Apple Reintroduces Blood Oxygen Feature on US Apple Watches with iOS 18.6.1 and watchOS 11.6.1 Updates

Apple is bringing back the blood oxygen detection feature on its Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, and Ultra 2 models in the US through a software update. The feature, which helps users understand their respiratory health, was previously disabled due to a patent dispute. Users can access it by updating their iOS to 18.6.1 and watchOS to 11.6.1, which can be downloaded over-the-air or through the Apple Watch app.

Apple Inc. has announced a significant update to its Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, and Ultra 2 models, reintroducing the Blood Oxygen feature in the United States through a software update. The feature, which was temporarily disabled due to a patent dispute, will be available to users who update their paired iPhone to iOS 18.6.1 and their Apple Watch to watchOS 11.6.1. The update, effective today, allows users to measure their blood oxygen levels, aiding in the understanding of respiratory health [1].

The Blood Oxygen feature uses infrared light to estimate oxygen levels in the blood, helping users detect conditions such as sleep apnea or altitude-related issues. The feature had been previously disabled in the U.S. due to a ruling by the U.S. International Trade Commission, which found that Apple had violated a patent from digital health company Masimo [2]. However, Apple has secured a new U.S. Customs ruling that enables the feature's return through a software update [1].

Users with the affected models in the U.S. will be able to access the redesigned Blood Oxygen feature by updating their paired iPhone and Apple Watch. The sensor data from the Blood Oxygen app on the Apple Watch will be measured and calculated on the paired iPhone, with results viewable in the Respiratory section of the Health app. This update does not affect Apple Watch units previously purchased with the original Blood Oxygen feature or those sold outside the U.S. [1, 2].

The reinstatement of the Blood Oxygen feature comes after years of legal battles between Apple and Masimo. The dispute began in 2023 when Masimo accused Apple of poaching employees and stealing trade secrets related to blood oxygen sensing technology. Apple's victory in appeals and subsequent redesign efforts have now paved the way for the feature's reinstatement [3].

The update highlights Apple's strategic pivot in handling health-tech patents, potentially setting a precedent for other tech giants. It also underscores the delicate balance between innovation and intellectual property protection, with experts suggesting that collaborative licensing deals might become more common to avoid courtroom dramas [3].

Market reactions have been mixed. While Apple's shares ticked up modestly following the announcement, Masimo's stock dipped, reflecting the competitive tensions in the wearable health market. Tech enthusiasts and insiders have expressed optimism about the feature's return, enhancing the Watch's value proposition without requiring hardware upgrades [3].

Looking ahead, this resolution may accelerate Apple's push into advanced health monitoring, such as rumored glucose tracking or enhanced ECG capabilities. However, it also raises questions about the sustainability of proprietary health tech in a litigious environment [3].

References:
[1] https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2025/08/an-update-on-blood-oxygen-for-apple-watch-in-the-us/
[2] https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/global-trends/us-news-apple-watch-blood-oxygen-feature-returns-stunning-update-rolls-out-with-ios-18-6-1-and-watchos-11-6-1-how-can-you-access-it/articleshow/123344859.cms
[3] https://www.webpronews.com/apple-reinstates-blood-oxygen-on-watch-via-iphone-update/