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In a surprise announcement, Apple has decided to temporarily halt sales of its highly acclaimed Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 in the United States. This decision is a direct response to a long-running patent dispute with medical technology company Masimo over the Apple Watch's blood oxygen sensor technology.
The world of wearable technology has made significant progress in recent years and the Apple Watch has established itself as a frontrunner in the field. With features for monitoring blood oxygen saturation and other health features, the Apple Watch has proven to be a popular device for fitness enthusiasts and health-conscious people. But now this success story is facing a serious challenge as Apple is forced to stop selling its latest models (via 9to5mac).
Apple vs. Masimo: Background and effects of the patent lawsuit
The dispute between Apple and Masimo dates back to 2020, when Masimo accused Apple of patent infringement and violation of trade secrets. The focus was particularly on the blood oxygen sensor technology that has been integrated since the Apple Watch Series 6. The ITC (US International Trade Commission) ruled in October that Apple infringed two Masimo patents relating to the Apple Watch's pulse oximeter function. This decision led to a temporary ban on the sale of these models in the US from December 25th. However, Apple has now responded and announced that it will take precautionary measures to comply with the ruling. The company emphasizes that this ban only affects the affected models, while the cheaper Apple Watch SE, which does not have a blood oxygen sensor, will continue to be available.
Apple Watch sales ban: dramatic consequences for everyone involved
However, the impact of this ban could be far-reaching. Apple's wearables business generated over $13 billion in revenue in the US alone during the 2023 holiday quarter. The Apple Watch has proven to be a life-saving device that helps users identify potential health issues. Apple vehemently argues that the ban will not only hurt Apple but also suppliers and consumers, which could lead to significant economic impact. The Biden administration could still veto the ITC decision, although this has rarely happened in history. However, experts are skeptical as the Apple Watch does not have the same economic impact as the iPhone. (Photo by Unsplash / Samuel Angor)
