Apple returns blood oxygen monitoring to the latest Apple Watches

Published: Thursday, August 14, 2025 at 1:00 pm

Apple Revives Blood Oxygen Feature on Newer Watches Amid Legal Battle

Apple is reintroducing blood oxygen monitoring to its latest Apple Watch models, circumventing an import ban imposed by the International Trade Commission (ITC). The software update, available starting today, affects the Apple Watch Series 9, 10, and Ultra 2.

The workaround involves shifting the blood oxygen data processing from the watch itself to the paired iPhone. Users will no longer be able to view the data directly on their wrists. Instead, the information will be accessible within the Health app under the Respiratory section. Apple has confirmed that US customs has approved the import of watches with this redesigned feature.

This change specifically applies to Apple Watches sold after January 17, 2024, the date the ITC import ban took effect. Older models and those sold outside the US are unaffected and retain the original blood oxygen monitoring functionality. Owners of the Series 9, 10, and Ultra 2 watches can identify if they have a covered model by checking if their serial number ends with LW/A. To access the redesigned feature, users must update their watches to watchOS 11.6.1 and their iPhones to iOS 18.6.1.

The move comes amid a legal dispute with Masimo, a medical device company specializing in pulse oximeters. Masimo has accused Apple of patent infringement and stealing trade secrets, leading to the ITC import ban in December 2023. Apple has also filed lawsuits against Masimo, alleging that Masimo's smartwatches are Apple Watch clones. Apple is currently appealing the ITC ban, and Masimo's patents are set to expire in 2028.

BNN's Perspective: While this workaround allows Apple to continue offering a health-related feature, the situation highlights the complexities of patent disputes and their impact on consumers. The shift in data processing, while functional, is a less convenient solution. The ongoing legal battle underscores the importance of intellectual property rights and the challenges companies face in navigating them.

Keywords: Apple Watch, blood oxygen, Masimo, ITC, import ban, patent infringement, Series 9, Series 10, Ultra 2, watchOS, iOS, health app, legal dispute, pulse oximeter

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