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

Apple’s shiny new smartwatch, the Apple Watch Series 10, is receiving rave reviews for its futuristic design and innovative 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 in this series of the Apple Watch.

So, how did we get here? Well, Apple is embroiled 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 proceeded 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 provided users with a sense of security and control. 

With this feature now sidelined, 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

Joe Maring / Digital Trends

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

Dr. Andrew Weil, a leading expert in integrative medicine, emphasizes the importance of continuous health monitoring through wearable technology. He states, “Health metrics like blood oxygen saturation are critical, especially for users with respiratory issues or those engaging in high-intensity activities.” In the absence of this feature in the Apple Watch Series 10, users may miss vital health information that could help in prevention or early detection of serious conditions.

Dr. Weil suggests that consumers should evaluate their health needs carefully when selecting wearables, ensuring they align with personal health goals and conditions.

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!

Joe Maring / Digital Trends

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 using 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!

The absence of blood oxygen tracking in the Apple Watch Series 10 raises questions about Apple's prioritization of features. Sheryl Sandberg, former COO of Facebook and author, advises companies to focus on user feedback during product development. “Listening to customers is key. If a feature is missed, it signals a disconnect between the company and its users,” she notes.

To enhance future models, Apple could engage in user surveys and focus groups to understand which health features are most desired, ensuring they resonate with consumer expectations and health trends.

Behavioral Analysis & Pathways Forward

The launch of the Apple Watch Series 10 highlights the evolving landscape of wearable technology, but its lack of blood oxygen tracking may leave users wanting more. Experts like Dr. Andrew Weil highlight the critical nature of health features, while industry leaders like Sheryl Sandberg remind us that listening to customer feedback is essential for innovation.

As wearable technology continues to advance, companies must prioritize user needs and health metrics that truly matter to consumers. Engaging directly with users can pave the way for improvements that meet expectations and enhance user experience.