Apple Takes Blood Oxygen Feature off Some Watches Following US Ban

In a strategic move to comply with a recent US ban, Apple has decided to eliminate the blood oxygen measuring feature from some of its latest Apple Watches. This decision comes amid a legal battle with health technology firm Masimo, raising questions about the impact on consumers and the wearable market.

Legal Issues on Apple Watches

In a legal clash with Masimo, Apple faced a ban on selling watches due to sensor patent infringement. Despite a temporary reprieve, the ITC ruling stands, awaiting appeal.

Masimo’s Allegations

Apple has been entangled in a legal dispute with California-based health technology company Masimo. The International Trade Commission (ITC) ruled in October that Apple’s smartwatches, specifically the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 models, infringed upon Masimo’s patents related to sensors. This decision prompted a ban on the sale of these watches, which was effective from December 26.

Temporary Reprieve and Ongoing Appeals

However, Apple secured a temporary reprieve on December 27 from a US appeals court, allowing the continued import and sale of the smartwatches. It’s noteworthy that while the court temporarily halted the import ban, it did not overturn the ITC’s decision, which is currently under appeal.

Apple’s Response and Strategic Move

To comply with the ruling, Apple is removing the blood oxygen feature from affected Apple Watches, ensuring continued availability during legal proceedings. The statement outlines steps, including introducing versions without the feature.

Compliance with Ruling

To navigate the legal landscape, Apple has opted to comply with the ruling by removing the blood oxygen measuring feature from the affected Apple Watches. The decision aims to ensure continued availability of the watches in the United States while the legal proceedings unfold.

Apple’s Statement

According to a statement from Apple, “Pending the appeal, Apple is taking steps to comply with the ruling while ensuring customers have access to Apple Watch with limited disruption. These steps include introducing a version of Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 in the United States without the Blood Oxygen feature.”

Uncommon Move in the Tech Industry

It is unusual for technology companies to remove features from already released products, and this move by Apple underscores the complexities of intellectual property disputes and the lengths companies may go to maintain market presence.

Potential Consumer Impact and Industry Observations

Removing the blood oxygen feature may impact interest in affected Apple Watches, prompting questions about consumer preferences. Apple’s wearables, including the Apple Watch, contributed significantly to its $40 billion revenue in 2023. Assessing the wider impact on the wearables industry is crucial to understanding the dispute’s implications on Apple’s market position.

Consumer Response

The absence of the blood oxygen measuring feature, a notable health monitoring component, may impact consumer interest in the affected Apple Watches. This shift raises questions about consumer preferences and the extent to which such alterations might influence purchasing decisions.

Wearables Market Significance

The Apple Watch is a crucial product category for Apple, contributing significantly to its wearables sales. In 2023 alone, the wearables category, inclusive of headphones, generated nearly $40 billion in revenue for the tech giant. Understanding the implications of this legal dispute on Apple’s market position is essential in assessing the broader impact on the wearables industry.

Masimo’s Perspective and Industry Responses

Masimo accused Apple of not just patent infringement but also of hiring employees and stealing tech for pulse oximetry in smartwatches. Founder Joe Kiani stresses the ruling underscores the need to respect intellectual property, even for giants like Apple. The legal clash highlights IP challenges in tech and may set a precedent for corporate responses. Apple’s compliance and the blood oxygen feature’s removal raise questions about the smartwatches’ future. Please read below in this unfolding story.

Masimo’s Accusations

Masimo accused Apple of not only infringing upon its patents but also of hiring its employees and stealing technology to create pulse oximetry devices used in the smartwatches. Masimo’s founder and chief executive, Joe Kiani, emphasized that the ruling reinforces the importance of respecting intellectual property rights, even for tech giants like Apple.

Industry Observations

The legal battle between Apple and Masimo sheds light on the challenges surrounding intellectual property in the technology sector. Observers note that this case may set a precedent for how major companies handle patent disputes, emphasizing the need for compliance and acknowledgment of intellectual rights.

Future Developments

As Apple takes strategic steps to comply with the legal ruling, the removal of the blood oxygen measuring feature raises intriguing questions about the future of these smartwatches in the market. The ongoing legal proceedings, consumer responses, and industry observations will shape the narrative surrounding this unique intersection of technology, law, and consumer preferences. Stay tuned for updates on this evolving saga.