Apple Watch Blood Oxygen Monitoring Update: Revamped Features Post Legal Dispute

In a significant development, Apple has reinstated a modified version of the blood oxygen monitoring feature for the Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, and Ultra 2 models. This change comes in the wake of a recent U.S. Customs ruling that allowed the feature to be returned after it had been removed following a patent dispute.

Back in early 2024, Apple had to remove the blood oxygen monitoring feature from its devices due to a legal battle over patent infringement with a California-based company, Masimo. The legal dispute had resulted in an import ban, compelling Apple to adjust their product lineup to comply with regulations. However, with a revised version of the feature that circumvents the previously contested patents, Apple is now able to restore this health monitoring capability.

The updated feature requires processing sensor data through a paired iPhone, which will present the results in the Health app. In contrast, the earlier iteration allowed users to access the data directly on their watches. This change is perceived as a strategic redesign to avoid further patent conflicts.

It's important to note that this update affects only the watches sold in the US post-import ban. Those Apple Watches purchased in regions not subject to this ban, or before it came into effect, remain unaffected. In addition, international models were never removed from having this feature. Apple encourages users with affected models to promptly install the latest watchOS and iOS updates to access the revamped feature.

This announcement follows a legal saga that dates back to January 2020 when Masimo first accused Apple of infringing on their technology patents. From strategic meetings to a court decision, the legal journey has been complex for both companies, showcasing the challenges tech giants face while innovating within competitive spaces.