The much-hyped Apple Watch Series 10 has arrived, boasting a sleek new design and a sleep apnea detection system. However, a significant feature is missing for U.S. users: blood oxygen tracking. This crucial functionality, introduced in 2020 with the Apple Watch Series 6, has been temporarily removed due to a patent dispute with medical tech company Masimo.
The legal battle stems from accusations that Apple’s blood oxygen sensor technology infringes on patents held by Masimo. Masimo, a company known for its medical monitoring solutions, claims that Apple used their patented technology without proper authorization. This dispute has been brewing for years, dating back to the initial development of the Apple Watch before the blood oxygen feature was even released.
The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) ruled last year that Apple had infringed on Masimo’s patents, leading to a temporary ban on the sale of Apple Watches in the U.S. This ban initially impacted the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2, and now extends to the Series 10. Consequently, U.S. users cannot access the Blood Oxygen app on their new Apple Watch Series 10 units.
Apple has vigorously defended itself against these accusations and has appealed the ITC ruling. However, the outcome remains uncertain, leaving users in the U.S. unsure when, or even if, they will regain access to this essential health feature. While Apple continues to fight this legal battle, the future of blood oxygen tracking on the Apple Watch Series 10 in the US hangs in the balance.
