Apple Watch Blood Oxygen Feature Poised for Return Amid Legal Battles

Daily Technology

·

22/04/2026

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The blood oxygen monitoring feature on the Apple Watch, previously banned due to patent disputes with medical technology company Masimo, may soon be reinstated. Following a series of legal challenges and import bans, a recent ruling by the US International Trade Commission (ITC) has declined Masimo's request for another ban, marking a significant victory for Apple.

Key Takeaways

The ITC has rejected Masimo's request for a new import ban on Apple Watches.
A preliminary ruling found that the redesigned Apple Watch does not infringe on Masimo's patents.
This decision paves the way for Apple to potentially reintroduce blood oxygen monitoring.
Masimo may still appeal the ruling, continuing the legal back-and-forth.

A Long Legal Road

The dispute began in 2020 when Masimo sued Apple, alleging that the blood oxygen sensor introduced with the Apple Watch Series 6 infringed on its patents. In 2023, the ITC sided with Masimo, leading to an import ban on the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 models.

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To circumvent the ban, Apple temporarily disabled the blood oxygen sensing feature on affected devices. In a subsequent move, Apple sought to reintroduce the feature by using a paired iPhone to display blood oxygen levels, a workaround approved by US Customs and Border Protection. However, Masimo challenged this decision, leading to further legal action.

Recent Developments and Future Outlook

In November 2025, a jury found Apple to have infringed on one of Masimo's patents, awarding the company $634 million in damages. Apple has stated its intention to appeal this verdict, arguing that the patent in question expired in 2022.

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Despite this jury decision, the ITC's recent rejection of another import ban is a crucial win for Apple. Unless Masimo pursues further appeals, the company could reinstate the blood oxygen monitoring functionality on its devices. However, given the protracted nature of this legal battle, the situation remains fluid. Masimo has expressed its commitment to defending its intellectual property, suggesting the legal saga may not be entirely over.

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