Apple has announced that the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 will be available without blood oxygen features in US stores starting Thursday morning.
The decision follows a ruling by a federal appeals court on Wednesday. It follows a court ruling banning Apple from importing wearable devices with this feature into the country. The court decision stems from Apple’s appeal of the US International Trade Commission’s (USITC) determination that these devices infringe patents. Here are all the details…
What does the court decision cover?
Apple had sought to extend a stay, allowing the import of these devices. At the same time, it appealed the USITC’s decision that the world’s largest seller of smartwatches infringed two patents owned by Masimo Corporation and Cercacor Laboratories. The USITC’s decision, which was finally adopted on 26 December, led Apple to adjust its strategy in response to legal restrictions.
Availability of modified Apple Watches
According to a statement from Apple shared with various news outlets, the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 without blood oxygen will be available on Apple.com and in Apple Stores starting on 18 January. The move is part of Apple’s efforts to comply with the court order while ensuring customers can access the watches, albeit with limited interruption.
Perspectives on the judgment
Joe Kiani, founder and CEO of Masimo, expressed his satisfaction with the court’s decision, stating that it reinforces the principle that even the largest companies should respect the intellectual rights of American inventors. He emphasized the importance of holding companies accountable when they are found to infringe on others’ patents.
In response, Apple issued a statement opposing the USITC decision and related orders. The tech giant is currently in the process of appealing the decision. He is taking steps to comply with the ruling while minimizing customer impact. In this context, a version of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 without the blood oxygen feature will be released in the US. Specifically, Apple guarantees that there will be no impact on previously purchased Apple Watch units, including the blood oxygen feature.
While Apple’s legal proceedings continue, consumers who want to own the latest Apple Watches can now purchase these devices without the blood oxygen feature. The court decision is a reminder of the ongoing complexities in the technology industry, where intellectual property rights play an important role in shaping product offerings and market dynamics.
Featured image credit: Apple
