Apple removes blood oxygen feature from Series 9 & Ultra 2 watches to bypass ban

Apple has removed the blood oxygen feature from its Series 9 and Ultra 2 Apple Watches as a way to bypass an impending ban on the sales.

After weeks of back and forth with the US government and health technology company Masimo, Apple’s dispute over the blood oxygen sensor in its latest watches has yet to see an end.

A court order on January 17, 2024, noted that the sales ban on the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 was set to be reinstated a day later, but Apple has found a way to continue business as intended.

To do so, the Cupertino company has issued a software update that removes the app that makes use of the patent-infringing sensor.

Apple Watch Series 9 & Ultra 2 lose major feature

On January 18, 2024, Apple updated the website listings for both the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 to reveal that they’ve removed the blood oxygen feature.

“Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 no longer include the blood oxygen feature,” it says in a banner at the top of each page.

According to 9to5mac, the watches will still have the app installed but when a user taps on it, they’ll be redirected to the support page explaining why it’s not available.

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They also shared a statement from the company explaining why they decided to make the change.

“Apple’s appeal is ongoing, and we believe the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit should reverse the USITC’s decision. We strongly disagree with the USITC decision and resulting orders,” Apple said.

“Pending the appeal, Apple is taking steps to comply with the ruling while ensuring customers have access to Apple Watch with limited disruption. These steps include introducing a version of Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 in the United States without the Blood Oxygen feature.

“There is no impact to Apple Watch units previously purchased that include the Blood Oxygen feature.”