Apple Watch Redefines Blood Oxygen Monitoring
In early 2024, Apple made a significant change to its Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 models by removing the blood oxygen monitoring feature. This decision followed a legal ruling which declared that the feature violated patented light-based pulse oximetry technology owned by Masimo, a company based in California. By removing this feature, Apple successfully avoided an import ban in the United States, ensuring continued sales of its Series 9, Ultra 2, and eventually the Series 10 watches.
Recently, Apple announced the comeback of its blood oxygen monitoring feature for the Series 9, Series 10, and Ultra 2 models. Apple confirmed that these modifications were made possible thanks to a "recent U.S. Customs ruling." The reimagined feature appeared equipped to skirt the patents that initially prompted the import ban.
In its updated form, the sensor data will now be relayed to the user's iPhone for processing. Users can view their data within the Respiratory section of the Health app. Previously, results could be accessed directly on the Apple Watch, a feature previously detailed in Apple's support documents.
To access the redesigned feature, Apple Watch users need to ensure their device is updated with watchOS 11.6.1 and their iPhone with iOS 18.6.1. Those watches purchased in the US, both before the import ban and those acquired internationally, remain unaffected by this software update process. Apple's move does not impact devices sold outside the US, as they were never under the import prohibition.
The legal saga with Masimo dates back to January 2020, when Masimo first brought charges against Apple concerning the blood oxygen monitoring technology. The contention roots from a discussion between Masimo and Apple in 2013 about a potential partnership, which never materialized. Instead, Masimo alleged that Apple recruited its engineers to develop the technology independently.
In a related note, the technology world closely watches Apple's advancements in health-monitoring technology, which remains a major focus for the tech giant. With these updates, Apple continues to pave the way for innovative solutions even amidst patent challenges.
