Apple has found itself in the midst of a legal battle over its blood oxygen sensor technology featured in the Apple Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2. The International Trade Commission (ITC) ruled that Apple had infringed on patents held by Masimo, a medical technology company. As a result, a ban was placed on the import and sale of these watches in the United States. This ban has raised questions about the future of the Apple Watch and its impact on current users.
The legal battle between Apple and Masimo began when Masimo claimed that Apple had violated its patents by incorporating blood oxygen measurement technology in its watches. The ITC found merit in Masimo’s claims, leading to the ban on the import and sale of the affected watches. Apple appealed the ruling, but their request for a temporary pause on the ban was denied.
In response to the ban, Apple made the decision to remove the blood oxygen feature from its watches. Starting on Thursday, the Apple Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2 will no longer detect users’ blood oxygen levels. While the feature will still be visible on the devices, tapping on it will display a message stating that the feature is no longer available.
Apple’s move to remove the blood oxygen feature is aimed at complying with the ITC’s ruling and continuing the sale of its watches without infringing on Masimo’s patents. The company had already made preparations for this outcome by shipping watches with the functionality disabled, ensuring that they fell “outside the scope” of the import ban.
Apple Vision Pro Headsets Available for Purchase at Feb 2 Launch
For current users of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2, the removal of the blood oxygen feature may not have an immediate impact. Apple has stated that existing watches with the capability to detect blood oxygen levels will continue to function as usual. Users can still utilize this feature and enjoy other functionalities such as tracking runs, setting timers, and detecting falls and irregular heartbeats.
However, it remains to be seen how Apple will handle the long-term implications of the ban. There is a possibility that the company may choose to remove the blood oxygen feature from all its watches to avoid any legal complications. Users should stay updated on any upcoming Apple updates and check for any changes regarding the availability of this feature.
The legal battle over the blood oxygen sensor technology could take up to a year to reach a resolution. This presents a challenge for Apple, as the company has been actively expanding the health features of its watches. In 2018, Apple received FDA approval for its watches to measure heart rates through electrocardiogram tests. Since then, the company has added features to detect falls, crashes, and blood oxygen levels.
With the ban on the blood oxygen feature, Apple’s efforts to enhance the utility of its watches in the health monitoring space face a setback. The company’s push into the medical device market, which is dominated by established players like Medtronic and Abbott, may face challenges. However, Apple’s track record of innovation and its commitment to improving the health capabilities of its products suggest that it will continue to explore new avenues in this space.
The ban on the import and sale of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2 undoubtedly poses a challenge for Apple’s watch sales in the United States. These watches, which were previously popular for their advanced health features, will now be sold without the blood oxygen functionality. It remains to be seen how consumers will respond to this change and whether it will impact their purchasing decisions.
Apple’s ability to adapt and find alternative solutions will be crucial in mitigating the impact of the ban on its watch sales. The company’s approval from U.S. Customs to continue selling modified watches without the infringing technology is a step in that direction. By making necessary software changes to update the sensor’s algorithm, Apple aims to comply with the ban while still providing a compelling product to its customers.
$100k in Valuables Stolen From ‘Princess Bride’ Star Cary Elwes’ Home
The legal battle between Apple and Masimo is not just about patents and technology. Masimo has accused Apple of poaching its top executives and employees, as well as copying its technology after declining a partnership. This adds a layer of complexity to the dispute, making it more than just a matter of intellectual property rights.
Masimo’s CEO, Joe Kiani, has expressed openness to settling with Apple. Finding a resolution that satisfies both parties may be a viable option to end this legal battle. However, the outcome will depend on various factors, including the courts’ ruling and the willingness of both companies to negotiate a settlement.
