Apple is bringing back Blood Oxygen readings to the Apple Watch in the United States today, but not quite in the way you remember. The company says a “redesigned Blood Oxygen feature” will roll out later today through new iOS and watchOS updates, ending an 18-month drought for U.S. buyers, at least partially.
Why It’s Been Missing
The Blood Oxygen feature has been at the center of a lengthy patent battle between Apple and health tech company Masimo. Things came to a head in December 2023 when an import ban took effect, blocking Apple from selling Watch models with the feature in the U.S.
Apple briefly halted sales before resuming in January 2024 with the Series 9 and Ultra 2 — minus Blood Oxygen readings. The new Series 10 launched in the same restricted form last September.
What’s Changing Today
With iOS 18.6.1 and watchOS 11.6.1, Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, and Ultra 2 owners in the U.S. who bought models without the original feature will get a redesigned version.
An Apple spokesperson told 9to5Mac:
“With this update, sensor data from the Blood Oxygen app on Apple Watch will be measured and calculated on the paired iPhone, and results can be viewed in the Health app.”
In other words, your Watch still collects the raw data, but the iPhone now does the math, a tweak that lets Apple skirt the patent dispute while still giving users access to readings.
How to Check If You’ll Get It
The update applies only to Apple Watch units sold in the U.S. with part numbers ending in LW/A. You can find this in:
- On your Watch: Settings > General > About
- On your iPhone: Apple Watch app > General > About
How It Works Now
- Start a session in the Blood Oxygen app on your Watch.
- Sensors collect the data as usual.
- Your iPhone processes it and displays the results in the Respiratory section of the Health app.
Apple says there’s “no impact to Apple Watch units previously purchased that include the original Blood Oxygen feature, nor to Apple Watch units purchased outside of the U.S.”
What’s Next for the Legal Battle
Apple’s move comes after U.S. Customs ruled the redesigned software is allowed for import. The company is still appealing the original ITC decision and says it believes it should be overturned.
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