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The software update will be rolled out today via iOS 18.6.1 and watchOS 11.6.1, targeting the Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, and Ultra 2 models sold in the American market without the original feature.
A Redesigned Function to Circumvent the Ban
As of late December 2023, Apple was prohibited from selling Apple Watches with the blood oxygen measurement feature in the United States, following a ruling by the International Trade Commission (ITC) amid its dispute with Masimo. After briefly halting sales over Christmas, Apple resumed selling models lacking this feature.
With the new update, the calculation method has been altered to comply with restrictions. The Apple Watch still initiates data capture through its sensors, but the measurement calculations are now performed directly on the paired iPhone, rather than on the watch itself. The results can be viewed in the Health app > Breathing section on the iPhone, just like for us. This version also supports background measurements, discreetly collected by the watch and then transmitted to the smartphone for analysis.
No Change for Models Sold Outside the United States
Apple clarifies that this modification does not apply to Apple Watches purchased outside the United States, nor to models that were already sold with the original version of the feature before the ban.
The compatibility of the new version is limited to American Apple Watches with part numbers ending in LW/A. Users can check this information in Settings > General > About on their watch, or via the Apple Watch app on iPhone.
According to Apple, the reintroduction of this feature was made possible following a decision by U.S. customs authorities allowing the importation of models with this revised software design. Meanwhile, there has been no change in the ongoing lawsuit: Cupertino continues its appeal against the initial ITC decision at the Federal Appeals Court.
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