Apple has officially reinstated the much-anticipated Blood Oxygen sensing feature for users in the United States with the release of iOS 18.6.1 and watchOS 11.6.1. On Thursday, the tech giant announced that the Blood Oxygen app will be available once again for the Apple Watch Series 9, Apple Watch Series 10, and Apple Watch Ultra 2. These updates are now accessible for users to download on their compatible devices.
The return of the Blood Oxygen feature follows a lengthy legal battle that began in 2020, when Masimo, a health technology company, accused Apple of stealing trade secrets and infringing on ten patents related to health tracking functionalities in the Apple Watch. Masimo claimed that Apple not only utilized confidential technology without proper credit but also poached its staff. To continue selling the Apple Watch in the U.S. during the ongoing appeal process, Apple had temporarily disabled this feature.
The current update, iOS 18.6.1, has a build number of 22G90. According to the release notes, it provides an enhanced Blood Oxygen experience for users with compatible Apple Watch models, allowing them to measure and view their blood oxygen levels directly through the Apple Health app. Once both devices are updated, the sensor data collected by the Blood Oxygen app on the Apple Watch will be processed and displayed on the paired iPhone.
To utilize the new Blood Oxygen sensing feature, users should ensure their Apple Watch is charged to at least 50% and connected to Wi-Fi. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to update your devices:
For Apple Watch: Open the Settings app on your Apple Watch. Select General. Tap Software Update. Tap Install if a software update is available and follow the on-screen instructions. For iPhone: Open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone. Tap General. Select Software Update. Tap the update if it is available and follow the on-screen instructions. Additionally, go to the Settings app on your iPhone, select General, then Software Update, and install if prompted.It is important to note that this update is limited to Apple Watch devices sold within the U.S. and does not apply to those purchased and activated before the initial ban on the feature.
The reintroduction of the Blood Oxygen sensing feature is a significant development in Apple’s ongoing commitment to health tracking technology. As the company navigates the complexities of legal disputes and consumer expectations, users can look forward to more innovations in health monitoring capabilities in future updates.
