Apple Watch Update Restores Blood Oxygen Tracking for US Users

Speedy Summary

• Apple is reintroducing the blood oxygen monitoring feature for its Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, and Apple Watch Ultra 2 models in the US through a software update.
• The Blood Oxygen app will allow users to check oxygen levels via data collected from watch sensors and displayed on a paired iPhone.
• The feature was previously disabled due to regulatory issues following a patent dispute with Masimo, which alleged misuse of its pulse oximetry technology by Apple.
• A 2023 ruling by the US International Trade Commission (ITC) favored Masimo, temporarily blocking imports of new Apple Watches with this feature. Existing models and international users were unaffected during this time.
• US Customs has now cleared Apple’s redesigned software update for reintroducing blood oxygen tracking in compliance with legal requirements.

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Indian Opinion Analysis
Apple’s move to reinstate its blood oxygen monitoring capability demonstrates how intellectual property disputes can significantly influence technological progress and product availability across regions. While this development directly pertains to the US market, it holds broader relevance within India’s expanding smartwatch sector-a market integrating advanced health features increasingly scrutinized for quality and reliability.

India’s consumers frequently enough rely on international tech brands like Apple due to their innovation and trustworthiness in health-related devices; thus, ensuring patented technologies are legally sound can inspire consumer confidence globally while also preventing regulatory challenges that may ripple across regional markets.

Moreover,Apple’s ongoing work in non-invasive glucose tracking suggests opportunities yet untapped for addressing global health needs through wearable technology-an area India could benefit greatly from given increasing lifestyle-related diseases among urban populations.