Which Apple Watch measures temperature?

Which Apple Watch measures temperature?

Which Apple Watch Measures Temperature?

The Apple Watch Series 8, Series 9, Ultra, Ultra 2, and Series 10 feature temperature sensors for health tracking, particularly for women’s health and sleep analysis. The SE models, including the 2024 SE, lack this capability. Here’s a guide for UK users.

Starting at £349 (Series 8), £399 (Series 9/10), £799 (Ultra/Ultra 2)

Which Apple Watch Models Measure Temperature?

Only select models from Series 8 onwards include temperature sensors:

  • Apple Watch Series 8
  • Apple Watch Series 9
  • Apple Watch Ultra
  • Apple Watch Ultra 2
  • Apple Watch Series 10

The SE (including 2024) and models before Series 8, like Series 7, do not measure temperature. The feature debuted with Series 8 in September 2022. Customise your Series 10.

How Does Temperature Measurement Work?

Infrared Sensors

These watches use dual-sensor technology: one sensor on the back touches your skin, while another under the display measures ambient temperature.

Nighttime Measurements

Temperature is measured during sleep with Sleep Mode enabled, analyzed via the Health app on your iPhone.

Tracking Changes

Rather than absolute values, the watch tracks deviations from your baseline, useful for:

  • Predicting ovulation
  • Detecting early illness signs
  • Assessing sleep quality

 

Why Don’t All Apple Watches Measure Temperature?

Cost-Saving in SE Models

The SE series, including the 2024 model, is budget-focused, omitting advanced sensors like temperature to keep costs low.

Hardware Limitations in Older Models

Pre-Series 8 models lack the necessary hardware and software algorithms for accurate temperature tracking.

Overview of Temperature Measurement

Apple Watch Model Temperature Sensor Release Year
Series 7 No 2021
Series 8 Yes 2022
Series 9 Yes 2023
Ultra Yes 2022
Ultra 2 Yes 2023
SE (1st Gen, 2020) No 2020
SE (2022) No 2022
SE (2024) No 2024
Series 10 Yes 2024

Who Benefits from Temperature Tracking?

Women’s Health

Temperature fluctuations help predict ovulation, aiding cycle tracking.

Athletes

Temperature data indicates recovery status or potential overtraining.

General Wellness

Sudden changes may signal fever or illness, offering valuable insights. Enhance your Ultra 2.

Requirements for Accurate Measurement

For reliable temperature trends:

  • Enable Sleep Mode
  • Sleep at least 4 hours per night
  • Wear the watch for 5 consecutive nights to establish a baseline

Apple Watch vs. Thermometer

Unlike a thermometer’s absolute readings, the Apple Watch tracks relative changes, not suitable for direct fever detection or medical diagnoses.

Key Differences

  • Not a fever thermometer
  • No immediate fever alerts
  • Not medically precise

Practical Applications

Smart Health Trends

Combined with heart rate, respiration, and sleep data, temperature provides a holistic health view, detecting early illness or recovery signals.

Health App Integration

View data in Health > Body Temperature > Nightly Temperature for graphs and trends. Explore Apple Watch chargers.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

  • Insightful temperature trends
  • Supports women’s health
  • Enhances sleep analysis

Cons:

  • No live temperature readings
  • Only active at night
  • Not medically accurate

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Apple Watch SE Measure Temperature?

No, no SE model, including 2024, has a temperature sensor.

Can I Measure Temperature During the Day?

No, measurements occur only during sleep due to environmental interference.

Is the Measurement Reliable?

Yes for trends, but not for medical purposes.

Can I Get Fever Alerts?

No, you must manually check trends in the Health app.

Conclusion

The Apple Watch Series 8, 9, Ultra, Ultra 2, and Series 10 measure temperature, unlike the SE models (including 2024). Ideal for tracking women’s health and wellness trends, these models are a great choice for UK users. Personalise with our Apple Watch accessories, all with free UK delivery.

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