At Apple’s recent iPhone 16 event, the absence of a previously featured health technology on the Series 10 watch models was a noticeable setback, particularly for consumers in the U.S. The blood oxygen feature, which was introduced with the Series 6 device, will not be included in the Series 10 models sold in the U.S. This omission has raised questions about the company’s commitment to prioritizing health features on its wearable devices.
The exclusion of the blood oxygen feature from the Apple Watch Series 10 in the U.S. market can be attributed to an ongoing patent dispute between Apple and the medical device company Masimo. This legal battle has led to the disabling of the feature on previous Apple Watch models, such as the Series 9 and Ultra 2. The absence of this key health feature underscores the complexities involved in incorporating advanced technologies into consumer devices, especially in a highly competitive market.
For consumers who have come to rely on the blood oxygen feature for monitoring their health metrics, the absence of this functionality on the Series 10 watches may be disappointing. The loss of such a valuable tool raises concerns about the overall user experience and the perceived value of the Apple Watch as a health and wellness companion. It remains to be seen how consumers will respond to this change and whether it will impact their purchasing decisions.
Apple has not provided specific details regarding whether the removal of the blood oxygen feature from the Series 10 watches is a hardware-related change or a software-based adjustment. The company’s silence on this matter has left consumers and tech experts speculating about the reasons behind this decision. As the Series 10 watches become available for sale and are subjected to teardown analyses, more clarity may emerge regarding the nature of the feature’s removal.
Despite the absence of the blood oxygen feature, Apple announced new health features for the Series 10 watches that will be available globally. These include innovations such as sleep apnea detection, which signals the company’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the health monitoring capabilities of its wearable devices. While the loss of the blood oxygen feature is certainly a setback, Apple’s focus on introducing new health technologies demonstrates its dedication to improving the overall user experience.
The missing blood oxygen feature on the Apple Series 10 watches highlights the complexities and challenges faced by technology companies in integrating advanced health technologies into consumer products. Apple’s ongoing patent dispute with Masimo has resulted in the exclusion of this key feature, prompting questions about the impact on consumers and the company’s strategic direction in the wearable technology market. As Apple continues to innovate and introduce new health features, the absence of the blood oxygen feature serves as a reminder of the intricate legal and technical considerations involved in developing cutting-edge consumer devices.