S9 (2024) and S10 solutions for checking 'blood oxygen' in USA? [MERGED]

[xenoako]

Many threads here describe the problem along with forecasts of solutions, but in the real world what are S9 (2024) and S10 users doing to get ''blood oxygen' data?
I have a separate device like that used in medical offices, but this device is not readily available compared to getting constant readings in my AW8c.
I see AW apps that charge $10 a month to give readings, but I do not view that as a reasonable option.
Edited: This line is incorrect although some apps lead one to believe otherwise.
Like many on this forum, I would purchase an S10 tomorrow if the blood oxygen feature was activated in the USA.

 

[Jackbequickly]

Apple seems unwilling to make a deal with the people that hold the patent.

 

[Tu'rbo]

Many threads here describe the problem along with forecasts of solutions, but in the real world what are S9 (2024) and S10 users doing to get ''blood oxygen' data?
I have a separate device like that used in medical offices, but this device is not readily available compared to getting constant readings in my AW8c.
I see AW apps that charge $10 a month to give readings, but I do not view that as a reasonable option.
Like many on this forum, I would purchase an S10 tomorrow if the blood oxygen feature was activated in the USA.

When I purchased my AW10, I also kept my older watch so I can check blood oxygen data.

 

[jz0309]

Many threads here describe the problem along with forecasts of solutions, but in the real world what are S9 (2024) and S10 users doing to get ''blood oxygen' data?
I have a separate device like that used in medical offices, but this device is not readily available compared to getting constant readings in my AW8c.
I see AW apps that charge $10 a month to give readings, but I do not view that as a reasonable option.
Like many on this forum, I would purchase an S10 tomorrow if the blood oxygen feature was activated in the USA.

for S9/10/U2 to regain SpO2:
. Apple develops a new method that does not violate existing patents
. Apple reaches a deal with Masimo
. Apple invalidates the remaining patents

As not even the mighty Gurman has commented, all we can do is speculate ...

Edit: my 3rd bullet should really say that Apple’s lawyers drive the process to invalidate the patents

 

[skyhawkmatthew]

If you are desperate for blood oxygen monitoring, just buy a watch in any other country.

 

[doogm]

for S9/10/U2 to regain SpO2:
. Apple develops a new method that does not violate existing patents
. Apple reaches a deal with Masimo
. Apple invalidates the remaining patents

As not even the mighty Gurman has commented, all we can do is speculate ...

Edit: my 3rd bullet should really say that Apple’s lawyers drive the process to invalidate the patents

They already are.

I think the first bullet is not a thing, because the patent involves the hardware already installed on the watch.

But you can add a fourth bullet:

- Apple buys Masimo and drops the patent infringement case against themselves.

 

[jz0309]

They already are.

I think the first bullet is not a thing, because the patent involves the hardware already installed on the watch.

But you can add a fourth bullet:

- Apple buys Masimo and drops the patent infringement case against themselves.

sure, but bullet #4 is just as unlikely as bullet #1, but still away to get SpO2 back

 

[Tagbert]

Apple seems unwilling to make a deal with the people that hold the patent.

Massimo recently fired their CEO. The speculation is that he was personally opposed to a deal. There is hope that, with him gone, a deal may be possible.

 

[JPack]

All signs point to Apple waiting until late 2028 for patent expiry. Until then, buy your Watch from outside the U.S.

 

[xenoako]

All signs point to Apple waiting until late 2028 for patent expiry. Until then, buy your Watch from outside the U.S.

Might you be willing to identify some of those signs?

 

[JPack]

Might you be willing to identify some of those signs?

The previous Masimo CEO went on several public interviews indicating he was willing to cut a deal, but Apple’s response has only been silence and filing lawsuits in attempts to circumvent the patents.

Last year, Tim Cook told CNBC, “we’re focused on appeals,” meaning they have no intention of going for the licensing route.

This conflict has been ongoing since January 2020. It’s been five years. If Apple wanted to settle or could develop their own tech, they would have done so by now. Anything about Apple willing to settle or reenabling the hypothetical hardware on U.S. S10 models is wishful thinking.

With three years to go before the affected patents expire, Apple’s not about to dump a bunch of money into Masimo. People who want a Watch with blood oxygen can easily get one by crossing the land border in the north or south.

 

[jz0309]

The previous Masimo CEO went on several public interviews indicating he was willing to cut a deal, but Apple’s response has only been silence and filing lawsuits in attempts to circumvent the patents.

Last year, Tim Cook told CNBC, “we’re focused on appeals,” meaning they have no intention of going for the licensing route.

This conflict has been ongoing since January 2020. It’s been five years. If Apple wanted to settle or could develop their own tech, they would have done so by now. Anything about Apple willing to settle or reenabling the hypothetical hardware on U.S. S10 models is wishful thinking.

With three years to go before the affected patents expire, Apple’s not about to dump a bunch of money into Masimo. People who want a Watch with blood oxygen can easily get one by crossing the land border in the north or south.

what the former CEO said in public is worth just as much when the Epic CEO talks - nothing.

Then there is the rumor that the $$$ that CEO asked for/demanded were outrageous.

TC comment was made before the firing of that CEO.

A settlement requires 2 parties, both willing to settle.

Reality is, we have no insights what negotiations might or might not have taken place, we do not have insights into what Apple Legal is doing or not.

Apple waiting til 2028 seems unlikely to me. There are rumors that we might see some form of blood pressure sensor this year, as well as glucose monitoring before 2028. SpO2 is considered "basic"/"simple" compared, so offering such advanced features but not SpO2 seems odd.

 

[JPack]

what the former CEO said in public is worth just as much when the Epic CEO talks - nothing.

Then there is the rumor that the $$$ that CEO asked for/demanded were outrageous.

TC comment was made before the firing of that CEO.

A settlement requires 2 parties, both willing to settle.

Reality is, we have no insights what negotiations might or might not have taken place, we do not have insights into what Apple Legal is doing or not.

Apple waiting til 2028 seems unlikely to me. There are rumors that we might see some form of blood pressure sensor this year, as well as glucose monitoring before 2028. SpO2 is considered "basic"/"simple" compared, so offering such advanced features but not SpO2 seems odd.

The current interim CEO has said with regards to Apple, “we will definitely defend our patents” at the last conference call.

Keep waiting for that breakthrough.

Reality is, we’ve seen what we need to see. The speculation about the previous CEO unwilling to license is completely unfounded.

 

[jz0309]

The current interim CEO has said with regards to Apple, “we will definitely defend our patents” at the last conference call.

Keep waiting for that breakthrough.

Reality is, we’ve seen what we need to see. The speculation about the previous CEO unwilling to license is completely unfounded.

What else would he say? Oh sure, we’re giving up on our patents so that Apple can re-enable SpO2? Come one…

And I did NOT say that the former CEO was unwilling, I said there is a rumor that his demands were unreasonable.

Everything you say is just as unfounded as what I said, after all this is a rumors site and we have different opinions, not knowledge in what is going on.

 

[JPack]

What else would he say? Oh sure, we’re giving up on our patents so that Apple can re-enable SpO2? Come one…

And I did NOT say that the former CEO was unwilling, I said there is a rumor that his demands were unreasonable.

Everything you say is just as unfounded as what I said, after all this is a rumors site and we have different opinions, not knowledge in what is going on.

You seem unaware many leadership positions undergo media training and public speaking coaching before appointment or being allowed to speak on an investor conference call.

Michelle could have added, "But we are always open to exploring mutually beneficial solutions, such as licensing arrangements." There were countless ways for her to add a conciliatory tone.

The trial between Masimo and Apple regarding trade secret theft began in November, after the interim CEO was appointed. She even emphasized that.

Again, keep waiting for that breakthrough.

 

[CPmav]

What else would he say? Oh sure, we’re giving up on our patents so that Apple can re-enable SpO2? Come one…

And I did NOT say that the former CEO was unwilling, I said there is a rumor that his demands were unreasonable.

Everything you say is just as unfounded as what I said, after all this is a rumors site and we have different opinions, not knowledge in what is going on.

Don’t bother engaging with that guy. He seems to have some vendetta against anyone who suggests anything other than what he believes.

Bottom line, the sensor could come back tomorrow or 5 years from now. No one knows.

 

[drmac12]

With the blood oxygen sensor being disabled, is there any word out there if Apple will be able to figure this out and return the feature in the near future?

 

[CPmav]

With the blood oxygen sensor being disabled, is there any word out there if Apple will be able to figure this out and return the feature in the near future?

No updates from what I’ve heard. Could be tomorrow, could be 5 years from now.

I’m right there with you, hoping it’s back asap.

 

[BugeyeSTI]

With the blood oxygen sensor being disabled, is there any word out there if Apple will be able to figure this out and return the feature in the near future?

It will be back sometime in 2028 for sure. Whether they can cut a deal or figure out a different way to calculate SPo2 before then is unknown

 

[Saturn007]

I see AW apps that charge $10 a month to give readings, but I do not view that as a reasonable option.

That’s interesting. Didn't know that was even possible. Thought that Apple disabled the oxygen sensor in firmware and that even apps had no access to it.

Can anyone confirm that they are running an app on an oxygen sensor-disabled Apple Watch and getting oxygen readings? Say, e.g., an Apple Watch 10, so there'd be no question of it ever having had a functional O2 sensor…

That’d be an intriguing work-around, especially if there's a low-cost, one-time buy, non-subscription app that provides it!

 

[Apple_Robert]

That’s interesting. Didn't know that was even possible. Thought that Apple disabled the oxygen sensor in firmware and that even apps had no access to it.

Can anyone confirm that they are running an app on an oxygen sensor-disabled Apple Watch and getting oxygen readings? Say, e.g., an Apple Watch 10, so there'd be no question of it ever having had a functional O2 sensor…

That’d be an intriguing work-around, especially if there's a low-cost, one-time buy, non-subscription app that provides it!

It is not currently possible.