Apple has announced the temporary halt of sales for its latest smartwatches, the Series 9 and Ultra 2, in the United States. This decision, effective from December 21 on their website and after December 24 in retail locations, arises from a patent dispute concerning the blood oxygen measurement feature of these models. This feature has become a point of contention with Masimo, a medical technology company, claiming that Apple‘s devices infringe upon its patents.
The Apple Watches seemingly violated Masimo’s patent rights
The dispute took a critical turn in October when the US International Trade Commission (ITC) found that Apple’s watches violated Masimo’s patent rights. This finding could potentially lead to a ban on importing these Apple Watch models into the U.S. However, the decision awaits final review by President Joe Biden, with a deadline set for December 25. If the president does not veto this order, the ban will come into effect the following day.
Amidst this legal tussle, Apple’s response has been swift and strategic. The company, while disputing the ITC’s findings and planning to appeal, is preparing for the possibility of the ban being upheld. This preparation involves considering both legal and technical adjustments, including modifications to the algorithms that determine oxygen saturation levels in the blood.
Interestingly, the patent dispute and the subsequent sales pause do not affect all Apple Watch models. The more affordable Apple Watch SE, which lacks the contested blood oxygen sensor, remains available for purchase.
The timing of this development is crucial, as the holiday season in the U.S., typically a peak sales period for Apple, is underway. However, experts like Ryan Reith from IDC believe that Apple’s inventory of other models like the Watch 8 and SE will cushion any immediate sales impact.
This dispute also raises broader questions about the protection of intellectual property and the future of technological innovation in smart devices. As tech giants like Apple continue to push the boundaries of what smartwatches can do, the resolution of such disputes will have significant implications for the industry and consumers alike.
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(Via)
