Yes, but a patent dispute does not automatically switch off features on watches people already own. In the U.S. blood oxygen dispute, Apple said watches previously purchased with the original Blood Oxygen feature—and watches purchased outside the U.S.—were unaffected. Some U.S. Series 9, Series 10, and Ultra 2 units sold without it later gained a redesigned feature through software updates. A separate heart-rate patent case resulted in a damages verdict over historical sales; it is not an order removing heart-rate features.
What the U.S. Blood Oxygen dispute means for your watch
The practical answer depends on where the watch was purchased and whether it came with the original Blood Oxygen feature. Apple’s August 14, 2025 announcement described a redesigned version for certain U.S. watches that had been sold without the feature. Apple said the redesign did not affect units previously purchased with the original feature or purchases made outside the U.S. Apple’s announcement is the source for those availability details.
| Your situation | What Apple said | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| You already bought a watch with the original Blood Oxygen feature | Apple said the U.S. redesign did not affect these units. | No change is required based on the redesign announcement. |
| You have an affected U.S. Series 9, Series 10, or Ultra 2 bought without Blood Oxygen | The redesigned feature is available with iOS 18.6.1 and watchOS 11.6.1. | Check that the paired iPhone and Apple Watch have those software versions. |
| You bought your watch outside the U.S. | Apple said those purchases were unaffected by the U.S. redesign. | Check Apple’s current regional support information for your model. |
Why some U.S. readings are calculated on the iPhone
The redesigned U.S. feature changes where processing happens. The watch collects the sensor data, while the paired iPhone measures and calculates it; results appear in the Respiratory section of the Health app. This is different from a design in which the watch itself performs the calculation. The feature requires the specified iOS and watchOS versions, and availability is limited to the affected models and circumstances described by Apple.
What the rulings do—and do not—change
There are separate legal developments, and they should not be treated as one order with one remedy.
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The original blood oxygen import dispute
Masimo brought an International Trade Commission (ITC) complaint alleging infringement of patents related to wearable blood oxygen measurement. The ITC found a violation and issued an exclusion order affecting certain Apple watches with light-based pulse oximetry functionality. On March 19, 2026, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit affirmed the original ITC decision. That ruling concerned the original design and the original exclusion dispute; it does not, by itself, establish that every existing watch feature will stop working. The Federal Circuit opinion describes the case and its ruling.
The later proceeding about redesigned watches
In an enforcement proceeding, the ITC declined review of a determination that the accused redesigned products did not infringe the asserted patents and should not be excluded under the existing order. The April 17, 2026 report quotes the ITC decision as saying the redesigned products “do not infringe the Asserted Patents” and should not be excluded under the order’s terms. Apple said, “We thank the ITC for its decision, which ensures we can continue to offer this important health feature to our users.” 9to5Mac’s report reproduces those statements. This development concerns the redesigned products; it did not reverse the Federal Circuit’s ruling on the original design.
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A different patent case produced a $634 million jury verdict in November 2025 concerning historical Apple Watch sales and heart-rate monitoring and notification features. In July 2026, a judge denied Apple’s request to overturn the verdict or obtain a new trial; Apple said it planned to appeal. Reuters’ report on the July ruling covers that case. The verdict is a damages award tied to past sales, not an order to remove current heart-rate features. MacRumors reported on October 6, 2026, that prejudgment interest increased the award, but the final total and subsequent appellate status are not established here. MacRumors’ report covers the interest update.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What to check before buying a watch
Feature availability can depend on model, purchase region, and software, so check the current regional product details rather than assuming a feature is identical everywhere. Apple announced Apple Watch Series 12 in September 2026; that announcement alone does not establish blood oxygen availability for every regional model. Apple’s Series 12 announcement provides the model announcement.
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Blood Oxygen readings are a wellness feature, not a diagnosis. For medical questions or interpretation of a reading, consult current Apple support guidance and a qualified health professional.
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