Does the Apple Watch Series 10 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 include an Oxygen Sensor?

John22 wrote:

Thanks for all of the comments. I called Apple sales today and spoke to a human. She indicated that the new Series 10 will have the sensor but that the feature will be disabled for now. Same for the Ultra 2.

Thanks for posting back with the results of your research!

Unknown, as the Apple Watch has not shipped yet.

From a manufacturing perspective, it would be easier to include the sensor, and disable it in software for the U.S. market.

Also including the sensor would allow Apple to enable it sometime in the future should the lawyers ever resolve the patent issues (do not hold your breath).

However, just be cause Apple got away with using a software fix for the Series 9, and Ultra II, does not mean the courts will allow it for the Series 10. We can only hope, against some future resolution to the patent issues.

John22 wrote:

Thanks for all of the comments. I called Apple sales today and spoke to a human. She indicated that the new Series 10 will have the sensor but that the feature will be disabled for now. Same for the Ultra 2.

Great information, hopefully Apple can settle the dispute with Masimo. I was going to buy the new Ultra 2, and would love to have the feature back.

This explains. It applies to all the newly announced Apple Watches.

About Blood Oxygen availability - Apple Support

Here’s the real answer. From the horse’s mouth. Sensor is there. Software disabled due to IP court decision. Apple is appealing. All about $.

No info re FDA because nobody cares. Regular people use their common sense. I have a low SpO2 condition, and watch does what it is supposed to do. Monitor it to highlight any drifts in data. 1-3% here or there is in the noise. Same for any retail version. I doubt a $20 Chinese product is better or more accurate. FDA approval is also all about $. Believe me, if you’re below 90% you don’t need a watch to tell you. You’ll feel like a fish out of water.

About Blood Oxygen availability - Apple Support

answer also provided above by Sherman, but only 4 upvotes. I don’t get it.

All Apple Watch units sold by Apple in the United States starting January 18, 2024 will not have the Blood Oxygen measure feature. These units are indicated with part numbers ending in LW/A.

-Zachyy ✌️

just disabled, it would be a huge production cost inc for apple to produce 2 models in parallel 1 for USA and one for the rest of the world only because of a maybe temp legal ban in the USA

The 2 or 3 patents that were ruled Apple infringed on expire in 2028. No other country or region in the rest of the world is trying to impose the same restrictions.

There’s a lengthy political discussion that could take place at this juncture, but community rules, prohibit such discussions so I’ll leave it at that.

Truthfully, the blood oxygen feature is mostly irrelevant. Why? If you have a condition that requires monitoring, Apple Watch is not FDA approved. You can buy an FDA approved model, and carry it in your pocket or purse, for under $20 on Amazon. If you don’t have a condition that requires monitoring, it’s just a convenience (gimmick?) and shouldn’t really affect your purchasing decision. If it has the sensor, it could in theory, be enable by Apple a time far in the future.

Jeff Donald wrote:

Truthfully, the blood oxygen feature is mostly irrelevant. Why? If you have a condition that requires monitoring, Apple Watch is not FDA approved. You can buy an FDA approved model, and carry it in your pocket or purse, for under $20 on Amazon. If you don’t have a condition that requires monitoring, it’s just a convenience (gimmick?) and shouldn’t really affect your purchasing decision. If it has the sensor, it could in theory, be enable by Apple a time far in the future.

I guess if all depends on your needs, Jeff. I need to monitor my SPO2 at night. This feature allows me to do that. It provides information I can share with my doctor. I do not find it irrelevant but I do understand it may be that for the majority of Apple Watch wearers.

Apple is under a US patent infringement ruling that precludes Apple selling Apple Watches imported into the US after January 18, 2024.

The patents expire in 2028, but hypothetically either party could agree to settle the current infringement issues. Apple has also appealed the judgment and could overturn the lower court’s ruling.

my thoughts on the Apple Watch O2 sensor it’s good for trending and on the spot measurements for oxygen saturation is very accurate compared to hospital grade oximeters . For apple to introduce a sleep apnea app after they are required to disable their O2 sensor on the watch is ridiculous.

token787 wrote:

As a Respiratory Sleep Tech we also measure Oxygen. Oxygen plays a major role in sleep apnea.

Of course; that is a special case. The SP02 sensor in the Apple watch is not a good tool for monitoring sleep apnea, even if it were available. You should choose the proper tool for the job. There are dedicated devices that meet medical standards. Among consumer devices the Oura Ring continuously monitors many factors, including SP02, heart rate, body temperature, sleep quality, restlessness, stress. Here’s a sample of the relevant values in a typical Oura display:

And it also uploads to the Apple Health app.

Jeff Donald wrote:

You can buy an FDA approved model, and carry it in your pocket or purse, for under $20 on Amazon.

The one I have syncs to Health quite nicely.