Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

pgrunwald

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Feb 17, 2021
16
4
I have a S6 GPS. My battery is at 77%. Apple will replace for $100. I understand they don't replace the battery but send a refurbished different watch. If I do this, will I loose the O2 sensor functionality?
 
I have a S6 GPS. My battery is at 77%. Apple will replace for $100. I understand they don't replace the battery but send a refurbished different watch. If I do this, will I loose the O2 sensor functionality?
The ban was for S9 and Ultra 2 specifically starting some day in Jan 2024, every model sold before that date was NOT impacted, so no
 
The ban was for S9 and Ultra 2 specifically starting some day in Jan 2024, every model sold before that date was NOT impacted, so no
according to mark gurman the ban affects any apple watch Series 6 or newer
 
Do the new watches not have the hardware or is it just that the feature is turned off in software?
 
Do the new watches not have the hardware or is it just that the feature is turned off in software?
Appears to be SW just like on S9/U2 post ban. Others have checked intl Apple sites and blood oxygen is listed as a feature there.
 
Appears to be SW just like on S9/U2 post ban. Others have checked intl Apple sites and blood oxygen is listed as a feature there.
Is it possible non-US watches have the sensor but US watches don’t? I thought Masimo argued the issue was hardware not software. Not sure where that ended up.
 
Is it possible non-US watches have the sensor but US watches don’t? I thought Masimo argued the issue was hardware not software. Not sure where that ended up.
Possible but IMHO improbable. Easier to keep same hardware and disable in software based on region. Plus they’re then prepared to reenable via SW update should the matter get resolved.
 
Is it possible non-US watches have the sensor but US watches don’t? I thought Masimo argued the issue was hardware not software. Not sure where that ended up.
Is it possible? Yes. Is it likely? No.
It was definitely SW disabled when the ban started, and, depending on the outcome of that patent issue, can be re-enabled.
I think they are taking the same path with the AW10
 
Possible but IMHO improbable. Easier to keep same hardware and disable in software based on region. Plus they’re then prepared to reenable via SW update should the matter get resolved.
I suppose legally they are not required to disclose whether AW10 contains the sensor or not. But it would be nice if a little birdie would whisper something in John Gruber’s ear just so we’d know for sure.
 
Gruber needs the new hearing aid if he is to hear that little birdie!

He really blew it big time, claiming all Watch models would be upgraded when only one was!

From other threads here, they are disclosing the presence of the oxygen sensor for all countries other than the U.S.

But we're losing sight of the OP's question. If he orders a battery replacement for his Series 6, what happens? Does he get a refurbished 6 with oxygen sensor but turned off and not functional? Or, with it, turned on? Or, more unlikely, oxygen sensor removed entirely?

I'd recommend contacting Apple Support — recording the call if via phone or, better, chat support, and getting the answer in writing. That way, if the refurbished unit doesn't match what was promised, you have grounds to insist on a proper replacement.
 
The ban was for S9 and Ultra 2 specifically starting some day in Jan 2024, every model sold before that date was NOT impacted, so no
The ban affected sales of the S9 and Ultra 2 because those were the only models Apple was selling at the time. Apple disabled the sensor, and sales resumed. However, the ban also affected repairs of the S6/S7/S8/Ultra 1.


That is incorrect. There were articles here on MR too
Do you have any links to those articles? I couldn't find anything here stating that was false, or if Apple has resumed repairs/battery replacements for those older models; and if they have, would the oxygen sensor be disabled?

Although, on Reddit...
This person stated the sensor would be disabled on their replacement S7.

This person had to sign an agreement stating that their replacement S6 may have it disabled.
 
If your watch has a working SpO2 sensor and is replaced under AppleCare+ or regular warranty you will receive a watch with SpO2 sensor enabled.. My S6 has had AppleCare+ since purchased so when I get my watch replaced for battery under 80%, my replacement will be same watch with SpO2 enabled. If I didn't have AppleCare+ and was just paying for out of warranty replacement, it would have the sensor disabled.. At least that's the way I understand the way Apple addresses whether or not replacing a watch that has a working sensor will be replaced with the sensor enabled or disabled.. If you bought the watch with the sensor disabled, you will get a disabled sensor regardless if it's replaced under warranty or not
 
  • Like
Reactions: pgrunwald
If your watch has a working SpO2 sensor and is replaced under AppleCare+ or regular warranty you will receive a watch with SpO2 sensor enabled.. My S6 has had AppleCare+ since purchased so when I get my watch replaced for battery under 80%, my replacement will be same watch with SpO2 enabled. If I didn't have AppleCare+ and was just paying for out of warranty replacement, it would have the sensor disabled.. At least that's the way I understand the way Apple addresses whether or not replacing a watch that has a working sensor will be replaced with the sensor enabled or disabled.. If you bought the watch with the sensor disabled, you will get a disabled sensor regardless if it's replaced under warranty or not
This is what I understand after chatting with Apple and my local rep.
 
Incorrect.

Just had a series 7 replaced for battery health (in the Chicago area) and they made me sign an acknowledgement the replacement will NOT have a blood oxygen feature.

This came up when the Genius at the store requested for a replacement due to battery on their tablet. It’s possible Apple reps on the phone may not know this until they actually try to put a replacement through.

So it doesn’t matter whether it’s a new buy or a replacement, if you replace any Apple Watch affected by the judgement now the replacement will NOT have the blood oxygen feature even if your Unit did.
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.