A protracted legal clash over Apple Watch blood oxygen sensing with Masimo could soon end, clearing the path for Apple to reintroduce SpO2 monitoring across its devices. The dispute surged after the ITC found patent infringement and briefly banned imports, prompting Apple to disable the feature before a workaround via paired iPhones. A 2025 revival was approved by U.S. customs and, despite a late damages ruling against Apple, the ITC has thus far refused a new ban, signaling a potential return of the feature pending appeals. The case underscores ongoing IP frictions around health sensors and sets up a drawn-out trajectory as both sides ready further action. If resolved, users may once again access direct blood oxygen readings from the Apple Watch or linked iPhone Health app.
Dive Deeper:
In 2020, Apple introduced the Apple Watch Series 6 with a blood oxygen sensor, setting off a patent dispute with Masimo that would unfold for years.
The ITC ruled in January 2023 that Apple violated Masimo’s patents, and by December 2023, it banned the import of Apple Watch models including Series 9 and Ultra 2 into the United States, triggering Apple to disable the feature on devices to comply.
To circumvent the ban, Apple later showcased a workaround by displaying血氧 data on a paired iPhone instead of the Watch, a move that sparked further legal action from Masimo against US Customs.
A November 2025 U.S. district court decision awarded Masimo substantial damages for patent infringement, prompting Apple to plan an appeal and potentially hinge the outcome on the patent’s 2022 expiry date claim.
The ITC has blocked new import bans and declined Masimo’s bid for review in Apple’s favor, indicating a complex path forward that may hinge on ongoing litigation and regulatory reviews.
As the dispute continues, consumers are reminded that accurate, affordable alternatives like pulse oximeters remain available, highlighting the broader competition in at-home health monitoring.