Apple’s blood oxygen monitoring returns to its latest Apple Watches

On Thursday, Apple unveiled a revamped Blood Oxygen monitoring feature for select models of its Apple Watch Series 8, Series 10, and Apple Watch Ultra. This move comes as a strategic response to an import ban imposed by the International Trade Commission (ITC), aiming to circumvent legal hurdles while enhancing user health tracking. Users will now have their blood oxygen levels measured via their paired iPhone, with results conveniently accessible in the Respiratory section of the Health app. However, this means that the data will not be viewable directly on the Apple Watch itself, requiring users to use their iPhones for this feature. The introduction of this updated functionality follows a recent ruling from U.S. Customs, which permits Apple to import the redesigned Watches equipped with the Blood Oxygen feature. It’s important to note that this change will not impact previously sold models that utilized the original feature or those purchased outside the United States. The new Blood Oxygen monitoring capability will apply only to Apple Watches sold after the ITC's import ban took effect in early 2024. Apple plans to roll out this updated feature through a software update for both the iPhone and Apple Watch, set to be available on Thursday. This development occurs amid an ongoing legal battle with Masimo, a medical device manufacturer that accused Apple of infringing on its pulse oximetry patents following failed collaboration discussions. In 2023, Masimo achieved a legal victory against Apple at the ITC, leading to the ban on imports of Apple Watches equipped with the original blood oxygen monitoring technology. In response, Apple has initiated a countersuit against Masimo, alleging that the latter copied features from its smartwatches. Additionally, Apple has filed an appeal regarding the ITC's ban.