Apple Watch Blood Oxygen Returns to U.S. Users
Apple Watch Blood Oxygen feature Returns to the US: What You Need to Know
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Remember when Apple had to pull the blood oxygen feature from its Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 in the US? Well, good news! It’s back, but with a twist. After a patent dispute with Masimo, Apple has found a way to bring the feature back to American users. Here’s the lowdown on how it works now and what you need to get it running.
The Backstory: Masimo vs. Apple
So, what was all the fuss about? Masimo, a medical technology company, accused Apple of infringing on their patents related to blood oxygen sensing technology. They claimed Apple poached employees, including their Chief Medical Officer, and used their expertise to develop the Apple Watch’s O2 sensor. While Apple denied the allegations, the International Trade Commission (ITC) sided with Masimo and issued an import ban on Apple Watches with the feature.
Apple briefly stopped selling the affected models, but quickly resumed sales with the blood oxygen monitoring feature disabled. Now, it’s back, thanks to a clever workaround.
How the Blood Oxygen Feature Works Now
The big change? The blood oxygen measurement and calculation now happen on your iPhone, not the Apple Watch itself.
Data Collection: The Apple Watch still uses its sensor and the Blood Oxygen app to gather the raw data.
Processing Power: Instead of processing that data on the watch, it’s sent to your iPhone for analysis.
Results: You can then view your blood oxygen levels in the Health app, under the Respiratory section.
Apple says this shift was necessary due to a recent ruling by U.S. Customs. It’s a bit of a workaround,but hey,at least the feature is back!
What You Need to Get Started
Ready to breathe easy and monitor your blood oxygen again? here’s what you’ll need:
iPhone: running iOS 18.6.1 or later.
Apple Watch: Series 9 or ultra 2 updated to watchOS 11.6.1 or later.
Location: This change only affects Apple Watch units purchased in the U.S. Watches purchased outside the US or those that previously had the original feature are unaffected.
Troubleshooting Tips
Some users have reported issues getting manual readings on their Apple Watch Series 10. A potential fix? Try completing an ECG (electrocardiogram) using the ECG app on your watch. Some users have found that this helps the Blood Oxygen app function correctly.
For more detailed data on how the Blood Oxygen feature works, check out Apple’s official support page.
So, there you have it. The blood oxygen feature is back on Apple Watches in the US, albeit with a slightly different approach. Update your devices, follow the steps, and you’ll be back to monitoring your blood oxygen levels in no time.