Blood Oxygen Monitoring May Return to Apple Watch Following Masimo CEO Resignation

If you’re a US resident, you might have noticed that your Apple Watch is missing the blood oxygen monitoring feature. This absence isn’t due to Apple’s reluctance but stems from a legal dispute with Masimo, a company that has accused Apple of infringing on its blood oxygen monitoring technology. To circumvent an import ban, Apple opted to remove this feature from its wearables, but there are indications it could make a comeback in future Apple Watch models in the US.

Recently, Masimo CEO Joe Kiani resigned, which has kindled Apple’s optimism for a potential resolution regarding the blood oxygen sensor technology. Kiani, known for his vocal criticism of Apple, had even initiated legal action against the tech giant for alleged technology theft and had refused to license his company’s technology to Apple.

Following his court victory, Kiani stated in a communication to Bloomberg that the ruling highlights how “even the largest and most powerful companies must respect the intellectual rights of American inventors and should face the consequences when violating others’ patents.”

Kiani’s departure could open the door for Apple to enter negotiations with Masimo for a licensing agreement. Although Apple Watch models are packed with an array of health monitoring capabilities, reintroducing blood oxygen monitoring could enhance the user experience and offer consumers an additional health-tracking feature.

Masimo, established in 1989 by Joe Kiani, claims to have pioneered modern pulse oximeters. Discussions between Apple and Masimo about potential collaboration began in 2013, two years prior to the introduction of the inaugural Apple Watch. However, the relationship soured when Apple recruited Masimo’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Michael O’Reilly, in 2014.

Masimo accused Apple of leveraging these discussions to identify key personnel within their organization. The health technology firm subsequently pursued legal action, which may have compelled Apple to exclude blood oxygen monitoring technology from the Apple Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2.

Source