Apple has announced it will bring back a blood oxygen measurement feature on some of its Apple Watch models after gaining U.S. Customs approval for a revamped version of the technology.
The company had removed the feature in January 2024, following a patent dispute with medical technology firm Masimo. The dispute centered around the origins of pulse oximetry, a technology used to detect blood oxygen levels. A court ruling in 2023 sided with Masimo, finding Apple infringed on its patents.
Despite this setback, Apple continued to work on a software update that would restore the feature without infringing on Masimo’s patents. The company now plans to issue a software update for affected Apple Watch models, including Series 9, Series 10, and Ultra 2.
The move is seen as a positive step for users who rely on the blood oxygen feature, particularly in light of COVID-19’s potential to cause low oxygen levels and respiratory issues. Sales of Apple Watches declined by 10% after the feature was removed, but it remains unclear how this decision will impact sales moving forward.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/14/technology/apple-watch-masimo-blood-oxygen-levels.html