Apple Watch Introduces Redesigned Blood Oxygen Monitor

In a move to resolve past patent infringement issues, Apple is set to reintroduce the blood oxygen monitoring feature to its Apple Watch Series 9, 10, and Ultra 2 models. This comes after the company had to remove the feature from previous versions to comply with a ruling regarding patent violations. By redesigning the feature, Apple skirts the import ban that was previously imposed on these devices in the US.

The new iteration of the blood oxygen feature processes sensor data through the paired iPhone, providing results within the Health app's Respiratory section. Previously, users could view results directly on the Apple Watch, but this change ensures compatibility with updated patents.

This updated feature will require users to install the watchOS 11.6.1 update on their Apple Watches and iOS 18.6.1 on their iPhones. Watches outside the US were unaffected by the international trade restrictions, and any units purchased before the ban remain unchanged.

The conflict originated when Masimo, a California-based tech company, sued Apple for patent infringements after unsuccessful talks for collaboration back in 2013. Masimo claimed that Apple had appropriated their technology after hiring their engineers, leading to the original software's removal.