Apple brings back blood oxygen monitoring to latest Apple Watches — but there's a catch

(Image credit: Future)

Starting today, blood oxygen monitoring is returning to the Apple Watch for users in the US. Apple is rolling out a software update that enables a redesigned version of the feature on the Apple Watch Series 9, 10, and Ultra 2. This follows the import ban imposed by the International Trade Commission, which has prevented users in the U.S. from accessing this data for over a year.

Users in the U.S. who have one of the newer Apple watches will need to update their watch to WatchOS 11.6.1 today. However, there’s a slight catch: you’ll also need to update your connected iPhone to iOS 18.6.1, as to get around the import ban, the blood oxygen data will only be viewable on your iPhone. Following the update, the Apple Watch will measure blood oxygen, and you’ll be able to view it in the Health app of your iPhone under the Respiratory section.

Apple Watch Blood Oxygen app — (Image credit: Future)

This redesign only covers Apple Watches sold after the ITC import ban was put in place on January 17, 2024. Older models, or watches sold outside the U.S., all have the original blood oxygen feature, and will not be affected.

This redesign only covers Apple Watches sold after the ITC import ban was put in place on January 17, 2024.

Blood oxygen monitoring was first introduced with the Apple Watch Series 6 in 2020. It tells you the percentage of oxygen in your blood at any given moment. For most healthy individuals, the blood oxygen saturation level will be around 95-100%. If it’s below this, it might be a sign of a health condition.

Medical tech company Masimo previously sued Apple, claiming the blood oxygen feature infringed on its pulse oximetry patents. In 2023, the US International Trade Commission ruled against Apple, leading to Apple disabling the feature on the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 in the US to avoid a ban.

This news comes ahead of the rumored release of the Apple Watch 11 and Apple Watch Ultra 3 next month, both of which are likely to also have a blood oxygen sensor.

You can read Apple's full statement about blood oxygen returning to Apple Watch here.

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Jane McGuire is Tom's Guide's Fitness editor, which means she looks after everything fitness related - from running gear to yoga mats. An avid runner, Jane has tested and reviewed fitness products for the past five years, so knows what to look for when finding a good running watch or a pair of shorts with pockets big enough for your smartphone. When she's not pounding the pavements, you'll find Jane striding round the Surrey Hills, taking far too many photos of her puppy.

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