Apple Watch Blood Oxygen Monitoring Update: How to Access Data on Your iPhone
Apple is reintroducing blood oxygen monitoring to the Apple Watch through a software update for the Series 9, 10, and Ultra 2 models. The feature will now calculate and display data on the paired iPhone's Health app due to an import ban workaround imposed by the International Trade Commission. Users can access their blood oxygen data in the iPhone's Health app under the Respiratory section, as the data will no longer be viewable on the Watch itself.
This updated blood oxygen monitoring feature applies to Apple Watches sold after January 17th, 2024, following the full implementation of the ITC import ban. Models sold before this date and those sold outside the US will retain the original blood oxygen feature. To determine if a model is covered by the update, users can check if the serial number ends with LW/A. To access the redesigned feature, users with Series 9, 10, and Ultra 2 watches must update their devices to watchOS 11.6.1 and their iPhones to iOS 18.6.1.
Apple has been engaged in a legal battle with Masimo, a medical device manufacturer known for pulse oximeters, over patent infringement allegations. Masimo accused Apple of stealing trade secrets and filed a lawsuit in 2020. In 2021, Masimo brought a case to the ITC, resulting in an import ban in December 2023. Apple has also countered with lawsuits against Masimo, claiming that Masimo's smartwatches are replicas of the Apple Watch. Apple has filed an appeal against the ITC ban, which is currently ongoing, while Masimo's patents are set to expire in 2028.
In conclusion, Apple's software update for the Apple Watch Series 9, 10, and Ultra 2 brings back blood oxygen monitoring by calculating and displaying data on the paired iPhone. This update allows users to access their blood oxygen levels through the Health app on their iPhones, following an import ban workaround. The legal dispute between Apple and Masimo continues, with ongoing lawsuits and appeals related to patent infringement allegations.