In a significant development today, a US appeals court upheld a decision to ban the sale of Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 models featuring a blood oxygen sensor. This ruling comes after the International Trade Commission (ITC) found that these models infringed on patents held by medical device company Masimo.
Immediate Impact of the Court’s Decision
Starting from January 18 at 5 p.m. ET, Apple is prohibited from selling its latest Apple Watch models with pulse oximetry features in the United States. This decision directly affects the availability of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2.
In response to the court’s decision, Apple has announced a plan to adapt its products. According to a statement provided to 9to5Mac, Apple will introduce versions of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 in the US market without the blood oxygen feature. This measure is intended to ensure the continuous availability of these models to customers, with minimal disruption.
Apple’s statement emphasizes its disagreement with the USITC decision and the company’s ongoing appeal. Apple reassures that there will be no impact on previously purchased Apple Watch units that include the Blood Oxygen feature.
Availability of Modified Apple Watch Models
The modified Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 models, lacking the blood oxygen feature, will be available for purchase from Apple’s website starting at 6 am PT on January 18 and in Apple Stores from the same date.
Apple will implement a firmware update to remove the blood oxygen features from the affected models. The US Customs agency has confirmed that this software change is compliant with the ITC ruling. Users will see a notification in the Blood Oxygen app, directing them to further information in the Health app on their iPhone.
As the legal battle with Masimo and the ITC continues, Apple anticipates the appeals process could extend over a year. This software modification is a strategic move to maintain sales momentum for the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 in the US market during this period.
No Impact on Existing Users or Non-US Markets
This change will not affect current owners of an Apple Watch with the blood oxygen features. Additionally, the modification is exclusive to the United States, with no impact on international markets.
Stay tuned at TechmonQuay for more updates.
