Apple to Restore Blood Oxygen Feature to Apple Watch in the U.S. With Software Update

Apple will reintroduce a redesigned Blood Oxygen feature to some Apple Watch models in the United States, following a recent U.S. Customs ruling that cleared the new software-based workaround. The change will be delivered through an iPhone and Apple Watch software update expected later today.

The update will bring the new Blood Oxygen functionality to U.S. users of the Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, and Apple Watch Ultra 2 who currently do not have the feature. Access will require updating a paired iPhone to iOS 18.6.1 and the Apple Watch to watchOS 11.6.1. In the redesigned system, sensor data from the Blood Oxygen app on the watch will be measured and calculated on the paired iPhone, with results available in the Respiratory section of the Health app.

This change does not affect Apple Watch units that were purchased with the original Blood Oxygen feature intact, nor does it impact devices sold outside of the United States.


Apple was previously forced to remove the blood-oxygen sensing feature from its latest watches sold in the U.S. after the International Trade Commission ruled that the company had infringed on patents held by Masimo Corp. The Biden administration declined to veto the import ban, which prompted Apple to sell the devices with the feature disabled.

In its announcement, Apple noted its teams "work tirelessly to create products and services that empower users with industry-leading health, wellness, and safety features." It also highlighted that the Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, and Apple Watch Ultra 2 continue to offer features such as irregular rhythm notifications, the ECG app, Sleep Apnea Notifications, Fall Detection, and sleep tracking.

● Apple Watch Ultra 2 - $649.99 ($99.01 off)
● Apple Watch Series 10 - $299 ($100 off) [Track]

Please download the iClarified app or follow iClarified on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and RSS to be notified when the software update is available.