Apple deploys a software update which allows a redesigned version of the functionality for the Apple Watch Series 9, 10 and Ultra 2 which bypassing the import prohibition imposed by the International Trade Commission. To get around the prohibition, data on blood oxygen collected on the Apple Watch will now be measured and calculated on the iPhone where they are associated. Although users cannot display data on their wrist, they can view it in the iPhone health application in the respiratory section.
IOS 18.6.1 can be downloaded from live eligible iPhones by going to Settings> General> Software update. Watchos 11.6.1 is available for new Apple Watch models which have blood oxygen monitoring deactivated, and it can be downloaded via the Apple Watch application on iphone.
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Apple Watch – Blood oxygen functionality
This marks the latest development of a several year saga that has seen Apple temporarily pulling its popular intelligent watches from American store shelves during the critical holiday season almost two years ago. In 2023, the International Commerce Commission ruled that Apple had violated a patent from the Masimo digital health company linked to its pulse oximeter technology, which Apple has strongly denied.
When the order was issued, it only applies to the new Apple watches in the United States, which means that those who already had an Apple watch with the functionality were not affected. Apple watches sold outside the United States were not affected by the order.
Now Apple has found a bypass solution and restore it via the new iOS 18.6.1 and Watchos 11.6.1 updates. Apple’s decision to publish the update follows a new American customs decision that allows the company to import watches with a redesigned version of technology.Read also: The video captures a massive explosion in New York: Black Smoke Engulfs Manhattan Skyline
Users with serial 9, Series 10 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 models in the United States which does not currently have the blood oxygen functionality will have access to the rebuilded blood oxygen functionality by updating their paired iPhone to iOS 18.6.1 and their Apple Watch at Watchos 11.6.1.
Following this update, data from the Blood Oxygen application sensors on Apple Watch will be measured and calculated on the paired iPhone, and the results can be consulted in the respiratory section of the health application, the company said. This update was activated by a recent American customs decision.
There will be no impact on the Apple Watch units purchased previously which include the original blood oxygen function, nor on the Apple Watch units purchased outside the United States
How can users access it?
In the United States, users of these Apple Watch models which do not currently have the blood oxygen functionality can obtain the redesigned version by updating their iPhone to iOS 18.6.1 and Apple Watch in Watchos 11.6.1.
With the latest update, the Blood Oxygen application on Apple Watch now sends its data to the paired iPhone for processing. The results will be displayed in the health application in the respiratory section. This change comes in response to a decision on American customs. In simple terms, Apple Watch users in the United States can again measure their blood oxygen levels directly on their watch, but the detailed results will only appear on the iPhone. Watches that have been sold with the original function or those purchased outside the United States do not remain affected.
