![Apple Watch Series 9 [GPS 45mm] Smartwatch with Midnight Aluminum Case with Midnight Sport Band M/L. Fitness Tracker, ECG Apps, Always-On Retina Display, Water Resistant Midnight Aluminum Case with Midnight Sport Band 45mm Case M/L - fits 160–210mm wrists](https://i.shopsavvy.com/https://x.shopsavvy.com/https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71OSc6IfGcL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
The Apple Watch Series 9 contains blood oxygen monitoring hardware, but this feature is currently disabled on new units sold in the United States due to ongoing patent litigation with Masimo Corporation.
Current Availability Status:
US Market: Blood oxygen monitoring is disabled on all new Apple Watch Series 9 units following an International Trade Commission ruling in late 2023.
International Markets: The blood oxygen feature remains fully functional on Series 9 models purchased outside the United States.
Pre-Ban Units: Apple Watch Series 9 models purchased in the US before the legal restriction retain full blood oxygen monitoring capability.
Legal Background: The feature removal resulted from a patent dispute with Masimo Corporation regarding pulse oximetry technology. This restriction is expected to continue until relevant patents expire, potentially around 2028.
Alternative Options:
- Purchase from international retailers (warranty limitations may apply)
- Consider other devices with blood oxygen monitoring (select Fitbit models, medical-grade pulse oximeters)
- Wait for potential legal resolution
Unaffected Health Features: All other Apple Watch Series 9 health monitoring capabilities remain fully operational:
- Heart rate monitoring and notifications
- ECG readings and atrial fibrillation detection
- Sleep tracking and sleep apnea detection
- Cycle tracking and other wellness features
Bottom Line: While the blood oxygen restriction is disappointing for US buyers, the Apple Watch Series 9 remains a comprehensive health and fitness tracker with extensive monitoring capabilities across all other wellness metrics.
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How we researched this
Where this comes from: this answer draws on the product's published specifications and the reviews ShopSavvy collected for it, alongside prices from 2 retailers in ShopSavvy's price data, most recently seen Aug 15, 2025.
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