Apple Watch getting redesigned blood oxygen feature following legal dispute

Apple has unveiled an upgraded blood oxygen monitoring feature for select Apple Watch models, marking a significant milestone following a prolonged legal battle over patent rights. This enhancement will be available to users of the Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, and Apple Watch Ultra 2 starting Thursday. The introduction of this feature comes after a favorable ruling from U.S. Customs, which has allowed Apple to implement changes to its technology. In 2023, the International Trade Commission determined that Apple's blood oxygen sensors had infringed upon patents held by Masimo, a company specializing in medical technology. As a result, Apple had to halt sales of certain watch models and instead offered modified versions that lacked the blood oxygen functionality. In a statement, Apple emphasized its commitment to delivering cutting-edge health and wellness tools that prioritize user privacy and scientific accuracy. The company has also reached out to Masimo for comments on the matter. To access the new blood oxygen feature, users need to update their iPhones to iOS 18.6.1 and their Apple Watches to watchOS 11.6.1. Once updated, they can find their blood oxygen readings in the Respiratory section of the Health app. Apple's ongoing efforts in the healthcare sector have been notable, with recent releases including sleep apnea detection capabilities for the Apple Watch and hearing health functionalities for AirPods. Earlier this year, the company also initiated its first major health study in five years, reflecting its deepening involvement in health technology.