Reviving a Key Health Feature
After an 18-month hiatus due to a legal battle over patent rights, Apple has announced the return of blood oxygen tracking to its Apple Watch models in the United States. This feature, which was disabled on certain models like the Series 9 and Ultra 2, is being reinstated through a software update effective as of August 14. The update, available via iOS 18.6.1 and watchOS 11.6.1, shifts the processing of blood oxygen data to the iPhone, a clever workaround to avoid further infringement issues.
The dispute with medical technology company Masimo had previously led to a sales ban and the disabling of this health monitoring tool on premium Apple Watch models sold in the U.S. Apple's innovative approach to resolving the issue without altering the hardware demonstrates its commitment to maintaining key features for users who rely on the device for health insights.
Background of the Patent Dispute with Masimo
The legal conflict between Apple and Masimo began in 2021 when Masimo accused Apple of infringing on five patents related to light-based pulse oximetry technology, used in the Apple Watch since the Series 6 model. In 2023, the International Trade Commission found that Apple's blood oxygen sensors violated Masimo's intellectual property, leading to an import ban on affected models. This resulted in Apple halting sales of the Series 9 and Ultra 2 in late December of that year and later disabling the feature on units sold in the U.S. starting in January 2024.
Despite winning a smaller patent infringement case against Masimo in October 2024, where a federal jury ruled that early versions of Masimo's smartwatches infringed on two of Apple's design patents, the blood oxygen feature remained unavailable until now. The ongoing appeal process and attempts to overturn the ban through software modifications have finally borne fruit with this latest update.
Impact on Apple Watch Users
For many Apple Watch users, the return of blood oxygen monitoring is a significant development, especially for those who use the device as part of their health management routine. The feature allows users to measure their blood oxygen levels, providing valuable data that can be shared with healthcare providers. This update applies to U.S. models of the Apple Watch Series 9, 10, and Ultra 2, ensuring that current and new owners can access this critical functionality once again.
Apple's solution to shift processing to the iPhone highlights the company's adaptability in navigating complex legal challenges while prioritizing user experience. As the tech giant continues to innovate in the wearable health technology space, this resolution marks a step forward in maintaining the Apple Watch as a leading device for personal health monitoring.