the high-tech wristband could possess in the future, as well as the chance of customers being able to upgrade their gadgets.
In its latest teardown of high-profile devices, iFixit found that the watch contains sensors capable of measuring the level of oxygen in the user's blood, according to VentureBeat. These sensors work by sending pulses of light through the skin and measuring how many oxygen molecules reflect the light back.
Reports suggests that the Apple Watch currently doesn't include this feature because Apple wasn't sure if the sensors would be able to function accurately, believing that the device may not be able to measure blood oxygen levels because of factors like hair, sweat and dirt.
9 to 5 Mac pointed out another possibility, which is that Apple could be waiting to obtain FDA approval before adding these sensors to the current model.
One unfortunate discovery from the teardown is that those who buy the Apple Watch won't be able to upgrade the gadget's processor, which removes the possibility of keeping the same watch for a long period of time, CNET reported.
"Once inside, coaxing the battery is cinch, but the overall device construction limits further repair options," iFixit said. "We hoped to confirm rumors of upgradable internals - but had no such luck. The S1 SiP [internal System in Package] is encased in resin, and is further held in place by a mess of glue and soldered ribbon connectors. In short, basic component replacements look nearly impossible."
The good news is that users will still be able to replace the battery and display, Macworld reported, which still gives users a chance to avoid being completely stuck with old hardware.
iFixit said customers will have to keep up with the times by buying new models in the future, CNET reported.
The Apple Watch is available in three models (Sport, regular and Edition), and prices range from $349 to $17,000.
