Apple has announced the reintroduction of a redesigned blood oxygen feature for select Watch Series 8, Series 9, and Apple Watch Ultra models, a strategic move to circumvent an import ban imposed by the International Trade Commission (ITC).
The updated functionality will now measure and calculate blood oxygen data on the user’s paired iPhone, with results viewable in the Respiratory section of the Health app. This means direct viewing of the data on the Apple Watch itself will no longer be possible; users must access it through their iPhone.
This redesign is enabled by a recent U.S. Customs ruling, which permits Apple to import Apple Watch units equipped with the modified blood oxygen feature. The change specifically applies to Apple Watches sold after the ITC import ban became effective in early 2024. Existing models with the original feature or units purchased outside the U.S. remain unaffected.
Users with applicable models can access the redesigned feature via an iPhone and Apple Watch software update released on Thursday. This development stems from an ongoing legal dispute between Apple and medical device manufacturer Masimo. Masimo accused Apple of intellectual property theft, specifically concerning its pulse oximetry technology, following earlier discussions about a potential partnership.
In 2023, Masimo secured an ITC ruling that blocked imports of Apple Watches featuring blood oxygen monitoring, after the commission determined Apple’s technology infringed upon Masimo’s patents. Consequently, Apple was compelled to remove the feature. In response, Apple has counter-sued Masimo, alleging that the company copied Apple Watch features for its own smartwatches, and has also filed an appeal against the ITC ban.
