Apple Restores Blood Oxygen Feature on Latest Watches
Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, and Ultra Watch 2 owners in the US will regain access to blood oxygen sensing. Apple confirmed that a software update arriving today restores the feature. To activate it, users must update their iPhone to iOS 18.6.1 and the paired Apple Watch to watchOS 11.6.1. After the update, readings will appear in the Health app under the Respiratory section. Watches bought before 2024 or outside the US will not be affected.
Dispute with Masimo Finally Resolved
The restoration follows a US Customs ruling that ended a long dispute between Apple and health tech company Masimo. In 2021, Masimo accused Apple of infringing its patent for optical blood monitoring. A judge agreed, and the International Trade Commission upheld the ruling. Because of this decision, Apple had to suspend sales of the Series 9, Series 10, and Ultra Watch 2 between 2023 and 2024. When the Series 10 launched, it lacked the blood oxygen feature entirely, despite its importance to fitness tracking since the Watch Series 6 in 2020. Apple now says it “redesigned” the feature, though details remain scarce.
Importance for Health and Competition
The update corrects the biggest limitation of Apple’s latest watches. Competing brands like Garmin have included blood oxygen sensing for years. Athletes often use it to monitor performance at altitude. The feature also gained importance during the Covid-19 pandemic, as many people relied on wearable devices and pulse oximeters. A dip in oxygen levels can signal health issues, even if symptoms are mild. While such readings cannot diagnose illness on their own, they can prompt timely medical care.
Apple’s move comes just weeks before its annual September event. The company is expected to unveil new iPhones and the Apple Watch Series 11, which will likely expand health features further.
