Apple is reviving the Blood Oxygen monitoring capability on certain Apple Watch models, but this time it works differently — and that’s no accident.
The feature, now redesigned, will be available on the Watch Series 8, Series 10, and Apple Watch Ultra models sold in the U.S. after an import ban took effect earlier this year. Instead of processing the oxygen level readings on the watch itself, the updated system sends the raw data to the paired iPhone, where it’s analyzed and displayed in the Health app’s Respiratory section. Users won’t see the results directly on their watch face anymore.
A Legal Workaround to a Costly Ban
This change isn’t about new health science — it’s about compliance. In 2023, the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) ruled that Apple had infringed patents owned by medical device maker Masimo. Those patents cover pulse oximetry technology — the same principle behind the Blood Oxygen feature. As a result, the ITC blocked imports of affected Apple Watches into the United States starting in early 2024.
By shifting the processing step to the iPhone, Apple effectively sidesteps the scope of that ban, a move U.S. Customs has now approved. This means new watches can be sold again without waiting for the lengthy appeals process to play out.
Who Gets the Update?
The redesigned feature will only appear on devices manufactured and sold in the U.S. after the ITC decision. Watches purchased before the ruling or outside the country remain unchanged. To enable the new setup, both the iPhone and Apple Watch will need the latest software update, expected to roll out Thursday.
Ongoing Tech vs. Medtech Feud
The dispute between Apple and Masimo is far from over. Masimo claims Apple poached its pulse oximetry technology after failed talks about a potential partnership. Apple has countersued, accusing Masimo of copying the Apple Watch’s core design and features in its own health wearables. Both sides are appealing legal decisions, suggesting this fight could stretch on for years — with product design tweaks like this serving as tactical plays in the meantime.
