Apple returns blood oxygen monitoring to the latest Apple Watches

Apple has released a software update that brings back blood oxygen monitoring to its latest Apple Watch models (Series 9, 10, and Ultra 2) in the US. The update, which is available today, circumvents an import ban imposed by the International Trade Commission (ITC) by measuring and calculating the blood oxygen data on the paired iPhone instead of the watch itself. While users won't be able to view the data on their wrist, they can access it in the iPhone's Health app under the Respiratory section. The redesigned feature only applies to watches sold after January 17th, 2024, when the ITC import ban took full effect. Older models and watches sold outside the US still have the original blood oxygen feature. The update is part of Apple's ongoing legal dispute with Masimo, a medical device maker known for its pulse oximeters. Masimo had accused Apple of infringing on its patents and stealing trade secrets, leading to the ITC import ban. Apple has also filed suits against Masimo, claiming its smartwatches are Apple Watch clones.