Apple Reintroduces Blood Oxygen Measurement

In a significant update announced on Thursday, Apple is set to bring back the blood oxygen measurement feature to select models of its Apple Watch in the United States. This move comes after the company received the necessary government clearance, marking the end of a prolonged patent dispute with Masimo.

Available Models and Features

The eagerly awaited feature will be accessible on the Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, and Apple Watch Ultra 2. Users will be able to take readings directly from their watch and view the results on a paired iPhone, enhancing the health monitoring capabilities of these devices.

Background of the Dispute

The reintroduction follows a 2023 ruling by the US International Trade Commission, which found that Apple's technology infringed on Masimo's pulse oximetry patents. This led to an import ban and the subsequent removal of the feature from the affected models. With the approval from US Customs, the update will now enable the feature on watches that were shipped without it.