Does my Apple Watch update remove the oxygen sensor?

iamthewheel wrote:

Just take your watch to the Apple Store and have them put in a new battery. Thats what I’m going to do on my 6 Hermès’ once it gets to 80%. $100.

Thanks but my watch doesn't currently need a new battery.

While things may be different for the Hermes model, for most watches, Apple doesn't just replace the battery the way they don on an iPhone. They give you a refurbished watch that already has a new battery in it.

No they won’t. And honestly it’s odd that you updated (I assume you mean the watchOS) on a 7 and lost the feature. But if that’s the case then no….unless you are in the return/exchange period for a watch you recently purchased you will not be given a refund. Terms and conditions states that changes can occur at any time so the risk of losing a feature you like has always existed.

Please see my post of 4/3/24 at 8:30 AM (assuming Cuppertino time) This is what I received from a KaeBFly:

"No they won’t. And honestly it’s odd that you updated (I assume you mean the watchOS) on a 7 and lost the feature. But if that’s the case then no….unless you are in the return/exchange period for a watch you recently purchased you will not be given a refund. Terms and conditions states that changes can occur at any time so the risk of losing a feature you like has always existed."

It says this was posted, but apparently not. The reason I updated is because: I ordered a new 9 and prepped my 7 to be returned as a trade in. Got the 9 and no Oxygen sensor so I undid the pairing from my iPhone from the new 9 because I am returning it within the return period. So I went to re-pair my 7 and had to go through an updating process, then lo and behold, no Oxy sensor. Now the unposted (that says it is posted) response says, "changes can occur at any time so the risk of losing a feature you like has always existed" So.....................I guess when Apple gets hit with more antitrust y'all may very well be at "risk of losing a feature you like". Just thought everyone should know that is Apple policy.

Exactly. So what exactly did you think you were calling me out on? I provided a factual statement to you. So….explain to me your comment that I didn’t want to be busted made any sense? You not liking the fact that we are always at risk of losing a feature we like and we agreed to that even if we chose not to actually read the terms and conditions before clicking that we accepted them? I wasn’t “busted” on anything. Sorry but that was a comment that made absolutely no sense whatsoever

I purchased new Apple Watch 12/27/23. It had O2 monitor and ECG working until 01/07/24, when the first update removed both functions. Can’t tell you how disappointed I am. I’m 74, an avid Apple owner/user since 1991, and have relied on those functions since my first Apple Watch. If the January 18, 2024 cut off date is valid, how can I get these vital functions restored?

74bongoboy wrote:

I purchased new Apple Watch 12/27/23. It had O2 monitor and ECG working until 01/07/24, when the first update removed both functions.

Which model watch did you buy? The ECG has not been removed on any watch. Your age is not a factor.

Amazon still sells some series 9 watches with the oxygen feature mentioned as a function the watch provides. Has anyone bought one of these from such second tier sources (Bestbuy, Amazon,etc) recently? Oximeter still work?

If those watches were imported before 1/18/2024 the Oximeter function will still work and updates of watchOS will not disable it. If those watches were imported after 1/18/2024 then Amazon is guilty of false advertising. Personally I wouldn’t trust Amazon’s advertising at all. It may be a third party reseller playing games. Pre 1/18/2024 series 9 watches should be all but sold out by now.

I realize that I am late to this chain, but Costco still sells the Ultra 2 with oxygen sensor. Costco has a great return policy so makes me consider rolling the dice and if an update disables the feature, then must return. Costco website currently has them on sale and shows 4 version of Ultra 2, one which clearing states "With Blood Oxygen Feature"

Any thoughts?

Series 6 sent in for battery replacement. Genius Bar informed us it will be a new series 6 watch without oxygen sensor. We just had to pay for price of the battery. Could not just replace the battery on old watch.

Just purchased Apple series 6 specifically for the blood oxygen feature and found out it’s no longer available but is available in other countries. Why is that? Also I hope this feature will be reinstated.

CyberTulip7 wrote:

Just purchased Apple series 6 specifically for the blood oxygen feature and found out it’s no longer available but is available in other countries. Why is that? Also I hope this feature will be reinstated.

There was a patent dispute between Apple and another company. Apple lost. The court ruling only applies to the U.S. The patent expires in 2028. At that point, Apple should be free to use the technology again. They may also come to some agreement before then.

The watch SE, 2nd gen never had either of those features:

Apple Watch SE (2nd generation) - Tech Specs - Apple Support

It was not removed by the last update. It should be working. If it’s not working you have other issues to deal with. Try restarting your Watch.

Restart Apple Watch - Apple Support

What you mean by "Only watches sold January 18 or later will experience this" at Apple stores will be affected?

Thanks