Apple Reintroduces Blood Oxygen Tracking in Latest Watch Models

The innovation of blood oxygen monitoring is being reintegrated into Apple Watches, though in a modified manner. From today onwards, a software update will be disseminated by Apple, bringing a revamped version of this functionality to the Apple Watch Series 9, 10, and Ultra 2. This adjustment cleverly sidesteps the constraints set by the International Trade Commission.

Technical Workaround

Rather than displaying data directly on the wristwatch, the collected blood oxygen levels will be processed on the connected iPhone. Users can then conveniently access this information via the Health app within the Respiratory section. Apple has assured that U.S. Customs has sanctioned the import of watches reengineered with this feature.

Product Eligibility

The revised feature is accessible exclusively on Apple Watches sold post-January 17, 2024 — a date when the ITC’s import prohibition becomes operative. Pre-existing models purchased prior to this cut-off or overseas retain their original health monitoring. Identifying eligible models is straightforward: check if your device's serial number concludes with LW/A. For those with Series 9, 10, and Ultra 2 models, obtaining the update requires installing watchOS 11.6.1 on the watch and iOS 18.6.1 on the paired iPhone.

Legal Tensions with Masimo

Apple's legal skirmish with Masimo, a firm specializing in medical devices like pulse oximeters, is ongoing. Masimo accused Apple of patent violations in a 2020 lawsuit, claiming theft of intellectual data. The dispute escalated with a complaint to the ITC in 2021, culminating in a December 2023 import ban. In response, Apple initiated legal action against Masimo, accusing them of replicating its smartwatch designs. Additionally, Apple submitted a comprehensive appeal against the ITC decision, currently under review. It’s noteworthy that Masimo’s patents are scheduled to lapse in 2028.