Apple Restores Blood Oxygen Monitoring to US Apple Watch Models

Blood Oxygen Monitoring Returns

Apple has re-enabled blood oxygen monitoring for US owners of the Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, and Apple Watch Ultra 2 through the latest software updates — iOS 18.6.1 and watchOS 11.6.1.

The feature, disabled in January 2024 due to a U.S. trade ban linked to a Masimo patent dispute, is now available again via a new workaround.

How the Workaround Works

Instead of displaying results directly on the watch, blood oxygen data is now captured by the Apple Watch but processed and displayed on the paired iPhone in the Health app’s Respiratory section.

While this method is less convenient than before, it restores functionality that had been missing for months.

Why Now?

Apple says the return of blood oxygen monitoring follows a “recent U.S. Customs ruling.” The timing is significant:

• Apple Watch Series 11 and Ultra 3 are expected to launch in about a month.
• Customers hesitant to upgrade due to missing health features now have fewer reasons to wait.

Broader Apple Watch Market Context

Apple’s wearables business has been under pressure, with shipments declining about 19% year-over-year in 2024, according to Counterpoint Research. The reintroduction of blood oxygen monitoring could help stabilize demand ahead of the next-generation models.

Availability

• Eligible Devices (US only): Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, and Ultra 2
• Software Required: iOS 18.6.1 on iPhone and watchOS 11.6.1 on Apple Watch
• Older Models: Apple Watch Series 8, Ultra 1, and earlier were never affected. Models sold outside the U.S. continue to include full blood oxygen functionality.