Apple fights to keep banned feature on Apple Watch!

Apple Fights to Bring Back Blood Oxygen Feature in Series 9 Watches

After a long silence, Apple has officially filed a reconsideration appeal to overturn the court ruling that led to banning the blood oxygen monitoring feature in its Series 9 watches.

Patent Battle: Masimo vs Apple

In late 2023, medical tech company Masimo sued Apple for patent infringement. Masimo proved Apple had used its patented SpO2 tech in Series 9. The U.S. International Trade Commission ruled in Masimo’s favor, forcing Apple to disable the feature via a software update in the U.S, though international users remained unaffected.

Why This Feature Matters to Apple

SpO2 is more than a feature – it’s a core part of Apple’s health-first branding. The $399 premium price of Series 9 relies partly on this functionality. It’s also proof that Apple Watch is more than just a stylish accessory – it helps users manage daily health without effort.

Big Numbers Behind Apple Watch

Apple’s wearables bring in $18 billion annually, out of the company’s $383 billion revenue. Despite losing the SpO2 function, Series 9 continues strong sales, pushing Apple to fight for its return.

What’s Next?

Apple’s legal team is working hard to lift the ban. Analysts estimate the feature might return in late 2025. While Apple enhances displays and performance, the missing SpO2 feature leaves a gap in their health-first vision.

Bottom Line

Apple’s persistence shows their dedication to preserving core innovations. The SpO2 ban limits Series 9, but Apple is adding new features to keep their edge. A future comeback of SpO2 could be a major win for the brand and health-focused users.