Why The Apple Watch Is Losing Its Blood Oxygen Sensor

In a video from last month, I explained why the Apple Watch was being banned in the US. And it had to do with its blood oxygen sensor violating a patent held by a medical devices company called Masimo.
I ended the video by giving three possible solutions that could end the ban: Apple could create a new algorithm and sensor to measure blood oxygen that avoids patent violation, they could pay a settlement to Masimo for damages and properly license their patent, or they could rely on a US trade representative to veto the ban completely.
Well, in typical Apple fashion, they defied everyone’s expectations and simply removed the feature altogether.

[@AppleExplained]

I've received quite a few emails asking how I make my videos, if you're interested in learning about it in a detailed course let me know here: greg-s-site-7f5d.thinkific.com/

[@danyal_assi]

W video

[@itsdanielparker7116]

Please let us know

[@arthurmead5341]

Link is a virus, do not click!

[@LebronCCP]

If I ever have my own office with its own waiting room, your music from these videos will be the tune of choice.

[@golsitito4492]

Incredible how you’ll be paying the same for less features

[@melessemansur4647]

This is the Apple way lol

[@Gluonz]

*fewer

[@richardrodriguez9903]

Then buy it for sale.

[@SQDYGMR]

Masimo forced apple to do this

[@aaronshi721]

to be fair it will still be a software lock. they will still include the hardware in case something changes I think

[@travisgould6802]

I wouldn’t buy an Apple Watch that doesn’t have the blood oxygen reader. Without that it’s a normal fitness watch for more money

[@isocarboxazid]

Depends on how you use it, I'm heavily invested in Apple's ecosystem, and this watch helps me unlock devices, approve prescriptions, and stay on track in my private practice and day to day life. The seamlessness is critical.

[@johnmoore1495]

@@isocarboxazidso what you’re saying is you’re a medical provider who probably makes well over 6 figures and can afford it despite losing functionality.

[@sourrlemons]

@@johnmoore1495 no, what they're saying is they're heavily invested in Apple's ecosystem, and this watch helps them unlock devices, approve prescriptions, and stay on track in my private practice and day to day life. The seamlessness is critical for them.

[@gwenpryor]

Just go buy a masimo watch that has the blood oxygen feature and leave the rest of us alone.

[@hdofu]

This is pre Steve Jobs returning level of bad decision making. Apple:”Market our watches best feature as this blood oxidation sensor, then end up getting forced on making a decision to secure the rights to include it but instead choose to forego that and just drop the sensor all together “

[@mlgboy1]

Looking at the Ultra Watch 2 as of 20.02.23 the Blood oxygen feature is available in the UK but not in the US which would indicate that the sensor is currently disabled in the US.

[@Amarethebernese]

A little less? It’s one of the key features it’s scandalous

[@IceBlueLugia]

Uh no it isn’t lol. Do you have COPD or something? Thats about one of the only situations in which this is a “key” feature

[@DanielToo_]

not really

[@Tevon93]

I never use that feature

[@tennisman8304]

It’s definitely stupid that Apple just straight up removed it instead of forking over some of the BILLIONS they have in cash but this is absolutely NOT a key feature.

[@rochitgurung9090]

@@Tevon93yeah only you tho

[@thedougtube]

I just purchased a new Series 9 on Jan. 10 to replace my old Series 5. I need the blood oxygen sensor feature for my medical condition (and the old watch’s battery was dying). I was assured at the Apple Store that my new watch’s blood oxygen sensor would never be disabled through software, and that it could always be fixed if it broke. They also said the patent issue would not affect any watches already sold.

[@miguelon9682]

Thanks for this info

[@microwaveman1234]

i mean to be fair, you’re listening to VERY low level employees who make absolutely no decisions for the company. I’d take what they promise with a grain of salt imo

[@kdawg4909]

You are much better off getting a pulse oximeter for medical reasons and not rely on a smart watch

[@zayn2476]

@@akin1092I presume apple would rather go the route of paying a fair market rate settlement and minimal compensation for damages especially if they can prove there was no intent to infringe on the patent during R&D

[@PeterParkerwon]

Bro apple specialists are airheads I know a girl who worked there for two years she barely knew the apple products itself. She skimmed through all the training modules too and so do a lot of employees. They get fired left and right for stupid shit and give misleading information. They told a customer she could return AirPods to a macys run apple dept 😂. You can still return the watch btw doesn’t matter that you opened it

[@MrSamPhoenix]

I hope they can figure something else out. Because I’m actually one of the folks who use this feature.

[@ZhoRZh37]

Like paying for patent?

[@stiegelzeine2186]

@@ZhoRZh37 Imagine supporting scammers, they should just change it so that this scammer company wont get a single penny for doing absolutely nothing

[@skyMcWeeds]

this used to be very important feature and very useful for the worst months of the pandemic but now that mostly gone back to normal it isn't as beneficial to me anymore

[@MrSamPhoenix]

@@skyMcWeeds hey I feel you, but the feature is very useful for folks with actual health issues that need to keep tabs on things.

[@MrSamPhoenix]

@@ZhoRZh37 why hasn’t the company gone after the likes of Samsung and co?

[@squidk1d]

apple literally just took away the whole reason the buy a series 9 over se 2

[@Someone-oy2li]

Now I never regret buying my SE2

[@PeterParkerwon]

not really tbh cuz the se doesn’t let u type on a keyboard. Just scribble and voice dictation which is horrible apple should specify that on the diagrams

[@squidk1d]

@@PeterParkerwon yeah fair point

[@rohanshxtty]

@@Someone-oy2li same here.., i wish there was AOD in SE

[@lbgstzockt8493]

The S9 has a lot more benefits over the SE outside of the oxygen sensor.

[@DrAnimePhD]

My god Apple is really that petty that they’d rather sell their customers a gimped Apple Watch than pay the royalties for the patents they stole

[@davidr3246]

We’ll said!

[@stiegelzeine2186]

Stole? They didnt steal anything, its just like always, small company makes patent for everything and also those patents get made like theyre made by children so that it generally describes how to read blood oxygen and then sues big companies over nothing to make money because they cant make money through actual work

[@danh5637]

They didn’t actually steal them. One of the inventors worked for both Apple and massimo.

[@DrAnimePhD]

@@danh5637 The court ruled that Apple violated Masimo’s patents, ergo Apple stole it. There’s no sugarcoating it. Apple got caught plain and simple and has to pay the consequences

[@danh5637]

@@DrAnimePhD nope I’m sorry a patent violation doesn’t mean somebody stole anything. It just means one company filed a patent first. As I say and as came out in the court case the person who did blood oxygen for Apple also worked for massimo. The very same person. Massimo happened to file a patent first and that’s just how it goes. It just means they were awarded the patent first. And apple is now violating their patent.

[@falcontomto]

just pay whatever Mosimo asks for already. how much could it really be to buy a bloody license when you are a technogiant like Apple? ffs they had been buying companies all over the world for licenses and techs.

[@fr3ddyfr3sh]

Exactly my thought

[@amirhatef7658]

The problem is that the little brother shareholders want big brother to share his profits and this is not what big brother's shareholders want!

[@gwenpryor]

That would be like submitting to a blackmailer's demands.

[@lbgstzockt8493]

They could probably buy them in cash, they just don’t want to.

[@amirhatef7658]

@@lbgstzockt8493 Then probably, in accordance with Apple's belief, that would mean they admit they did have patent infringement and it paves the way to others to claim something else on Apple later. Also, Massimo claims they spent $50M to get Apple to this stage. Do you think Massimo only sits and watches to see Apple comes first suggesting purchasing Massimo? They wanna bigger fish to catch, a partnership with Apple could boost their stock share value and easily adds up a couple of hundred million dollars to the company's name & assets. Now you see why they spent $50M.

[@RobloxianX]

Hoping to see the blood oxygen features remain on non US watches or on watches made before the ban

[@diotitus]

Awesome. I am so glad that I got the Apple Watch Series 9 (45mm) before the new versions without the blood oxygen sensor come out.

[@JoeRiordan]

I’ve had my 7 for 2 years. First (and last) time I used that function was last month, just to see if I had it.

[@biggooseadventures]

They could only remove the software for watches, already manufactured. So this is definitely just a software thing. Optical (photoplethysmography): These devices use infrared light to see the expansion of your arteries as your heart pumps blood through them. These devices track your pulse rate, and some can also estimate the oxygen levels in your blood. All the watches going forward, even if the software removed will always have the ability to measure blood oxygen level.

[@ckq]

1:26 affected

[@rahimeozsoy4244]

*effected

[@christianbarber26]

yep it's supposed to be "affected" not "effected"

[@Kirby7601]

does the ban also apply to other smartwatch manufacturers like samsung and fitbit?

[@lancer1993]

Is this only for the US, how are other markets affected? I'm from Australia and considering the S9 to replace my SE.

[@Someone-oy2li]

Dont. SE the best

[@Maria-gy1qg]

S9 is a waste se is still goood

[@zhenzhenzhang]

I'm wondering if international models will still have the sensor?

[@celebrityrog]

It has made a blackmarket for watches WITH the Blood Oxygen Sensor, except those with the software update that happened recently that disables watches purchased after 1/19. My sister and mom are always bragging how theirs has a feature that others don't.

[@user-lu8mc3wo3i]

In my experience the blood oxygen sensor on my Apple Watch Ultra is highly inaccurate compared to readings I get from my Oxiline oximeter.

[@johnmoore1495]

Ehh in testing they’re pretty good but not quite on the same level as medical devices. They tend to under read by a few points, but overall still good and will detect low 02 levels

[@weristdort]

This is only for US market not for the European market too? In Europe is the patent not a problem?

[@notroger7]

Does this affect other countries’ Apple Watches?

[@jessicayoung6208]

I have a series 7 and it still works on my watch. I don’t use the feature too often but I guess it’s still nice to have.

[@kamil3]

What is the soundtrack in the background?

[@gordonmier4359]

I’m from Canada. Does this affect me too, or just the US?

[@meckspeeder7047]

Is this only in the usa and not in europe?

[@okman9684]

Imagine getting a feature disabled in a device which you bought with full price 💀

[@CrowJamz]

how did u miss the fact that apple watches with BO sensors already in them aren't affected by this? it's a 2 minute video bro bro

[@okman9684]

​@@CrowJamz let apple implement first then we will see. They even promised to let us use 3rd part app stores but now they gonna charge 30% for that. That show how greedy the apple sales department is

[@KubanKevin]

I wonder if they’ll disable it on my ultra 2. I have the launch version so it’s still working on mine

[@David-qp6hi]

Are there any online vendors selling the version with the O2 sensor?

[@Rocksteady72a]

Scared to updated to watchOS 17.3. Really suspecting it'll disable the sensor.

[@davidgifford8112]

The big question is will the Oximeter in current models be disabled by a future “bug fix” software update. While in practice I find the O2 sensor has little utility, it was one of the features I upgraded for, I wouldn’t want Apple to disable the feature.

[@amedicabg]

It has quite the utility in suggesting sleep apnea

[@davidgifford8112]

@@amedicabg good to know, I currently use iWatch at night to monitor sleep quality and HRV.

[@Grace228]

Does anyone know if the Blood Oxygen app on the Series 9 will be disabled in country Malaysia ? Or these feature will be disabled during iOS update ?

[@thelonewolf191]

Why does FaceId still require a passcode after a certain amount of uses?

[@AbdulAziz4CaNaDa]

iPhone resets biometrics (Face ID & Touch ID) for security reasons and also so u don’t forget ur passcode.

[@ibnewton8951]

01:25 -EFFECTED- AFFECTED 👍

[@jm94008]

🤓

[@ibnewton8951]

@@jm94008 🤪

[@dwayned9929]

Just got a one and now I wonder if I should open and use it or try to flip it

[@mike406]

Definitely would not say you are paying the same price for "a little less". That is downplaying this by quite a bit. This is a major feature and until this gets sorted out I personally can't justify purchasing one.

[@enzmondo]

Hold on. That patent is restricted to the US only right? What happens to non-US (and/or UK) customers?

[@SanderEvers]

Nothing, these modified watches are only for the US.

[@user-rr8hc8ls5n]

1:23 "affected" is spelled with an "a," not "effected"

[@danielgartin-oh9ik]

what does this mean for older models sold on Amazon for example?

[@walkerwarrior8943]

the ban is for new watches refurbished watches will still have blood o2

[@danielgartin-oh9ik]

@@walkerwarrior8943 That's good I was thinking about buying one,,I already have an iPhone and a MacBook Air

[@42luke93]

I have a Series 3, does this mean I can get a new one for free@!?

[@Lupelu831]

I need the oxygen feature. I’ve been saving to purchase one for myself. 😢

[@Someone-oy2li]

Me with apple watch SE2: Nice show!

[@mlgboy1]

Looking at the Ultra Watch 2 as of 20.02.23 the Blood oxygen feature is available in the UK but not in the US which would indicate that the sensor is currently disabled in the US.

[@SinisterSkyler]

apple needs to be boycotted to learn to spend their money in favor to profits AND consumers. selling the same thing for less because they refuse to license the patent they stole is ludacris

[@YumYumUji]

So is it only in the US? I can still buy one in Canada with a blood oxygen sensor?

[@Xachremos]

Yes. Canadian models are unaffected. Be prepared to get bent over at the border with duties if you do get one though. Unless you want to take your chances lying to the border officer.

[@viazel2796]

Can you explain to me how is it that 4 major companies (Walmart, Amazon, Target and Best Buy) can sell these watch with the blood oxygen and the 3 major carries are included in the banned (AT&T, T-Mobile, and Big RED 🤔)?

[@wackaflcka]

Could u make a video and explain why the iphone has a camera?

[@ellobo1326]

It’s really the only reason I even desire to keep my Apple Watch (7) If the battery peters out on this one and Apple hasn’t worked it out, I’m not purchasing another.

[@cadenchurchill4296]

Wonder if they’re changing the watches in Canada. Either way, it’s not a feature I use and I’ve got a Series 8. Disappointed though for the people who use this feature though

[@stiegelzeine2186]

Its a patent… patents only work in 1 country so unless that small company also got a patent in canada and sues them no

[@silenz_178]

I can't believe you mixed up the words affected and effected, on a KZbin channel with 1,4 million subs

[@dogdab9795]

50 years from now Apple Watches with a functional blood oxygen sensor will be worth a fortune

[@half-qilin]

Guess I’ll be replacing the battery in my S6 when it fails… lol

[@austindotwav]

No they won’t

[@ililiilililllli]

Apple does planned obsolescence in their newer models and lineups for a few years now. I would be surprised if the hardware lasted a decade of use.

[@half-qilin]

@@ililiilililllli My old watch has. For communication with legacy hardware, Apple’s been pretty good at it since the iPod

[@geobyjustin]

I stopped updating watch OS after 9 came out. Watch os10 is just a pain to use

[@TheNewBloodDan]

I bought mine new from Amazon and I got lucky and it still supports spo2

[@yog146]

Price will be affected or lowered ❓

[@ExOArc]

No changes to prices of the Ultra2 and S9, Apple being apple👍

[@musion7740]

Will the blood oxygen sensor remain in australia?

[@teenagecarlover1567]

The ban isn’t in Australia, so if you get an Apple Watch right now, you will have the blood oxygen sensor.

[@sioboy]

I bought the latest SE because I never really needed the O2 sensor. I then bought a separate Oximeter which is way cheaper and accurate.

[@1Saynex]

Which one did you buy?

[@sioboy]

@@1Saynex I got the latest Apple Watch SE and I also bought a separate Oximeter. 🙂 Both are serving my needs very well. 🙂

[@KoreaSCR]

I bet this will be your most popular video in 6 years

[@Lukas_Wertelaers]

You know you have to include the bensound link and id in your video description if you use their music.

[@rtm135]

Unpopular Opinion: Tim Cook Should Be Fired Over The Masimo Debacle. Let's look at the facts: (1) In 2013, Apple met with Masimo about using their technology. (2) Instead of purchasing the company or licensing the technology, they hired away their top engineers. (3) Now that Apple has been caught with their hand in the cookie jar, they'd rather remove features from the Apple Watch, hurting customers, instead of buying the company or licensing its tech. This has all the markings of a petulant child, not a seasoned CEO. This is early 80's Steve Jobs kind of behavior. And that behavior got him kicked out of his own company.

[@robertmartin3090]

I hope they keep it. I use it a lot.

[@samuelbi11]

gonna get a second hand one.

[@MsChrist365]

Yeah- was planning to buy but I won’t now

[@marinakiell1069]

I’m glad that I got my Watch Series 8 1/1/23 way b4 this copyright issue was even known to us consumers.

[@Andmau2552]

I love how this channel covers everything Apple related but 80% of the content is "why did this Apple product lose X feature". (The channel is good, it's just corporate irony)

[@VELOOSIFIX]

It still works on me series 9 that I bought on like the 7th idk when

[@FRND23]

Well, I guess I’ll used my ultra 2 until then

[@mahaelhag6892]

Irish people who do/did LC Biology or BOTH LC Biology LC Chemistry who has an iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max also have the Apple Watch Series 9

[@JoeWaylo]

Sure is taking them a sweet-ass time when Apple is SO RICH, they can buy Masimo right out.

[@d3nie]

what about people outside the us (for example me in the uk)

[@MattGarcyaDC]

Did you make a video about the apple credit card?

[@MattGarcyaDC]

yes u did

[@warbass5274]

@@MattGarcyaDCbro you good you replied on your own conment

[@Thestraycat6]

@@warbass5274he can read thoughts

[@Aarav_Vispute]

It sad for apple why does that company need to do that

[@stefanivanov3399]

“Pay the same, get less. Know we made a joke out of you and still remain loyal.” - not Steve Jobs

[@pattonfrench]

Just had to transfer my Ultra to my new iPhone and the updated WatchOS removed the O2 sensor functionality

[@insoft_uk]

Awesome, prices go down on previous models and Europe not effected so looks like this year’s Apple Watch is 2023 for all

[@MrSamPhoenix]

Apple wont be lowering prices.

[@insoft_uk]

@@MrSamPhoenix Apple may not but other sellers usually do, Apple’s MacBook Air 2018 Retina was a laptop that Apple sold significantly higher than other retailers and seen plenty of times Apple Watches being sold significantly lower prices than what Apple is charging. I expect a lot of sellers pushing the 2023 models this year for great deals

[@yourdailytoilet5962]

As much as I like their products, Apple is a greedy, green washing company so don't expect them to lower the prices.

[@stiegelzeine2186]

@@MrSamPhoenix cant you read properly?

[@EOWS812]

@@MrSamPhoenixhe means stuff will get cheaper on eBay.

[@hadizaky5085]

Now all Apple Watch will be Apple Watch SE some just with fancier materials 🤣

[@SorinLion]

Will this affect Samsung watches at all?

[@Digikidthevoiceofreason]

Yay! My Ultra 2 just got more valuable!!! 😂

[@Frosty_V0]

1:23 affected*

[@Acem8887]

is this only in us?

[@lonewolfrcs1331]

i am so glad i kept my firts gen ultra watch and did not upgrade

[@Razuka_Saiku]

Rawr

[@rioborzeli147]

Blood oxygen is why I bought 2 ultra watches. Cpap info helps to monitor daily sleep . More info

[@MTM358]

It's not. It's under court review.

[@maherxtamite]

Hello

[@United_Wings]

Oh

[@VOLVSLO]

hm

[@gamecreeper95official]

I have an Apple Watch Series 9 with the blood oxygen sensor

[@diegoalejandrotorrespinzon2743]

Im gonna stick to my series 7 then

[@bigbluegr8ness383]

Luckily I bought my series 9 a month before the ban was even talked about 👍🏻

[@user-nu2hq9ss5x]

I realised that the movement with the fingers on the Apple Watch s9 is probably for the use like a controller on the Vision Pro for the click

[@andersferg3029]

TopG

[@gwenpryor]

It is a rarely used feature on my watch. I forget about it. I have a separate device that I use to get my blood oxygen level which is very good by the way. And Masimo has not gone after it yet. But then that company does not have the resources Apple has.

[@erotech1]

That’s awful! 😞

[@Bli8Bli]

😢

[@CaliAAA72]

If this ban happens I bet you won’t be able to return the watch for not being as advertised. Class action lawsuits forthcoming?!?! Hmmm.

[@EyesOfByes]

Because Hal said it couldnt do that

[@realemperor12]

Hi

[@alg003]

Apple is the king of removing features, calling it innovation, then getting their customers to buy said products with removed features

[@oo--7714]

Dude they did it because they got sued .

[@agurhatia6488]

I’m a apple user but I wear an amazing gts 4 watch , and for me it’s the greatest one because the battery lasts for ever , and most importantly it has a blood oxygen sensor