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Apple Unveils Redesigned Blood Oxygen Feature Amid ITC Ruling

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

August 15, 2025

Apple Advances Health Tech Innovation

Apple has announced a significant update to its Apple Watch blood oxygen monitoring capability. The tech giant is introducing a redesigned feature for select models—including Series 8, Series 10, and Apple Watch Ultra—overcoming previous import restrictions enforced by the International Trade Commission (ITC).

Regulatory Adaptation and Feature Redesign

Under a recent U.S. Customs ruling, Apple is now authorized to import these devices with the modified blood oxygen feature, a move that circumvents the ITC ban established in early 2024. The revised functionality shifts blood oxygen data processing to the paired iPhone, with results accessible through the Respiratory section of the Health app. As a consequence, users will need to consult their iPhone to review their health metrics, as direct watch-based access is no longer available.

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Legal Context and Ongoing Disputes

This development follows a contentious legal battle with medical device maker Masimo. In 2023, Masimo secured a victory at the ITC, which led to the removal of the original blood oxygen monitoring feature from Apple Watches due to alleged patent infringement. Apple has since counter-sued, alleging that Masimo replicated features from its smartwatch. The recent update, enabled by a Customs ruling, only applies to devices sold post-ban, while earlier purchases or units sold outside the U.S. remain unaffected.

Implications for the Industry

Apple’s move not only underscores its commitment to innovation within regulatory constraints but also signals a strategic response to competitive and legal pressures. By recalibrating its product capabilities, Apple reaffirms its position as a technological leader capable of navigating complex international trade and intellectual property challenges.

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FinTech’s Dominance In MENA: Three Strategic Drivers Behind Unyielding VC Success

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

September 11, 2025

Despite facing tightening global liquidity and macroeconomic headwinds, the FinTech sector continues to assert its leadership in the MENA region. In the first half of 2025, FinTech emerged as the most resilient and appealing arena for venture capital investments, proving its worth as a catalyst for financial innovation and inclusion.

Addressing Structural Financial Gaps

In many parts of MENA, a significant proportion of the population remains underbanked and underserved by traditional financial institutions. FinTech companies are uniquely positioned to address these persistent challenges by bridging critical access gaps and driving financial inclusion. With the proliferation of payment apps, digital wallets, and micro-lending platforms, investors have witnessed firsthand how these solutions pave the way for scalable growth and eventual exits. Early-stage momentum in the region is underscored by a doubling of pre-seed deals year-over-year, reinforcing the sector’s capacity for rapid innovation and sustainable expansion.

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Highly Scalable and Replicable Business Models

One of the key factors behind FinTech’s dominance is the inherent scalability of its business models. Once the necessary infrastructure and regulatory approvals are in place, these models have demonstrated robust performance across borders. The first half of 2025 saw a marked acceleration in deal activity, with payment solutions leading the charge with 28 deals in MENA—a significant increase over the previous year. Lending platforms, in particular, experienced a meteoric 500% year-over-year increase in funding, emerging as the fastest-growing subindustry. Such replicability makes FinTech an attractive proposition for investors seeking high-growth opportunities in diverse markets.

Supportive Regulatory And Government Backing

The strategic support offered by key government initiatives in the UAE and Saudi Arabia has been instrumental in propelling the FinTech sector forward. Progressive frameworks, such as the UAE’s open finance and digital asset directives, coupled with Saudi Arabia’s live-testing sandboxes, have materially lowered entry barriers for startups. These measures not only foster innovation but also streamline the path to commercialization. Consequently, the combined efforts of these regulatory bodies have enabled the UAE and Saudi Arabia to account for 86% of MENA’s total FinTech funding in H1 2025.

The resilience of FinTech in MENA is not merely a reflection of contemporary market trends—it signals a fundamental shift in the region’s economic fabric. With an unwavering commitment to addressing real financial challenges, scalable and replicable business practices, and robust regulatory support, FinTech is setting the benchmark for sustainable innovation. As capital markets become increasingly discerning, this sector stands out as a beacon of long-term growth and transformative impact.