Apple’s Blood Oxygen Feature Returns to U.S. Apple Watches Amid Legal Settlement
In a significant development for health technology, Apple has announced the restoration of the blood oxygen measurement feature to certain Apple Watch models in the United States. This feature, which allows users to monitor their blood oxygen levels directly from their wrist, was previously unavailable due to a protracted legal dispute with medical technology company Masimo. The resolution of this conflict has paved the way for the feature’s reintroduction via a software update.
The affected models include the Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, and Apple Watch Ultra 2. Initially, these devices were shipped without the blood oxygen feature after Masimo accused Apple of infringing on its pulse oximetry technology patents. In 2023, Masimo secured a ruling from the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) that led to a ban on the import of certain Apple Watch models. Although Apple temporarily resumed sales following a Federal Circuit pause, the ban was later reinstated, prompting the company to disable the feature in the United States.
The recent approval from U.S. Customs has allowed Apple to implement a workaround, enabling the blood oxygen functionality to return through a software update. With this update, users can initiate a session in the blood oxygen app on their Apple Watch. The watch’s sensors will collect data, which is then processed on a paired iPhone to calculate and display blood oxygen levels. This approach ensures compliance with the legal requirements while restoring the feature to users.
Apple first introduced pulse oximetry in its Series 6 Apple Watches in 2020, marking a significant advancement in wearable health technology. The feature allows users to monitor their blood oxygen levels, providing valuable insights into respiratory and cardiac health. Masimo, a company specializing in noninvasive monitoring technologies, released its competing W1 watch in 2022, further intensifying the competition in the wearable health tech market.
The legal battle between Apple and Masimo underscores the complexities of patent rights and technological innovation. Masimo’s allegations that Apple hired its employees and stole its pulse oximetry technology highlight the challenges companies face in protecting intellectual property. The resolution of this dispute, culminating in the recent software update, reflects the dynamic nature of the tech industry and the importance of legal frameworks in fostering innovation.
As wearable health technology continues to evolve, the reintroduction of the blood oxygen feature on U.S. Apple Watches signifies a positive development for consumers seeking comprehensive health monitoring tools. It also sets a precedent for how companies can navigate legal challenges to deliver enhanced features to their user base. The collaboration between Apple and regulatory bodies to find a compliant solution demonstrates a commitment to user health and safety, ensuring that technological advancements can be integrated responsibly into consumer products.
Source: Reuters
Date Published: 2025-08-14
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