In August 2025, Apple brought back a revamped version of its Blood Oxygen feature for the Apple Watch in the United States, signifying a major comeback after an 18-month break. This hiatus was attributed to a patent conflict with health tech firm Masimo, which prompted Apple to market the Apple Watch without this capability for a duration.
The International Trade Commission (ITC) has now launched a new proceeding to ascertain if this revamped feature should also encounter a ban because of the continuing patent disputes with Masimo. The ITC’s latest filings reveal that they are undertaking a combined modification and enforcement proceeding to evaluate the legality of the revamped Blood Oxygen feature regarding the original import ban.
The ITC’s choice to revisit the case arises from the release of the redesigned Apple Watch, which was not included in the initial probe. The main focus of this proceeding will hinge on whether Apple infringes on Masimo’s patents by offering an Apple Watch that, when connected to an iPhone, utilizes the contested technology.
A critical component of the ITC’s assessment is the operation of the Apple Watch alongside the iPhone. The inquiry will investigate if the union of the two devices activates the patented features at stake. Apple’s updated Blood Oxygen feature enables users to start a test on their Apple Watch, gathering the required data. However, the findings are not shown on the watch itself; rather, they are available through the Health app on the connected iPhone, specifically within the Respiratory section.
The ITC has signaled that it anticipates reaching a verdict on this issue within six months, which could have considerable consequences for Apple’s product lines and its ongoing legal skirmishes with Masimo.
