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Apple disabled Blood Oxygen on US Apple Watch to comply with a Masimo ITC exclusion order

[REGULATORY ACTION]

Jan 18, 2024 · Apple · Apple Watch · Global

All Incidents

Failure Mode

REGULATORY ACTION

Event Date

Jan 18, 2024

Primary Entity

Apple

Robotic Platform

Apple Watch

Jurisdiction / Location

Global

Audit Standard

Physical State Verified

Incident Abstract & Audit Findings

After the ITC found the Apple Watch Series 9 / Ultra 2 pulse-oximetry infringed two Masimo patents (Section 337 limited exclusion + cease-and-desist; effective Dec 26 2023), Apple shipped US units from Jan 18 2024 with the Blood Oxygen (SpO2) feature DISABLED in software to keep selling. The feature was RE-ENABLED in the US on Aug 14 2025 via a redesign that offloads SpO2 processing to the paired iPhone, after CBP cleared the change (Aug 1 2025; iOS 18.6.1 / watchOS 11.6.1).

System & Fleet Architecture

Operating Manufacturer

AppleView Manufacturer

Hardware Platform

Apple WatchView Spec

Operational Sectors

Physical AI / Robotics

Primary Sources & Evidentiary Filings

  • https://www.statnews.com/2023/12/26/apple-watch-itc-import-ban-masimo-pulse-oximetry/

    https://www.statnews.com/2023/12/26/apple-watch-itc-import-ban-masimo-pulse-oximetry/

  • https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2025/08/an-update-on-blood-oxygen-for-apple-watch-in-the-us/

    https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2025/08/an-update-on-blood-oxygen-for-apple-watch-in-the-us/

  • https://www.usitc.gov/press_room/news_release/2023/337/er_december_2023.htm

    https://www.usitc.gov/press_room/news_release/2023/337/er_december_2023.htm

Related Incidents & Failure Precedents

6 records on file

Incident Context & FAQ

What happened in Apple disabled Blood Oxygen on US Apple Watch to comply with a Masimo ITC exclusion order?

After the ITC found the Apple Watch Series 9 / Ultra 2 pulse-oximetry infringed two Masimo patents (Section 337 limited exclusion + cease-and-desist; effective Dec 26 2023), Apple shipped US units from Jan 18 2024 with the Blood Oxygen (SpO2) feature DISABLED in software to keep selling. The feature was RE-ENABLED in the US on Aug 14 2025 via a redesign that offloads SpO2 processing to the paired iPhone, after CBP cleared the change (Aug 1 2025; iOS 18.6.1 / watchOS 11.6.1). A new ITC investigation into the redesign opened Nov 14 2025; an ALJ found NO infringement (Mar 19 2026) and the ITC closed it (~Apr 17 2026); the redesigned feature remains live. Apple's load-bearing disabled-feature exemplar.

When did this incident occur?

The incident is recorded as occurring on January 18, 2024 on the DEPLOY registry. The date reflects the underlying real-world event, not the registry record's creation date.

What robot was involved in Apple disabled Blood Oxygen on US Apple Watch to comply with a Masimo ITC exclusion order?

Apple Watch by Apple is the recorded robot involved in this incident at Global.

Has anyone responded to Apple disabled Blood Oxygen on US Apple Watch to comply with a Masimo ITC exclusion order?

No responses to this incident are recorded on the DEPLOY registry. Operators, manufacturers, or affected parties can submit responses to the editorial team; absence is not a guarantee no response was issued.

What is the current status of Apple disabled Blood Oxygen on US Apple Watch to comply with a Masimo ITC exclusion order?

This incident is an active record on the DEPLOY registry; no retraction or correction has been issued.