Redesigned Apple Watch Blood Oxygen Feature Returns to US Today

After a year-long absence, Apple is finally reintroducing its blood oxygen monitoring feature to Apple Watch models in the US. This “redesigned” version is expected to become available today, marking a significant step after an import ban forced its removal.

If you own an Apple Watch Series 9 or Watch Ultra 2, you’ll be able to access this reinstated functionality. To do so, you’ll need to update both your iPhone and Apple Watch to iOS 18.6.1 and watchOS 11.6.1, respectively.

The core change in this new iteration is how the data is processed. While your Apple Watch will still capture the blood oxygen readings, the calculation of that data will now occur on your paired iPhone. Once processed, you’ll be able to view the results within the respiratory section of your iPhone’s Health app.

It’s important to note that this update specifically targets the newer US Apple Watch models that were affected by the previous ban. Apple has clarified that previously purchased Apple Watch units that included the original Blood Oxygen feature, as well as any Apple Watch units bought outside the US, will remain unaffected and continue to function as they always have.

This rollout represents the latest turn in Apple’s prolonged legal dispute with medical device company Masimo. The conflict began in 2021 when Masimo sued Apple, alleging that the tech giant infringed on its intellectual property related to pulse oximeter blood-oxygen monitoring technology. After a series of legal proceedings, the US International Trade Commission (ITC) upheld a ruling that found Apple in violation of Masimo’s patents. When former President Biden chose not to veto the decision, Apple was compelled to temporarily halt sales of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 in the US. Apple later resumed sales by releasing an update that removed the contentious blood oxygen monitoring feature entirely.

Now, thanks to a recent US Customs ruling and Apple’s strategic software modification, the company is able to re-offer the blood oxygen functionality. This key adjustment in data processing allows Apple to bring a vital health feature back to its flagship smartwatches for its US customer base.