Top Highlights
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Redesigned Blood Oxygen Feature: Apple introduces a revamped Blood Oxygen feature for Watch Series 8, Series 10, and Apple Watch Ultra, circumventing an International Trade Commission (ITC) import ban.
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Data Viewing on iPhone Only: Blood oxygen data will now be measured on the paired iPhone and can only be viewed through the Health app, not directly on the Apple Watch.
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Legal Background: This update follows a legal dispute with Masimo, which accused Apple of patent infringement related to pulse oximetry technology, leading to the original feature’s removal.
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Applicability of New Feature: The redesigned feature will only be available for Apple Watches sold after the ITC’s 2024 ban; earlier models or those purchased internationally remain unaffected.
Apple’s Return to Blood Oxygen Monitoring
Apple reintroduces blood oxygen monitoring with an important update for its Apple Watch Series 8, Series 10, and Apple Watch Ultra. This redesign comes in response to an import ban imposed by the International Trade Commission (ITC). By shifting the blood oxygen calculation to the paired iPhone, Apple navigates the restrictions while offering users valuable health data. Users will find the results under the Respiratory section of the Health app on their iPhones. Unfortunately, they won’t be able to view this data directly on their watches.
This move stems from a recent ruling by U.S. Customs that permits Apple to import its redesigned watches. However, existing models with the original blood oxygen feature remain unaffected, as they are still usable outside the U.S. Only Apple Watches sold after the ITC ban will support the new functionality when the software update rolls out.
Legal Challenges and Future Prospects
The backdrop of this update includes ongoing litigation with Masimo, a medical device developer that accused Apple of infringing its pulse oximetry technology. After securing a preliminary victory that halted imports of affected models, Masimo forced Apple to adapt. Simultaneously, Apple countersued, asserting Masimo used features designed originally for the Apple Watch.
This legal tug-of-war raises essential questions about technology usage in healthcare. As Apple continues to evolve its features while navigating legal complexities, the balance between innovation and compliance remains crucial. Widespread adoption of new health technologies depends on how companies address these issues. Ultimately, Apple’s redesign reflects a commitment to integration and user experience, contributing to the broader journey of personal health monitoring. As they enhance accessibility, users can better understand their health metrics, aligning with the ongoing revolution in digital health care.
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