Apple introduced a redesigned blood oxygen feature for certain Watch Series 8, Watch Series 10, and Apple Watch Ultra models on Thursday, modifying the functionality to bypass an International Trade Commission (ITC) import ban.
Blood oxygen data will now be measured and calculated on the user’s paired iPhone, with results accessible within the Respiratory section of the Health app. This modification indicates that data viewing will occur exclusively on the iPhone, rather than directly on the Apple Watch itself.
This update follows a recent U.S. Customs ruling, which permits Apple to import Apple Watch units equipped with the revised Blood Oxygen feature. The alteration does not extend to models sold prior to this change, which retain the original feature, nor does it affect units purchased outside the United States.
The redesigned feature is specifically applicable to Apple Watches sold after the ITC import ban commenced in early 2024. Users meeting these criteria can enable the updated Blood Oxygen functionality via an iPhone and Apple Watch software update, released on Thursday.
This development occurs amid an ongoing legal dispute between Apple and Masimo, a medical device manufacturer. Masimo has accused Apple of misappropriating its pulse oximetry technology following preliminary discussions regarding a potential partnership. In 2023, Masimo prevailed in an ITC ruling that resulted in a block on imports of Apple Watches incorporating blood oxygen monitoring, with the commission determining that Apple’s technology infringed upon Masimo’s patents.
Apple initially removed the feature from its devices. Apple subsequently filed a counter-suit against Masimo, alleging that Masimo replicated Apple Watch features for use in its own smartwatches. Apple has also lodged an appeal against the ITC ban.
