After Apple stopped selling its flagship Apple Watch models in the US due to a patent dispute, the Cupertino company may now completely remove blood oxygen measurement from its smartwatches to continue selling the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Series 9.
Late last year, Apple had to stop selling its latest smartwatch. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 (Test) And the Apple Watch Series 9 can no longer be ordered through the American Apple Online Shop starting December 21, 2023. Sales at Apple stores have also stopped completely since December 24.
Patent disputes cause sales stoppage
This was due to a ruling by the US International Trade Commission (ITC), which banned sales due to medical technology company Massimo’s patent litigation. However, the ITC ruling only prohibits Apple from selling the affected models. The devices were still available for the time being from other retailers such as Best Buy and Amazon. This was especially the case Patent disputes over blood oxygen sensors On newer Apple Watch models. There was a sensor For the first time with the Apple Watch Series 6 Launched in 2020.
“A presidential review is underway for an order from the US International Trade Commission (ITC) regarding a technological intellectual property dispute involving blood oxygen functions with Apple Watch models. Although the review doesn’t end until December 25th, Apple is taking precautions to comply with the order. This includes sales breaks for the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 starting December 21st on Apple.com and December 24th at Apple Stores.“
Apple’s statement to 9to5Mac
Apple Watch Series 9
A Apple Watch Series 9 (Buy Here) This is the latest smartwatch from the manufacturer. The watch offers several health and fitness functions as well as an emergency SOS feature. Apple S9 processor works under the hood.
Exceptions for service and repair
But the ITC decision made a difference Exceptions for service, repair or warranty period of products sold before December 25. This means that customers can continue to supply spare parts in case of damage and not have to worry about constantly running around with a broken smartwatch.
Massimo can insist on hardware changes
Apple tried a patent dispute with one Software updates To disable, but vice versa Bloomberg Massimo insists that Apple is also involved Hardware changes Of course you do. If hardware compatibility is indeed necessary, the Apple Watch won’t be available in the US for several months.
A US court However, Apple recently decided that Apple can continue selling the latest Apple Watch models in the US for the time being. According to the judgment, the sale is possible till the end of the appeal process. US President Biden’s administration had earlier decided not to veto the International Trade Commission (ITC) decision.
Are apples removing blood oxygen measurements?
After all the “back and forth”, Apple now seems to have decided to remove the blood oxygen measurement entirely in order to be able to continue selling the Watch Ultra 2 and Watch Series 9. As Massimo revealed, US Customs is said to have already agreed. However, it does not involve removing the sensor from the watch, but only the software functions of the watchOS operating system. However, Apple will still wait to see if the US federal appeals court in Washington DC will extend the stay of the sales ban. Only then will Apple decide to go further, so Mark Gurman.
To be able to use the function in the future, a licensing agreement with Massimo may be required. Over the past few months, the medical technology company has repeatedly said, “You are ready to talk“Patent litigation in the United States is not expected to have any impact on European users.
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