Tim Cook: ‘Lots of Reasons’ to Buy Apple Watch Without Blood Oxygen Sensor

Apple is not prepared to settle a patent suit with Masimo, and as the case winds its way through the courts, CEO Tim Cook suggests that the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 have plenty going for them without the blood oxygen sensor.

“We’re focused on the appeal,” Cook said in a statement provided to CNBC’s on-air host following its earnings call, AppleInsider reports. “There are lots of reasons to buy the watch even without the blood oxygen sensor.”

It’s a curious statement given the blood oxygen sensor is one of the main reasons to spring for a Series 9 over the more affordable Apple Watch SE. But Cook is also not going to intentionally tank Apple Watch sales, and if Apple wins its appeal, it could presumably restore the blood oxygen sensor via a software update.

Masimo sued Apple for copyright infringement related to the blood oxygen sensor that’s been on the Apple Watch since the Series 6. It later took the case to the International Trade Commission, where Masimo prevailed, forcing Apple to remove its newest smartwatches from sale in late 2023. At this point, they are once again on sale, but without the blood oxygen sensor, which Apple removed via a software update pending appeal. You may be able to find them with the sensor at third-party retailers that are selling through their pre-ban stock.

Masimo CEO Joe Kiani told Bloomberg last month that Masimo would happily settle with Apple but that Cupertino hasn’t been particularly interested in such an outcome. “They haven’t called,” Kiani said. “It takes two to tango.” He went on to say that Masimo would even be amenable to “work with them to improve their product.”

Hands On With the Apple Watch Ultra