If you’re considering purchasing a new Apple Watch Series 10 or Ultra 2 in the United States, it’s important to note that a key health feature—blood oxygen monitoring, or SpO2—will not be active upon purchase. This limitation has persisted for over a year, stemming from a legal dispute that led Apple to disable the feature on new models sold in the U.S., as highlighted by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman in his recent “Power On” newsletter. To provide some background, Apple first introduced blood oxygen sensing with the Series 6 in 2020, positioning it as a significant enhancement to health tracking.
However, a lawsuit from medical technology firm Masimo claimed that Apple’s implementation infringed on its pulse oximetry patents. This legal situation remains unresolved, affecting the latest models for American consumers. On a positive note, if you purchased your watch prior to mid-January 2024, the SpO2 feature remains functional.
Apple’s approach has been to disable the SpO2 software for U.S. units rather than licensing the technology from Masimo. As of early 2024, CEO Tim Cook reiterated the company’s determination to appeal the ruling by the International Trade Commission (ITC) instead of opting for licensing. This appeal process is still underway as of April 2025, with no indication of a timely resolution.
The absence of blood oxygen monitoring may hinder Apple’s perceived leadership in health technology, especially as competitors like Samsung, Google, Garmin, and Oura continue to offer this feature. Consequently, individuals purchasing a Series 9, Ultra 2, or Series 10 in the U.S. after early 2024 will miss out on this capability, despite the hardware being present. The situation poses a frustrating dilemma for potential Apple Watch buyers in the U.S., particularly those who rely on SpO2 monitoring.
Depending on the outcome of Apple’s lengthy legal battle, consumers seeking this vital feature may need to explore alternatives beyond the latest Apple Watch offerings.