After nearly two years of legal wrangling and technical adjustments, Apple has reinstated the blood oxygen monitoring feature on select Apple Watch models in the U.S., marking a significant turnaround in a high-stakes patent dispute with medical technology firm Masimo. The feature, which allows users to measure their blood oxygen saturation levels—a key health metric for detecting conditions like sleep apnea or respiratory issues—had been disabled on watches sold in the U.S. since January 2024 due to an import ban imposed by the International Trade Commission (ITC). Apple announced the return on August 14, 2025, via a software update, but with notable redesigns to sidestep the infringement claims.

The saga began in 2020 when Masimo accused Apple of poaching its employees and infringing on patents related to pulse oximetry technology. This led to a 2023 ITC ruling that found Apple’s sensors violated Masimo’s intellectual property, prompting Apple to halt sales of affected models temporarily and later sell versions with the feature disabled. As reported by Apple’s official newsroom, the company has now rolled out a “redesigned” version of the feature for Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, and Ultra 2 models, available through iOS 18.6.1 and watchOS 11.6.1 updates.

The Redesigned Feature: What’s Changed?

This isn’t a simple reactivation; Apple has altered how the blood oxygen app functions to comply with legal requirements. According to details from gHacks Tech News, the updated feature uses a new algorithm that processes sensor data differently, potentially improving accuracy while avoiding Masimo’s patented methods. Users can now access on-demand measurements and background readings during sleep, but Apple emphasizes that it’s not a medical device and results should not replace professional diagnostics.

Industry insiders note that this redesign involved collaboration with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, which ruled that the changes sufficiently differentiate Apple’s tech from Masimo’s. A report in The New York Times highlights how Apple engineers tweaked the light-emitting and detection patterns in the sensor hardware via software, a move that could set precedents for how tech giants navigate patent minefields in wearables.

Legal Battle’s Broader Implications

The dispute underscores the intensifying competition in health tech, where patents on biometric sensors are fiercely guarded. Masimo, a leader in hospital-grade pulse oximeters, argued that Apple’s entry into consumer wearables threatened its market. Apple countered by appealing the ITC decision and even seeking a presidential veto, which was denied. As CNBC detailed, the resolution came after Apple submitted the redesigned feature for review, gaining approval just days before the announcement.

For consumers, the return is a win, restoring a popular tool that had been available globally but absent in the U.S. market. Posts on X (formerly Twitter) from users and tech analysts, such as those echoing announcements from MacRumors, reflect widespread relief, with many noting the feature’s utility for fitness tracking and early health alerts. However, some experts caution that the tweaks might slightly alter measurement precision, though Apple claims enhancements in reliability.

Market and Competitive Ramifications

This development could bolster Apple’s position in the smartwatch sector, where health features drive sales. Rivals like Garmin and Fitbit have long offered similar oximetry without such legal hurdles, but Apple’s ecosystem integration gives it an edge. A piece in Wired suggests that the ordeal may push Apple to accelerate in-house sensor development, reducing reliance on third-party tech.

Looking ahead, the case highlights vulnerabilities in supply chains for patented components. Insiders speculate that ongoing appeals could extend to 2028, when certain Masimo patents expire, potentially allowing a full restoration without redesigns. As MacRumors reported, Apple is already exploring advanced health metrics like non-invasive glucose monitoring, signaling that this resolution is just one chapter in its ambitious push into personalized medicine.

User Adoption and Future Outlook

Early adopters updating their devices report seamless integration, with the app now featuring disclaimers about its non-medical intent. Bloomberg’s coverage in Bloomberg notes that sales of affected models dipped during the ban, but the feature’s return could spur upgrades, especially with the upcoming Series 11 launch.

Ultimately, this episode reveals the intricate dance between innovation and intellectual property in tech. For industry players, it’s a reminder that health-focused wearables must navigate regulatory and legal thickets carefully. Apple’s strategic pivot not only revives a key selling point but also positions it to lead in an era where wearables are evolving from gadgets to essential health companions. As the dust settles, observers will watch closely for any further legal twists or enhancements that could redefine consumer health monitoring.