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Apple is making waves in the wearable tech space by bringing back the highly sought-after blood oxygen monitoring feature to its Apple Watch lineup. Starting today, users of the Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, and Ultra 2 in the United States can access this feature through a new software update, according to a recent announcement in Apple’s newsroom. This move marks the return of a capability that was temporarily removed due to a patent dispute, and it’s got tech enthusiasts buzzing.
A Redesigned Approach To Blood Oxygen Monitoring
The reintroduced feature comes with a fresh twist. Apple has redesigned the blood oxygen monitoring system to work seamlessly with iOS 18.6.1 and watchOS 11.6.1 updates. Now, the Apple Watch captures readings through its Blood Oxygen app and sends the data to your iPhone for processing. The results are then displayed in the Respiratory section of the Health app, making it easy to track your metrics alongside other health data.
This update is targeted specifically at US users who didn’t have access to the feature before. If you’ve been using an international model or already had blood oxygen monitoring enabled, you won’t notice any changes—your feature will continue to function as is. The selective rollout ensures a smooth integration for those just gaining access.
Why Was the Feature Removed?
The blood oxygen monitoring feature was pulled from Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 in January 2024 following a patent dispute with health technology company Masimo. The legal battle led Apple to halt sales of these models temporarily and disable the feature entirely for the Apple Watch Series 10 launch. However, a recent U.S. Customs ruling has paved the way for Apple to reinstate the feature, much to the delight of users who rely on it for health tracking.
This isn’t the first time Apple has navigated challenges to keep its wearables competitive. The company’s focus on health and fitness has made the Apple Watch a standout, with features like heart rate monitoring and ECG capabilities setting the standard. The return of blood oxygen monitoring further solidifies its position as a go-to device for health-conscious users.
What’s Next for Apple Watch Users?
If you’re in the US and don’t yet have the blood oxygen feature, keep an eye out for the iOS 18.6.1 and watchOS 11.6.1 updates. Once installed, you’ll be able to monitor your blood oxygen levels directly from your wrist, with results conveniently stored in the Health app. This update is a big win for those who value comprehensive health insights, whether for fitness goals or general wellness.
