Apple Watch to reintroduce Blood Oxygen feature, announces Apple

Apple Resolves Patent Dispute with Masimo

Apple has announced that the Blood Oxygen reporting feature will be returning to the Apple Watch after a long patent dispute with medical device maker Masimo. The feature will be available for U.S. customers with the Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, and Apple Watch Ultra 2 after updating their iPhones to iOS 18.6.1 and their smartwatches to watchOS 11.6.1. Sensor data from the Blood Oxygen app on Apple Watch will now be measured and calculated on the paired iPhone, with results viewable in the Health app’s Respiratory section.

Legal Battles and Resolution

In 2023, Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 were removed from U.S. shelves amid the dispute with Masimo, who claimed Apple had violated its patent related to the blood oxygen feature. The International Trade Commission ruled in Masimo’s favor, leading to the temporary discontinuation of the feature. However, recent developments have allowed for the feature’s reinstatement following a ruling in Apple’s favor. Apple had filed a counter-suit against Masimo, alleging patent violations on their part.

Impact and Future Outlook

The return of the Blood Oxygen reporting feature to Apple Watches is expected to be well-received by customers, particularly those interested in fitness tracking and health monitoring. The popularity of the Apple Watch Series 10 as a fitness tracker is likely to be further boosted by this development. The latest update will not affect previously purchased Apple Watch units with the original feature or those bought outside the U.S.