Tech giant Apple (AAPL) is bringing back its blood oxygen feature to select Apple Watch models through a redesigned version that will comply with a recent import ban. Indeed, the oxygen level data will now be processed and calculated on the user’s iPhone, not the watch itself. This means that instead of seeing results on the watch, users will need to check their iPhone’s Health app, specifically in the Respiratory section.
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This workaround was made possible after a recent decision by U.S. Customs, which allows Apple to import watches with this redesigned version of the feature. The change only applies to Apple Watches sold in the U.S. after the International Trade Commission (ITC) ban began in early 2024. Watches purchased before the ban or outside the U.S. still have the original feature and aren’t affected.
The change is part of Apple’s ongoing legal fight with Masimo (MASI), which is a medical tech company that accused Apple of copying its pulse oximetry technology after partnership talks failed. In 2023, Masimo won an ITC ruling that blocked Apple from importing watches with the original blood oxygen sensor, which forced Apple to remove it. In response, Apple filed an appeal and sued Masimo, claiming that the company copied Apple Watch features in its own devices. Nevertheless, Apple will release the necessary software update on Thursday, so users can access the modified feature.
Is Apple a Buy or Sell Right Now?
Turning to Wall Street, analysts have a Moderate Buy consensus rating on AAPL stock based on 16 Buys, 11 Holds, and one Sell assigned in the past three months, as indicated by the graphic below. Furthermore, the average AAPL price target of $239.18 per share implies 2.7% upside potential.
