Why the Blood Oxygen Feature’s Return to Apple Watch Matters

August 18, 2025

Apple Watch users in the United States will once again be able to access blood oxygen monitoring. Through a software update that recently rolled out, Apple has reintroduced the redesigned Blood Oxygen app for Series 9, Series 10 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 users who previously lost access due to an import ban.

The redesign has shifted how the watch handles SpO2 readings: sensor data is now measured on the watch but calculated on the paired iPhone, with results available in the Respiratory section of the Health app. Apple Watch models purchased outside the U.S., or those that originally included the feature, are unaffected by these changes. Athletech News