The Legal Battle That Defined the Wearable Market
For the past eighteen months, the tech world has been transfixed by a high-stakes legal drama involving the world’s most valuable company and a specialized medical technology firm. The dispute between Apple and Masimo over pulse oximetry technology—the sensors that measure blood oxygen levels—has been more than just a corporate spat; it threatened the very availability of the Apple Watch on American soil. However, in a landmark ruling in early 2025, Apple has successfully avoided a second import ban, securing the future of its current and upcoming wearable lineup.
This latest court decision centers on Apple’s 'redesigned' watches. To circumvent the initial International Trade Commission (ITC) ban, Apple made the drastic move of software-disabling the blood oxygen feature on all Series 9 and Ultra 2 units sold in the United States. Masimo argued that this was a superficial fix, but the court has now sided with Apple, stating that the modified devices do not infringe on the patents in question. For consumers, this means the Apple Watch is here to stay, albeit with some technical caveats.
Understanding the Redesign: What Changed?
If you walk into an Apple Store today and buy a Series 9 or an Ultra 2, the hardware looks identical to the versions launched in late 2023. The sensors are physically present, but the software prevents the Blood Oxygen app from functioning. When a user attempts to open the app, they are met with a notification stating the feature is no longer available.
Masimo’s legal team argued that because the hardware remained, Apple could theoretically re-enable the feature via a simple software update, thus still violating the spirit of the original ban. However, the court ruled that the current state of the device—where the feature is inaccessible to the end-user—is sufficient to comply with patent laws. This victory allows Apple to continue importing these devices from overseas manufacturing hubs without the threat of customs seizures.
The Impact on the 2025 Product Cycle
This ruling comes at a critical juncture as we look toward the rumored Apple Watch Series 10 (or 'Series X') and the Ultra 3. By winning this round, Apple has established a legal blueprint for its future devices. We can expect the 2025 models to likely launch without blood oxygen monitoring in the U.S. unless Apple reaches a settlement with Masimo or develops a completely new, non-infringing method for the sensor.
For the average user, the loss of blood oxygen tracking is a minor inconvenience compared to the potential loss of the entire ecosystem. Features like ECG, fall detection, and the new Double Tap gesture remain intact and continue to drive the Apple Watch's dominance in the market.
Top Smartwatch Recommendations for 2025
If you are in the market for a wearable right now, the landscape is more varied than ever. Here are our top picks following the latest legal developments:
1. Apple Watch Ultra 2 (Redesigned Version)
Approximate Price: $799 Despite the lack of blood oxygen tracking, the Ultra 2 remains the king of the Apple ecosystem. Its 3,000-nit peak brightness display, rugged titanium build, and incredible battery life (up to 60 hours in low-power mode) make it the definitive choice for athletes and power users. If you can live without the SpO2 sensor, this is still the best smartwatch experience for iPhone owners.2. Apple Watch Series 9 (Redesigned Version)
Approximate Price: $399 The Series 9 is the go-to choice for the everyday user. It features the S9 SiP, which allows for on-device Siri processing and the intuitive Double Tap gesture. While the blood oxygen feature is disabled, its heart rate monitoring and sleep tracking remain industry-leading in terms of accuracy.3. Samsung Galaxy Watch 7
Approximate Price: $299 For those not tied to iOS, the Galaxy Watch 7 offers a fully functional health suite, including blood oxygen monitoring and even blood pressure tracking (in certain regions). It is a sleek, circular alternative that integrates perfectly with the Android ecosystem, often at a lower price point than Apple’s flagship offerings.4. Garmin Epix Pro (Gen 2)
Approximate Price: $899 If health data is your primary concern, Garmin remains unaffected by these legal battles. The Epix Pro features a stunning AMOLED display and a pulse oximeter that works flawlessly. It is a premium, data-heavy tool for those who prioritize fitness metrics over smartwatch apps.5. Google Pixel Watch 3
Approximate Price: $349 Google has made massive strides with the Pixel Watch 3, offering a refined design and deep Fitbit integration. It provides a comprehensive view of your health, including readiness scores and heart health notifications, serving as a strong competitor to the Apple Watch Series 9.The Competitive Landscape: Is Apple Losing Its Edge?
The removal of a health feature, even one that many users only check occasionally, is a rare 'L' for Apple. Competitors like Samsung and Garmin are leaning heavily into their 'complete' health suites in their marketing materials. However, Apple’s strength has always been its integration. The way the Apple Watch interacts with the iPhone, MacBook, and Apple Health remains unparalleled.
Industry analysts suggest that Apple is likely working on a proprietary sensor that uses a different method of light refraction to measure blood oxygen, which would bypass Masimo’s patents entirely. Whether this tech debuts in late 2025 or 2026 remains to be seen, but for now, Apple is playing a defensive game—and winning.
Bottom Line: Our Verdict
The latest court ruling is a massive win for Apple’s supply chain and retail stability. While it is disappointing for consumers to pay full price for a device with a disabled feature, the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 remain excellent pieces of technology.
Should you buy one now? If you are an iPhone user, the answer is still yes. The blood oxygen feature was a 'nice-to-have' for most, rather than a medical necessity. However, if you specifically require SpO2 monitoring for health conditions, you should look toward the Garmin Epix Pro or consider a refurbished Apple Watch Series 8, which was manufactured before the ban took effect and still retains the full functionality.
Apple has dodged a bullet, and the 2025 wearable market is more stable because of it. We expect the upcoming 'Series X' to be a massive redesign that attempts to move past this legal shadow entirely.