Apple’s journey with blood oxygen monitoring on the Apple Watch has been met with obstacles and legal disputes. Recent reports suggest that the missing feature may make a comeback, albeit with some conditions. Here’s an overview of the situation.
To recap, health device manufacturer Masimo accused Apple of patent infringement regarding the pulse oximetry functionality on the Apple Watch. Consequently, Apple disabled the blood oxygen monitoring feature on all Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 devices sold in the U.S. Meanwhile, models sold overseas still retain the functionality.
Initially, Apple addressed the issue by shutting off pulse oximetry when the Apple Watch is paired with an iPhone. This change resulted in the blood oxygen app displaying a message indicating that the feature is unavailable. Apple implemented this alteration in the manufacturing process by applying new software to every Apple Watch unit.
Masimo, however, argued that a software fix alone was insufficient. To test their claim, they paired one of the watches equipped with the new software with a jailbroken iPhone running an older version of iOS. Surprisingly, this combination allowed them to reactivate the blood oxygen monitoring feature. Masimo contended that since jailbreaking is a known practice, Apple’s effort didn’t adequately address the patent infringement issue. Nevertheless, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection deemed Apple’s modifications enough to avoid patent infringement.
As of now, Apple has filed an appeal, potentially leading to the restoration of the blood oxygen monitoring feature through a software update. Alternatively, Apple could negotiate a settlement with Masimo to license the capability. However, there have been no discussions between the two companies thus far.
Furthermore, there is a possibility that the feature might reappear earlier than expected. According to Mark Gurman, a reputable Apple analyst, Apple is determined to bring back the feature without entering into any agreement with Masimo. Gurman estimated that achieving this goal could take several months, possibly extending into the later part of the year.
While the future of blood oxygen monitoring on the Apple Watch remains uncertain, it is clear that Apple is actively seeking a solution. Users can hope for a resolution that ensures the seamless integration of this valuable health monitoring feature in the near future.
The blood oxygen monitoring feature on the Apple Watch has faced challenges and legal disputes due to patent infringement accusations by health device manufacturer Masimo. Apple responded by disabling the feature on Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 devices sold in the U.S. but not overseas. Initially, Apple attempted to address the issue by shutting off pulse oximetry when the Apple Watch is paired with an iPhone, but Masimo argued that this software fix was insufficient.
In a test, Masimo paired one of the watches with the new software with a jailbroken iPhone running an older version of iOS, and this allowed them to reactivate the blood oxygen monitoring feature. Masimo claimed that Apple’s attempt to address the patent infringement issue was not adequate. However, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection ruled that Apple’s modifications were enough to avoid patent infringement.
Apple has filed an appeal and may potentially restore the blood oxygen monitoring feature through a software update or negotiate a licensing agreement with Masimo. However, no discussions have taken place between the two companies so far. Apple analyst Mark Gurman suggested that Apple is determined to bring back the feature without entering into an agreement with Masimo. This process may take several months, possibly extending into the later part of the year.
The future of blood oxygen monitoring on the Apple Watch remains uncertain, but Apple is actively seeking a solution. Users can hope for a resolution that ensures the seamless integration of this valuable health monitoring feature in the near future. For more information, you can visit the Apple website by clicking here.
The source of the article is from the blog exofeed.nl