On August 14, Apple re-enabled the blood oxygen feature on Apple Watch in the U.S., ending an 18-month pause. The update arrived through iOS 18.6.1 and watchOS 11.6.1 after U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) cleared the change.
Apple built a software workaround that shifts the processing of blood oxygen readings from the Watch to a paired iPhone. This adjustment helped the company skirt an import ban from the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC), which acted after medical device maker Massimo accused Apple of patent infringement.
Massimo Pushes Back
Massimo quickly objected to the return of the feature. The company argued that CBP overreached by approving Apple’s workaround since only the ITC has the authority to enforce or alter such bans. Massimo also claimed that Apple’s revised method still violates its patents under the “doctrine of equivalents,” which covers minor changes that achieve the same result.
ITC Steps In
On August 21, the ITC acknowledged Massimo’s new lawsuit and criticized CBP’s involvement. The commission noted that similar disputes in the past returned to the ITC for review. The move suggests the ITC may reexamine Apple’s workaround.
If the ITC sides with Massimo, Apple may once again remove the blood oxygen feature from U.S. models and could face additional penalties.
What’s at Stake
This dispute goes beyond Apple and Massimo. It highlights the ongoing tension between CBP’s enforcement role and the ITC’s authority in trade disputes. The outcome could shape how future tech import bans are handled.
For now, Apple Watch users can use the blood oxygen feature again, but its future remains uncertain as the legal battle continues.
