Apple seems to be taking health seriously, and it's on display in the company's latest beta release of its iOS 8 operating system.

Apple on Monday released iOS 8 beta 5, which came with a number of health-related updates, according to Venture Beat. The latest beta features a test that helps diagnose certain lung conditions by measuring a person inhaling and exhaling.

Beta 5 also comes more pedestrian capabilities, like fitness tracking. But the system's higher-level functions -- beyond what a normal consumer would use -- signals that the company is taking aim at getting professional health devices to use its HealthKit software.

Laptop Magazine reported that beta 5 features a health panel in the privacy menu, new icons for body data and data exporting and the ability to display your medical identification on the device's lock screen.

Rumors have it that Apple's upcoming iWatch will have a big focus on health and fitness, which would help explain some of these updates.

The iOS 8 beta 5 update is now available to developers who have compatible Apple products. It can be installed over the air and through Apple's portal for developers and then installed using iTunes.

BGR reported that its sources say the next -- and supposedly final -- beta version of iOS 8 will be released on Aug. 15. The official launch of the operating systems is expected sometime after that.

Other new things in this update, not related to health:

  • The phone will prompt you to allow other devices, such as a MacBook, to access SMS messages through Relay
  • iCloud has a new set of icons
  • New Wi-Fi calling indicator for T-Mobile Wi-Fi calling
  • Can now toggle on and off from the predictive text function in the messaging app
  • Photos: "Last updated" notification for synching to iCloud, option to store full-resolution images in iCloud and optimized versions on the device