Apple to Add Blood Oxygen Measurement Feature to Some US Watches Following Software Update

SadaNews - Apple has announced that it will include a blood oxygen measurement feature in some of its watch models through a software update after receiving approval from the US government amid a prolonged legal dispute over the technology.

This move will enable users of the Apple Watch Series 9, 10, and Ultra 2 in the United States to know their blood oxygen levels on the paired iPhone, according to Reuters.

This step follows years of legal disputes with Masimo, based in Irvine, California, which accused Apple of poaching its employees and stealing its blood oxygen measurement technology after discussing potential cooperation.

The US International Trade Commission ruled in favor of Masimo, banning the import of watches equipped with this feature, prompting Apple to cancel the feature, leading to lengthy appeals. The company's stock fell by 4.5 percent.

Apple stated that through the update, the user can start a session in the blood oxygen app on the Apple Watch, and its sensors will collect data that the iPhone will use to calculate and display the levels.

Masimo persuaded the International Trade Commission to prevent the import of Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 in 2023, based on the commission's decision that Apple's technology for reading blood oxygen levels infringes Masimo's patents.

Masimo has not yet responded to a request for comment.