Blood Oxygen Returns to Apple Watch in the U.S. – But This Time, It’s a Little Different
Source: 9to5Mac
Big news today for Apple Watch users in the U.S.! Apple is rolling out iOS 18.6.1 and watchOS 11.6.1 updates for iPhone and Apple Watch, bringing back the long-missing Blood Oxygen feature.
But here’s the twist: the feature has been “redesigned” and no longer works exactly as it used to.
The Legal Saga Behind It
If you remember, the Blood Oxygen feature has been absent from Apple Watch models sold in the U.S. for about 18 months. The reason? An ongoing patent dispute with health tech company Masimo.
Things escalated in December 2023, when an import ban prevented Apple from selling Apple Watch models with the Blood Oxygen feature in the U.S.
For a short period, Apple stopped sales entirely. Then, the Series 9 and Ultra 2 returned without the feature, and when the Series 10 launched in September, it was also missing it.
How the New System Works
Previously, the entire measurement process was handled on the Apple Watch, and results were viewable directly on the watch.
Now, it’s a bit different:
- You start a measurement in the Blood Oxygen app on Apple Watch.
- The watch collects the necessary sensor data.
- Your iPhone now processes the data, and results appear in the Health app under the “Respiratory” section.
- You can’t view results directly on the watch anymore.
Background measurements are still supported, but again, the iPhone does the calculation.
This update applies only to U.S.-sold Series 9, Series 10, and Ultra 2 models with part numbers ending in LW/A. Original models with the feature, or those purchased outside the U.S., are unaffected.
Why This Approach?
Apple’s redesigned system received U.S. Customs approval, allowing the company to import Apple Watch models with this adjusted software.
At the same time, Apple is continuing its legal appeal and hopes the U.S. Court of Appeals will reverse the initial ITC decision.
What This Means for Users
- U.S. buyers of the latest Apple Watches now have access to Blood Oxygen measurements again.
- Measurements are no longer viewable directly on the watch — you’ll need your iPhone.
- It’s a partial return, but still better than having no feature at all.
My take: Apple found a clever way to bring back the feature before the legal battle is over. While the experience isn’t exactly the same as before, it’s still a win for users. Now, all eyes are on the court decision — maybe one day, the full functionality will return.