Apple announced on Thursday that it is introducing a redesigned Blood Oxygen feature for some Watch Series 8, Series 10, and Apple Watch Ultra models. This move allows Apple to bring back blood oxygen monitoring by adjusting the feature to comply with the International Trade Commission’s import ban.
The updated feature will measure and calculate blood oxygen data on the user’s paired iPhone, with results available in the Respiratory section of the Health app. Users will no longer view this data directly on their Apple Watch and must instead check it on their iPhone.
Apple stated that the update is possible due to a recent U.S. Customs ruling, permitting the company to import Apple Watches with the redesigned Blood Oxygen feature. This change does not affect previously sold models with the original version of the feature or units purchased outside the U.S.
The redesigned feature applies only to Apple Watches sold after the ITC import ban took effect in early 2024. Eligible users can access it through an upcoming iPhone and Apple Watch software update.
This development follows an ongoing legal dispute between Apple and medical device maker Masimo, which accused Apple of stealing its pulse oximetry technology after initial collaboration talks. In 2023, Masimo won a case at the ITC, leading to a ban on imports of Apple Watches with blood oxygen monitoring due to patent infringement. Apple subsequently removed the feature.
Apple has since counter-sued Masimo, alleging that the company copied Apple Watch features for its own smartwatches. Apple has also filed an appeal against the ITC ban.