Apple Watch Series 10 Has Beautiful Design, But It Might Not Be All It’s Cracked Up To Be

There’s a very crucial health feature missing on every Apple Watch Series 10 in the U.S.

Jesse

• Published in News
• September 15, 2024

Apple’s shiny new smartwatch, the Apple Watch Series 10, is getting rave reviews for its futuristic design and nifty sleep apnea detection system. But wait—before you rush to grab one, there’s a notable catch. 

The latest model is missing a feature that was once a staple in Apple’s wearables: blood oxygen tracking. Yes, you heard that right. The once-essential SpO2 monitoring has become a no-show on this series of the Apple Watch.

So, how did we get here? Well, Apple is caught up in a courtroom drama with medical tech company Masimo, which is accusing Apple of infringing on its patented technology. 

The saga began with a disagreement over the blood oxygen sensor, which Masimo claims Apple copied. Despite earlier discussions between the two companies, they never reached a settlement—and Apple went ahead with its plans. 

Now, thanks to a ruling from the U.S. International Trade Commission, the blood oxygen feature is on hold for Apple Watch buyers in the U.S.

For many Apple Watch enthusiasts, the blood oxygen tracker was a game-changer. It wasn’t just a gimmick; it helped monitor vital health stats and gave users a sense of security and control. 

With this feature now on the bench, buyers might feel they’re getting a sleek but somewhat hollow upgrade. Apple has taken a hit in the market, and the missing feature might dampen enthusiasm for what was expected to be the crown jewel of their smartwatch lineup.

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Meet the Apple Watch Series 10: It’s sleeker than ever but missing a beat. No blood oxygen tracking in the U.S. means it's all style, no SpO2

However, Apple’s tussle with Masimo is far from over. While Apple is fighting to overturn the ruling, the blood oxygen measurement system’s future remains uncertain. 

If the court sides with Apple, the feature could make a triumphant return—but until then, U.S. buyers will have to settle for a series of smartwatches that, while impressive, miss out on a key health metric. 

As of January 18, 2024, Apple Watch Series 10 units sold in the U.S. will be marked with part numbers ending in LW/A, indicating the absence of this feature.

The Apple Watch Series 10 still has a lot of tricks up its sleeve—just not the one that could’ve ‘sealed the deal’ for many. Too bad!

So, should you hold off on your purchase? If you’re in the U.S. and the SpO2 tracker is your must-have feature, you might want to wait for the legal dust to settle. 

Apple is known to prioritize customer needs, and it’s likely they’ll find a way to resolve this issue. Meanwhile, the Apple Watch Series 10 remains a powerful piece of tech but with a slightly less “complete” health profile. 

Stay tuned, and perhaps keep your fingers crossed for a legal victory that brings back this important feature.

In the meantime, if you’re already rocking an older model Apple Watch, enjoy the blood oxygen readings while they last. After all, in the world of tech, nothing stays the same for long!

Jesse