In a significant development, Apple has reintroduced a modified blood oxygen measurement capability to its newest smartwatches, including the Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, and Ultra 2. This functionality, crucial for health monitoring, became available following a recent determination by U.S. customs authorities. The reintroduction marks a pivotal moment after a period where the original feature was disabled due to a legal injunction stemming from a patent dispute. This strategic update demonstrates Apple's commitment to maintaining advanced health features while navigating complex intellectual property challenges.

The tech giant's ability to restore the blood oxygen feature comes after the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) had previously issued an exclusion order in 2023. This order, prompted by patent infringement allegations from Masimo, a company specializing in patient monitoring and pulse oximetry, had necessitated Apple's removal of the original blood oxygen sensing capability from its devices. The ongoing legal conflict between Apple and Masimo has been a prominent issue in the medical technology sector, highlighting the fierce competition and patent litigation common in the industry.

As of January 2024, Apple successfully implemented a software-based modification, enabling the sale of its Series 9 and Ultra 2 watches without the contested pulse oximeter function. This workaround proved effective in complying with the ITC's initial ruling. Subsequently, a new ruling from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection provided Apple with the legal avenue to integrate a revised iteration of the blood oxygen feature into its wearables. This redesigned system now channels the sensor data from the Apple Watch to the paired iPhone for processing and display, a departure from the previous method where readings were shown directly on the watch screen. It's important to note that this update applies specifically to devices sold within the U.S., with no changes affecting watches purchased earlier or outside the country.

Despite this recent success, the legal skirmishes between Apple and Masimo are far from over. Apple has lodged an appeal against the ITC's import ban, seeking to overturn the previous ruling. Concurrently, Masimo is pursuing a separate patent infringement lawsuit against Apple in California, with a trial anticipated in November. Furthermore, Apple has initiated its own patent infringement case against Masimo. In October 2024, a jury determined that a discontinued Masimo smartwatch model had infringed upon some of Apple's patents, leading to a minimal statutory payment. This was followed by Apple successfully obtaining a motion for a new trial regarding Masimo's alleged infringement of two specific patents. These ongoing legal battles underscore the intricate and often protracted nature of intellectual property disputes within the competitive technology landscape.

Ultimately, Apple's reintroduction of the blood oxygen feature underscores the company's persistent innovation and its strategic approach to overcoming regulatory and legal hurdles. This move ensures that Apple Watch users can continue to access critical health monitoring capabilities, reinforcing the device's position as a leader in wearable health technology, even as the broader legal narrative with competitors evolves.