Apple Watch Gains Blood Oxygen Measurement
Apple has announced a software update that will add the missing blood oxygen level measurement feature to the Apple Watch. The update will make the biosensing capability available on the Watch Series 9, Series 10, and the Apple Watch Ultra 2.
Users will need to update both their iPhone and smartwatch to the latest build. Once the update is installed, the Watch will automatically start measuring oxygen saturation.
Key Benefits
- Accurate SpO2 readings
- Real‑time health monitoring
- Support for watch Series 9, Series 10, Ultra 2
How to Update
Follow the on‑screen instructions on your iPhone. After the update is complete, the Apple Watch will prompt you once the SpO2 feature is active.
Future Plans
Apple plans to add more health features in future watchOS releases, but this update is the first step in expanding the Watch’s health capabilities.
What does it mean for users?
Apple Watch Series 9, 10 and Ultra 2 Need New Software to Use Blood‑Oxygen Sensor
Apple is now rolling out watchOS 11.6.1 to users in the United States, and the same update will be required on the iPhone iOS 18.6.1. Both operating‑system upgrades must be installed before the blood‑oxygen feature can function again on the Series 9, Series 10 and Ultra 2.
Why the Two‑Step Update Is Required
- watchOS 11.6.1 adds the capability to read the pulse‑oximetry sensor on the Apple Watch.
- iOS 18.6.1 delivers the computation code that will now run on the iPhone instead of on the wearable itself.
- Users will now need to open the Health app on the iPhone to see the measurement results, because Apple has shifted the processing to the phone to avoid a patent dispute over the underlying pulse‑oximetry technology.
What to Do If You Have a Series 9, 10 or Ultra 2
Follow these steps to reinstall the software and resume the feature:
- Open the Settings app on your Apple Watch and look for the watchOS update banner. If one appears, tap “Update” and let the watch finish installing watchOS 11.6.1.
- On your iPhone, open the Settings app, tap “Software Update,” and apply iOS 18.6.1. The phone will restart automatically.
- After both overlays finish installing, launch the Health app on your iPhone and navigate to “Body” → “Blood Oxygen.” The app will display a new measurement if your watch’s sensor was used at that time.
- If the pulse‑oximetry data does not appear, be sure the watch’s sensor is clean and that you are wearing the watch snugly on the wrist.
Update Status & Compatibility
The software updates are being released in the United States first, but Apple intends to make them available worldwide in the coming weeks. The updates are compatible with all Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10 and Ultra 2 models.
Bottom Line
- Install watchOS 11.6.1 on the Apple Watch.
- Install iOS 18.6.1 on the paired iPhone.
- Open Health on the iPhone to view blood‑oxygen readings.
Once both devices are updated, your Apple Watch will return to measuring your blood oxygen levels, with the results now displayed on your iPhone’s Health app.
Apple Health Update
New Measurement Flow – Apple clarifies that sensor data collected by the Blood Oxygen feature on the Apple Watch will now be transmitted to the paired iPhone. The iPhone will handle the data processing and calculation, while the results will be displayed under the Respiratory subsection of the Health app.
What This Means for Users
- Apple Watch Screen Display – For all Apple Watch models that are not entangled in the pending patent dispute, the smartwatch will keep showing the Blood Oxygen readings directly on its own screen.
- Health App Integration – Users will also have the option to view the same data inside the Health app on the iPhone, specifically in the Respiratory section.
- Continuity of Feature – The Blood Oxygen app on the Apple Watch will continue to operate as usual for the unaffected models, ensuring a seamless user experience.
Key Takeaway
Apple’s latest protocol ensures that sensor data from the Blood Oxygen app will be measured, calculated, and showcased efficiently across both the Apple Watch and the paired iPhone, providing a cohesive health monitoring ecosystem.
Why the hassle?
Apple Watch’s Blood‑Oxygen Feature Removed After Trade‑Commission Ban
Apple’s wrist‑watch line once let users gauge their blood oxygen levels with a quick scan. But a patent clash with Masimo and a trade‑commission ruling forced the Cupertino firm to ditch the capability, after a protracted legal showdown and an import ban.
Key Dates
- April 2023 – Masimo filed a lawsuit alleging Masimo had patented the technology Apple used.
- September 2023 – The International Trade Commission (ITC) ruled that imports of Apple Watch models carrying the blood‑oxygen feature could be banned until the dispute was resolved.
- Late 2023 – Early 2024 – Apple stopped shipping the feature in all regions, pending the ITC’s decision.
What Apple Said
Apple’s press release stated that the decision was “over the trade‑commission ruling” and that the company would continue to offer the Health Kit platform in future wearable updates.
Why It Matters
Health professionals had praised the watch’s oxygen‑reading tool for its convenience and accuracy. The ban means users must rely on separate devices or wait for a legal fix before the feature returns.
Looking Ahead
Apple and Masimo are still negotiating a resolution. Until the ITC’s ban is lifted, the smartwatch will not display blood‑oxygen data, and owners will have to seek alternatives.
A New Chapter for Apple Watches
The United States imposed a trade restriction on Apple’s Apple Watch models in December 2023, forcing the company to remove the blood oxygen sensor from the devices it sold.
Legal Backdrop
- Apple faced two lawsuits from Masimo, the medical technology firm that challenged the removal of the sensor.
- Despite the legal pressure, Apple expressed disagreement with Masimo’s accusations.
Software Workaround
- Immediately after the ITC ruling, Apple began developing a software‑based workaround to restore the functionality.
- Although Apple had an alternative route ready, it took more than 18 months to activate the solution for consumers.
What It Means for Users
The delay means that users will have to wait an extended period before they can measure their blood oxygen levels on the newer Apple Watch models.
Looking Ahead
Apple’s experience highlights the challenges that technology firms face when balancing regulatory compliance, legal disputes, and product innovation.
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