Apple Reintroduces Blood Oxygen Feature to Apple Watch in the U.S. Using Innovative Workaround

Key Takeaways

Apple is reactivating the blood oxygen monitoring feature on select Watch models after a legal dispute.
The updated feature processes data via connected iPhones following a U.S. Customs ruling.
Eligible models include Series 9, Series 10, and Ultra 2, which require software updates to access the feature.

Feature Reactivation Overview

Apple has reintroduced the blood oxygen monitoring feature on select Apple Watch models in the United States, following a legal battle that led to its removal. This capability, which was initially launched in 2020 and gained popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic, can now be accessed again through software updates, specifically iOS 18.6.1 and watchOS 11.6.1.

The legal issues stemmed from a dispute with California-based medical technology firm Masimo, which accused Apple of infringing its patented pulse oximetry technology and unlawfully hiring its employees for trade secrets. In 2023, the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) ruled in favor of Masimo, leading to an import ban on certain Apple Watch models, including the Series 9 and Ultra 2, that contained the original blood oxygen technology. Starting January 17, 2024, Apple would no longer be able to sell these models in the U.S. with the feature enabled, but watches sold prior to this date retained the function.

Recent developments from U.S. Customs have allowed Apple to revise the blood oxygen monitoring feature to comply with legal requirements. Instead of processing readings directly on the watch, the updated design sends raw sensor data from the watch to the paired iPhone, where the information is processed. Users can then see their blood oxygen levels in the Health app under the Respiratory section.

Apple clarified that users with the affected models — Series 9, Series 10, and Ultra 2 — can regain the blood oxygen monitoring feature by updating their devices. The company emphasized that there will be no adverse effects for Apple Watch units that were previously purchased with the original feature, nor for those bought outside the U.S. The revised feature specifically pertains to watches sold after the ITC’s ban took effect.

For those looking to check eligibility for the new feature, Apple advises users examine their watch’s serial number; models ending with “LW/A” are impacted and suitable for the redesigned feature. In addition to blood oxygen monitoring, Apple’s health offerings encompass ECG monitoring, irregular heart rhythm alerts, sleep tracking, temperature sensing, and fall detection, reinforcing its position as a leader in wearable health technology.

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