Apple has updated its US website to inform customers that the Blood Oxygen feature on the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 is no longer supported. This update follows coverage by MacRumors and related reporting about the shift in product capabilities in the United States.
The move disables access to the Blood Oxygen feature on US bound devices as a precaution against potential sales restrictions. The restriction comes in the wake of a ruling by the US International Trade Commission that Apple infringed Masimo patents in the design of the pulse oximeter used in the Apple Watch since the Series 6 debuted in 2020. This decision prompted a ban on certain models entering the US market, prompting Apple to adjust software availability on affected devices.
When the Blood Oxygen app is opened on an affected watch, the user will see a notification indicating that the service is no longer available. The app will automatically redirect users to the Health app for related information and health data tracking, ensuring a seamless transition for users accustomed to monitoring oxygen saturation levels on their wrist.
The restriction applies specifically to Series 9 and Ultra models imported into the United States after the ban takes effect. In practical terms, the pulse oximeter sensor will continue to function during existing sales periods, but future shipments to the US will reflect the new limitation. It is important to note that devices sold and used in other countries remain unaffected by the ITC ruling and associated ban, preserving full functionality outside the United States.
For readers following broader mobile technology developments, the broader ecosystem continues to see evolving patent disputes and regulatory actions that influence hardware features across major brands. In this case, Apple’s software and hardware integration for health sensing are being adjusted in response to intellectual property concerns and regulatory outcomes, with user experience prioritized through clear notifications and guided navigation to Health data resources.