A New York man filed a class action lawsuit against Apple alleging “racial bias” in the Apple Watch’s Blood Oximeter.
The Apple Watch’s Blood Oximeter reads the wearer’s oxygen saturation level via the wrist.
However, the lawsuit claims the Apple Watch has a “racial bias” against people with darker skin tones that causes inaccurate readings.
“For decades, there have been reports that such devices were significantly less accurate in measuring blood oxygen levels based on skin color,” the lawsuit reads.
“The ‘real world significance’ of this bias lay unaddressed until the middle of the Coronavirus pandemic, which converged with a greater awareness of structural racism which exists in many aspects of society.”
Apple explains that its Blood Oxygen app is available on Apple Watch Series 6 and newer and can “measure the oxygen level of your blood on-demand directly from your wrist, providing you with insights into your overall wellness.”
However, Apple also explains the trinkets are not medical devices.
“Blood Oxygen app measurements are not intended for medical use, including self-diagnosis or consultation with a doctor,” Apple says.
In fact, if your oxygen saturation levels are dangerously low, you will have shortness of breath or other signs and symptoms long before then.
You can purchase a pulse oximeter from any pharmacy for less than $20 — much cheaper than an Apple Watch.
A pocket-size pulse oximeter from a pharmacy will read your 02 saturation level and your pulse rate to give you a better overall picture of your health than an Apple Watch will.
