In September of 2023, Apple announced that they would be releasing their new Series 9 and Ultra 2 watches. Shortly after the release, the watches were banned due to a patent dispute with health technology company, Masimo. As of January, 2024, the watches went back on the market without the inclusion of the newly-banned blood oxygen technology.
Apple wanted to find a way to circumvent the ban, but it was not that easy. Even though Apple intended for their blood oxygen sensors to be used for the benefit of public health, the lawsuit by Masimo shows that Apple clearly violated intellectual property rights.
Apple still believes that they can make great sales without the sensor. “There’s lots of reasons to buy the watch even without the blood oxygen sensor,” Apple CEO Tim Cook said.
Looking into the near future, Apple does not know if the blood oxygen technology will be unbanned. The Biden administration has provided clarity on their stance regarding the International Trade Commission ban, further expanding on their hesitation to remove the restriction.
The case is not going to be dismissed right away, so Apple is still able to sell the latest models of watches. However, the watches must lack the blood oxygen feature until further notice.
