The functionality was eliminated on certain smartwatches because of a patent-infringement legal case, but Apple has “revamped” it.
If you own an Apple Watch Series 9, 10, or Ultra Watch 2 purchased in the US within the last year, you will soon have access to the blood oxygen sensing feature through a software update later today, as stated by Apple.
To enable this feature, ensure that your paired iPhone is updated to iOS 18.6.1 and your Apple Watch to watchOS 11.6.1. The app will compute sensor data, allowing you to view your blood oxygen levels in the Respiratory section of the Health app. If you acquired your watch before 2024 or outside of the US, you will not experience any updates.
A recent ruling by US Customs has settled a lengthy conflict with the health technology firm Masimo. In 2021, Masimo initiated a lawsuit against Apple, alleging that the company behind the Apple Watch violated one of its patents related to optical blood monitoring. A judge determined that Apple had indeed infringed on this patent, a decision that was supported by the International Trade Commission.
Apple had to halt sales of the two problematic products from 2023 until 2024. When the company introduced the Apple Watch Series 10 to celebrate its significant 10th anniversary, it did so without the blood oxygen monitoring capability. This feature was first introduced with the Watch Series 6 in 2020 and has since become a standard inclusion in nearly every fitness tracker.
Apple mentioned it has “redesigned” the feature but did not provide further details. This modification addresses the most significant issue found in Apple’s latest watches. Numerous other fitness trackers, such as Garmin, have offered a blood oxygen sensing feature for several years. Premium trackers utilize the sensor data to assist athletes in training at higher altitudes for optimal performance, making the feature even more crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic.
You may not always perceive a drop in your blood oxygen level, but your smartwatch can. The demand for pulse oximeters has surged. Personally, I discovered that I had pneumonia when my blood oxygen level fell to approximately 84 percent. (A blood oxygen reading that is out of the normal range alone is insufficient for diagnosing a condition; it is important to consult a doctor if your device shows a concerning result.)
This is a promising advancement for Apple as it approaches its annual September event, where it's anticipated to unveil new iPhones and the Apple Watch Series 11, which will likely bring additional health features.
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