I am considering the purchase of an Ultra 2 Watch. The ones on the Apple Store make it clear the sensor is disabled. I am wondering if the Ultra 2 watches from other vendors might not be disabled? Is the disabling happening when the watch is activated? or is it happening based upon the date it was assembled? I really don't want a crippled watch as some of the fitness features that rely on that sensor are important to me. Thanks for any advice?
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Apple Watch O2 sensor disabled query
- Thread starter dmfresco
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
Based on part number.
support.apple.com
Identify your Apple Watch - Apple Support
Look up your Apple Watch model, collection, and color.
Thanks super helpful. But I have two questions. What parts numbers still have the sensor active? And do we know if Apple is disabling the sensor via firmware? I am tempted to see if I can find a Series 2 on eBay or Craigslist. I have a Series 9 watch with the sensors still working but want some of the functionality of the Ultra 2 pre-crippling.
How to find out if an Apple Watch Series 9 model has the blood oxygen feature available - 9to5Mac
As of today, all new Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 models sold by Apple do not support the...
9to5mac.com
This article pretty much answers my questions. Now I gotta find a vendor who is selling the earlier model number.
I just rolled the dice and bought one on eBay that claims to be the one before the chip disable. I guess we shall see.
I got my refurbished Ultra 2 today from a vendor on eBay. It seems to be pristine and the O2 sensor is working.
Saw the news, jumped on this 12/23/2023 .. O2 sensor works fine “still”
The O2 data seems more buried in the health app than prior , but it’s there.
My Apple Watch 7 old data and newer awu2 data.
Of course your sensor still works fine, because it only affects models sold after 18th Jan 2024..
Saw the news, jumped on this 12/23/2023 .. O2 sensor works fine “still”
The O2 data seems more buried in the health app than prior , but it’s there.
My Apple Watch 7 old data and newer awu2 data.
Such a small percentage of the population would use the oxygen readings for athletic reasons. In the real world, folks might need it for respiratory illness tracking like flu, covid, or copd. I wouldn’t worry about NOT having the feature. The watch does so much more.
that'll depend on the end result of their legal battle with Masimo ...
and then there's the possibility they develop some other way to measure SpO2 ...
I think they will bring it back, just a question of time
I guess, I am in the minority then. I am happy to have gotten a refurbished Ultra 2 with the sensor active. In my own life, it contributes to sleep and exercise metrics. In my work life, I am a researcher and we are interested in what is becoming known is digital phenotyping and just-in-time adaptive interventions. Passive and wearable sensors are important tools. We don't rely just on Apple, but as someone who uses Apple devices, I hope they remain current and relevant and solve their squabble with Massimo or find a work around.