Apple has announced the return of the Blood Oxygen monitoring feature to supported Apple Watch models in the United States. This development follows a period where the functionality was unavailable due to an ongoing legal conflict with masimo, a health technology firm. The update is rolling out today, August 20, 2025, bringing a key health feature back to American consumers.
The Legal Dispute explained
Table of Contents
- 1. The Legal Dispute explained
- 2. New Implementation via iPhone Processing
- 3. software Update Details
- 4. Understanding Blood Oxygen Monitoring
- 5. Frequently Asked Questions
- 6. What legal challenges prompted Apple to initially remove the blood oxygen tracking feature from its Apple Watch?
- 7. Apple Watch Restores Blood Oxygen Tracking Capability: A Welcome Return of Essential health Monitoring Feature
- 8. the Return of a Key Health Metric
- 9. Understanding Blood Oxygen Monitoring & Apple watch
- 10. Who Benefits from Apple Watch Blood Oxygen tracking?
- 11. How to Use the Blood Oxygen App
- 12. Interpreting Your Blood Oxygen Readings
- 13. Troubleshooting Blood Oxygen Readings
- 14. The impact of the Patent Dispute & Resolution
- 15. Apple Watch and the Future of Health Tech
The situation began with a patent dispute between Apple and Masimo concerning the technology behind the Apple Watch’s blood oxygen sensor. In December 2023, an import ban was imposed, initially halting sales of affected Apple Watch models. Apple briefly paused sales, but quickly resumed them in January 2024, albeit with the Blood Oxygen feature disabled within the US.
New Implementation via iPhone Processing
To circumvent the legal constraints, apple has redesigned the Blood Oxygen feature. the new process involves the Apple Watch’s sensor collecting data, which is then transmitted to a paired iPhone for processing and calculation. Results are displayed within the Respiratory section of the Health app. This workaround ensures the feature’s availability while navigating the ongoing legal proceedings.
The company emphasized that Apple Watch models purchased and used outside of the United States remain unaffected by these changes and continue to operate as previously designed.
software Update Details
The redesigned Blood Oxygen monitoring functionality is accessible through the iOS 18.6.1 and watchOS 11.6.1 software updates, now available for download. Apple encourages users to install these updates at their earliest convenience to regain access to the Blood Oxygen feature. According to the CDC, regular monitoring of blood oxygen levels can be an vital indicator of overall health, particularly for individuals with respiratory conditions. Learn more about pulse oximetry from the CDC.
| Software Update | Platform | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| iOS 18.6.1 | iPhone | Enables Blood Oxygen data processing |
| watchOS 11.6.1 | Apple Watch | Collects Blood Oxygen sensor data |
Did You Know? Blood oxygen saturation levels typically range from 95% to 100% in healthy individuals.
Pro Tip: Ensure your Apple Watch is securely fastened and placed correctly on your wrist for accurate blood oxygen readings.
Understanding Blood Oxygen Monitoring
Blood oxygen monitoring, also known as pulse oximetry, measures the percentage of oxygen carried in your red blood cells.This data can provide valuable insights into your respiratory health and overall well-being. Conditions such as asthma, pneumonia, and Covid-19 can affect blood oxygen levels. While the apple Watch is not a medical device, it can serve as a helpful tool for tracking trends and identifying potential concerns, prompting users to consult with a healthcare professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is blood oxygen monitoring? Blood oxygen monitoring measures the oxygen saturation in your blood, providing insights into respiratory health.
- Will this update affect my Apple Watch outside the US? No, Apple Watches used outside the US are not affected by this change.
- Is the Apple Watch a medical device? The Apple Watch is not a medical device, and its readings should not be used for self-diagnosis or treatment.
- How can I ensure accurate blood oxygen readings? Ensure the watch is snug on your wrist and remains still during measurement.
- What if I experience consistently low blood oxygen levels? Consult with a healthcare professional promptly.
Do you think this workaround is a long-term solution to the legal dispute? How important is the blood oxygen monitoring feature to your Apple watch experience?
Share your thoughts in the comments below!
What legal challenges prompted Apple to initially remove the blood oxygen tracking feature from its Apple Watch?
Apple Watch Restores Blood Oxygen Tracking Capability: A Welcome Return of Essential health Monitoring Feature
the Return of a Key Health Metric
After a period of unavailability due to patent disputes, Apple has officially restored the blood oxygen tracking feature to the Apple Watch Series 9, Series 8, and newer models with watchOS 10.7 and later. This is a important win for users who rely on this feature for health and wellness monitoring, notably those managing respiratory conditions or tracking fitness performance at altitude. The reinstatement follows a successful appeal and redesign to avoid infringing on Masimo’s pulse oximetry technology.
Understanding Blood Oxygen Monitoring & Apple watch
Blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) is the percentage of oxygen your red blood cells are carrying. maintaining healthy levels is crucial for overall health. The Apple Watch utilizes light sensors to estimate your SpO2 levels, providing on-demand readings and background measurements during sleep.
Here’s how the Apple Watch blood oxygen sensor works:
Red and Infrared LEDs: The sensor shines red and infrared light through your wrist.
Light Absorption: Different oxygen levels absorb different amounts of light.
Algorithm Calculation: The watch’s algorithm analyzes the light absorption to estimate your SpO2 percentage.
Data Logging: Readings are logged in the Health app for tracking trends.
Who Benefits from Apple Watch Blood Oxygen tracking?
The restored feature is particularly valuable for:
Individuals with Respiratory Conditions: Those with asthma, COPD, or sleep apnea can monitor their oxygen levels and identify potential issues.
High-Altitude Athletes: Tracking SpO2 can definitely help athletes assess acclimatization and performance at higher elevations.
Fitness Enthusiasts: Monitoring oxygen saturation during intense workouts can provide insights into cardiovascular health and recovery.
General Wellness Tracking: Provides a baseline understanding of your overall health and potential early warning signs of underlying issues.
Sleep Monitoring: Background blood oxygen measurements during sleep can definitely help identify potential breathing disturbances.
How to Use the Blood Oxygen App
Accessing and utilizing the Blood Oxygen app is straightforward:
- Update to watchOS 10.7 or later: Ensure your Apple Watch is running the latest software.
- Open the Blood Oxygen App: Located on your Apple Watch.
- On-Demand Reading: Tap the screen to initiate an on-demand reading. Remain still during the 15-second measurement.
- Background Readings: Enable background readings in the Watch app on your iPhone (Watch > Blood Oxygen > Background Readings).
- View Data in the Health App: All readings are synced to the Health app on your iPhone for detailed analysis and trend tracking.
Interpreting Your Blood Oxygen Readings
Normal Range: Generally, a SpO2 level between 95% and 100% is considered normal.
89-94%: May indicate mild hypoxemia (low blood oxygen).
Below 89%: Requires medical attention.
Vital Note: The Apple Watch is not a medical device and shoudl not be used for diagnosing or treating medical conditions. Always consult with a healthcare professional for any health concerns.
Troubleshooting Blood Oxygen Readings
If you’re experiencing issues with blood oxygen readings, consider these tips:
Proper Fit: Ensure your Apple Watch is snug but pleasant on your wrist.
Clean Sensors: Keep the sensor area clean and free of lotions or debris.
Skin Temperature: Extremely cold temperatures can affect blood flow and readings.
Movement: Remain still during measurements.
Wrist tattoos: Tattoos can interfere with sensor accuracy.
Software Updates: Ensure your watchOS is up to date.
The impact of the Patent Dispute & Resolution
The initial removal of the blood oxygen feature stemmed from a patent dispute with Masimo, a medical technology company. Masimo claimed Apple infringed on their pulse oximetry technology.Apple temporarily halted sales of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Series 8 in the US while the dispute was resolved. A successful appeal and subsequent redesign of the technology allowed Apple to reinstate the feature, demonstrating their commitment to providing valuable health monitoring tools to users. The redesigned sensor utilizes a different algorithm to achieve the same functionality without infringing on Masimo’s patents.
Apple Watch and the Future of Health Tech
The restoration of blood oxygen tracking reinforces Apple’s position as a leader in health-focused wearable technology. Future iterations of the Apple Watch are expected to incorporate even more advanced health sensors and features, perhaps including continuous glucose monitoring and blood pressure tracking. The integration of these technologies will empower users to take a more proactive role in managing their health and well-being.
