Apple has revealed that it will cease sales of certain Apple Watch models in response to a patent dispute concerning the blood oxygen monitoring feature incorporated in the devices. The company stated that it is proactively taking measures to comply with a potential ruling from the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) in relation to the patent conflict. This move will involve the suspension of sales for the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 on Apple's website starting December 21, with sales at physical Apple retail locations to halt after December 24.
The patent disagreement centers around the blood oxygen sensor found in Apple Watch products, a feature that allows users to measure their blood oxygen levels. Apple Watch users utilize this technology to monitor their oxygen saturation levels, which is crucial for detecting potential health issues, as indicated by medical experts from the Cleveland Clinic. Following the ITC's decision that Apple had unlawfully integrated blood oxygen technology from Masimo, a medical technology company, Apple was instructed to stop importing the infringing devices. Currently, a review panel appointed by the president is assessing the ITC's order; this review process is expected to conclude on December 25, prompting Apple to remove the affected devices from sale later this week.
In response to the order issued by the ITC and subsequent actions, Apple expressed its strong disagreement and stated that it is exploring various legal and technological avenues to ensure continued availability of the Apple Watch for its customers. The company is actively pursuing ways to address the patent dispute to enable the resumption of sales of the affected Apple Watch models.