Apple wins another patent battle, but watch owners still wait for blood oxygen
The legal war between Apple and Masimo continues to shift, but the immediate relief for millions of Apple Watch owners is short-lived. A recent court ruling delivers another victory to Cupertino, effectively shutting down Masimo’s latest challenge, yet the promised blood oxygen feature remains conspicuously absent from the Series 9 and Ultra 2 models.
A quiet win, a persistent problem
According to court documents, all parties have agreed to dismiss Masimo’s complaint against the International Trade Commission (ITC) and US Customs and Border Protection. This dismissal is ‘with prejudice,’ meaning Masimo can’t simply refile the same argument. It’s a strategically important outcome for Apple, solidifying their position against patent infringement claims.
However, don’t mistake this for a complete victory. Masimo retains the right to appeal to the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, a deadline looming in June 2026. While the immediate threat of a sales ban has receded – a significant exhale for Cupertino after the 2023 import restrictions – the underlying issue persists: genuine, on-device blood oxygen monitoring is still a work-in-progress.
The iphone proxy: a watered-down experience
Let’s be blunt: the blood oxygen functionality on the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 isn’t native. Apple continues to rely on the iPhone as an intermediary, processing the readings remotely. This workaround, implemented since August 2024, has been a known issue for over a year, and frankly, it’s a frustrating delay for consumers who were initially promised a fully integrated feature.
Beyond the legal battles
Apple’s consistent wins in these patent disputes are undoubtedly good news for shareholders. But for the average user, the benefits are arguably minimal. If blood oxygen readings directly on the watch are a key factor in your wearable purchase – and it often is – then this latest dismissal offers little reassurance. I’d personally be looking at a Galaxy Watch or Pixel Watch; the convenience of a device that delivers the data without needing to tether to my phone is simply superior.
The bottom line? Masimo can still pursue an appeal, but Apple’s legal fortress remains remarkably intact. Until that appeal is resolved – or, frankly, until Apple prioritizes genuine on-device functionality – consumers are stuck with a workaround that feels like a compromise. It’s a strategic win for Apple, undoubtedly, but a frustrating one for anyone genuinely seeking the promised health features.