Apple Watch 6 leak says the next-gen smartwatch could predict panic attacks

Not a heart attack, buddy

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TheApple Watch Series 6could be set to introduce some new health-focused features to theApple Watchrange when it releases – including a sensor to help predict and forewarn panic attacks, according to this latest leak.

Analyst Jon Prosser made the comments on a recent episode of theGeared Uppodcast, stating that Apple’s “biggest focus” for a next-gen smartwatch was its “mental health capabilities” – building on the product range’s history of health-minded functionality, such asgyroscopes that can sense when infirm users collapse or fall over.

According to Prosser – who also leakedthe apparent existence of a refreshed Apple TV 4K model– the Apple Watch 6 should be able to “take the oxygen levels in your blood with your heart rate and determine if you’re hyperventilating.

They can identify a panic attack before it happens and warn you on your watch. Especially if you’re driving, they’ll ask you to pull over and they’ll offer breathing exercises once you get pulled over.”

We’re expecting to see a new Apple Watch model in late 2020. With regards to this functionality, though, Prosser added that, “I hope it comes this year [but] it might come next year.”

Don’t panic

The move into more mental health-minded features is an interesting one. There’s a danger, as ever, that insufficient sensor technologies start misinforming users about the state of their mental health – a topic that’s still mired in confusion and misunderstandings.

As a writer who’s experienced plenty of panic attacks, though, I would seriously consider asmartwatchthat helped me keep track of my breathing before things got too bad. Even a couple of minutes heads-up could help me remove myself from a situation that was either dangerous (say, while driving) or embarrassing (work drinks) ahead of time, and that’s something to be welcomed.

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Henry is a freelance technology journalist, and former News & Features Editor for TechRadar, where he specialized in home entertainment gadgets such as TVs, projectors, soundbars, and smart speakers. Other bylines include Edge, T3, iMore, GamesRadar, NBC News, Healthline, and The Times.

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