In response to the recent temporary sales ban imposed on its Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 models in the U.S., Apple has proposed a solution involving a software update that disables the pulse oximetry feature on these devices. The ban was a result of an International Trade Commission (ITC) ruling, and while the models are currently back on sale, Apple is working on a more permanent fix.
The proposed resolution was discovered in a legal filing by lawyers representing Masimo, the company opposing Apple in the dispute. The pulse oximetry feature, introduced in 2020, measures blood oxygen levels. However, its accuracy has been questioned, and Apple has never marketed it as a medical tool, positioning it instead as a wellness feature.
Users with Apple Watch models featuring pulse oximetry may not even be aware of the feature, given its limited utility and accuracy. While pulse oximetry, as seen in traditional blood oxygen monitors, can provide critical health information, Apple’s implementation has not proven to be a reliable indicator.
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The software update, aimed at disabling this feature entirely, is expected to have minimal impact on users. The move underscores Apple’s willingness to adapt its offerings based on user feedback and practicality. In this case, the pulse oximetry feature, seen as more of a supplementary aspect of the Apple Watch’s wellness features, may not justify a U.S.-wide sales ban.
It’s worth noting that the blood oxygen level measurements gained attention during the COVID-19 pandemic as a potential indicator of deteriorating health. However, the general public’s interest in this specific aspect has diminished as the situation has evolved.
Apple’s decision to disable the pulse oximetry feature comes in response to the ITC ruling and to avoid a prolonged sales ban or potential patent-related complications with Masimo. While users may lose a graphical representation in their Health app dashboards, the feature’s limited practicality makes it a reasonable sacrifice to ensure continued device sales.
We have reached out to Apple for confirmation and will update the report accordingly.