Apple Watch Brings Back Blood Oxygen Monitoring via iPhone Solution

Apple has restored the blood oxygen monitoring feature to select Apple Watch models after it was disabled due to a patent dispute with Masimo. Users of Series 9, Series 10, and Ultra 2 watches in the U.S. can now access the Blood Oxygen feature again by updating to watchOS 11.6.1 and iOS 18.6.1. Instead of processing data directly on the watch, readings are now calculated and displayed on your iPhone via the Health app’s Respiratory section.The Verge Tech Radar

Why the Blood Oxygen Feature Was Disabled

A legal battle over pulse oximetry technology with medical device maker Masimo led to a U.S. import ban on affected Apple Watch models late last year. Apple redesigned the feature to comply with the ruling by offloading calculations to the connected iPhone and recently won the ability to re-enable it.The VergeBusiness Insider

How to Enable the Redesigned Feature

1. Update your iPhone to iOS 18.6.1 and your Apple Watch to watchOS 11.6.1.
2. For affected U.S. devices, the Blood Oxygen readings will now appear in the Respiratory section of the Health app, not on the watch itself.Apple TechRadar

Why This Matters

• Apple restores a key health-tracking function for its U.S. users.
• The workaround adheres to legal restrictions while satisfying customer demand.
• The return of this feature restores the Apple Watch’s standing as a robust health and fitness accessory.