Apple has reintroduced blood oxygen monitoring for certain Apple Watch models in the U.S. by shifting the feature’s processing to the paired iPhone, thereby avoiding an import ban imposed by the ITC due to its legal battle with medical device manufacturer Masimo. The new approach allows users to view blood oxygen data within the Respiratory section of the Health app on their iPhone, rather than directly on the watch. The change is made possible by a recent U.S. Customs ruling that permits the importation of these devices. The redesign affects only Apple Watches sold after the ITC import ban took effect in early 2024, and users can access the updated feature via a software update coming on Thursday. Previously sold models and international units remain unaffected by this change.
This development comes after a protracted legal dispute between Apple and Masimo, which had led to an ITC import ban on Apple Watches equipped with the original blood oxygen monitoring feature. The ban, which took effect in early 2024, restricted the sale of such devices in the U.S. until the matter could be resolved. Apple’s decision to re-release the feature through the iPhone sidesteps the issue by decentralizing the data processing, thus avoiding direct infringement on Masimo’s intellectual property. This strategy enables Apple to continue offering a health-tracking feature while navigating the legal challenges with its competitor. The update is expected to be widely welcomed by users who rely on Apple Watches for health monitoring, particularly those with respiratory conditions. Apple’s software update is set for release on Thursday, providing users with the ability to access the redesigned Blood Oxygen feature through the Health app on their iPhone. The shift in functionality highlights Apple’s ability to adapt its product offerings in response to legal and regulatory challenges, ensuring continued innovation in wearable technology. As the company continues to refine its approach to health tracking, this development may set a precedent for similar feature redesigns in the future.