Apple Watch users in the United States have been given a new reason to consider an update, as the tech giant has reintroduced the Blood Oxygen tracking feature to selected models. The change comes following a recent U.S. Customs ruling that allowed Apple to proceed with the redesigned Blood Oxygen feature following a legal dispute with Masimo, a medical technology company that had previously claimed Apple’s sensor design infringed on its pulse oximetry patents.
Apple had disabled the Blood Oxygen feature on U.S. models to comply with the patent ruling, even while it continued to appeal the case. The U.S. Customs involvement in this dispute was significant because the issue extended beyond software to the actual physical devices being imported. The ruling allowed Apple to proceed with the redesign of the feature, enabling U.S. customers to access their blood oxygen levels again. However, the change involves a shift in data processing, with measurements now calculated on the user’s paired iPhone and displayed in the Health app instead of directly on the watch.
This update is specifically available for Apple Watch Series 9, 10, and Ultra 2, as Apple has provided users with a specific pathway to enable the redesigned Blood Oxygen feature. Existing users who previously had the Blood Oxygen feature on their devices will not be affected, nor will those who purchased their watches outside the United States. Apple has also noted that the Blood Oxygen app is solely for general fitness and wellness tracking and is not intended for medical use or self-diagnosis.
The reintroduction of Blood Oxygen tracking underscores Apple’s ongoing efforts to integrate health monitoring features into its wearable technology. The company has continued to emphasize the importance of user health tools despite the legal challenges. With the Blood Oxygen app now accessible, users can track their oxygen saturation levels for various purposes, including workouts, high-altitude activities, and overall wellness monitoring. In addition to Blood Oxygen tracking, the Series 9, 10, and Ultra 2 models also offer other health-related features such as irregular rhythm notifications, ECG, sleep apnea alerts, fall detection, temperature sensing, and mindfulness tools.
Apple’s ability to adapt and comply with legal restrictions while maintaining its commitment to user health tools highlights the importance of health tracking in wearable technology. The company’s strategy of working around legal hurdles, rather than fully withdrawing the feature, allows it to retain its position in the market and meet user demands. While the change may not directly impact financial markets, it does reflect broader trends in the wearable technology and health tech sectors, where companies are increasingly integrating advanced health monitoring capabilities into their products.
As Apple continues to navigate legal and regulatory challenges, its focus on health tracking remains a key part of its strategy for wearable devices. The reintroduction of Blood Oxygen tracking for U.S. customers demonstrates Apple’s willingness to innovate and adapt, ensuring that users have access to the health tools they value. The update not only enhances the functionality of the Apple Watch but also reinforces Apple’s commitment to prioritizing user health and wellness features, regardless of legal constraints.