Apple to Exclude Blood Oxygen Monitoring Feature from Apple Watch 9 and Ultra 2 in the US Following Patent Infringement Claim.
In a move to continue selling its latest Apple Watches in the United States, Apple has decided to remove the blood oxygen measuring feature from the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 models. This decision comes as the company fights a legal battle against California-based health technology firm Masimo. This article will delve into the details of this development, including the background of the dispute, the impact on customers, and the significance of the Apple Watch for Apple as a product category.
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Background of the Dispute
The legal dispute between Apple and Masimo stems from an infringement claim made by Masimo against Apple. Masimo, a manufacturer of medical devices, accused Apple of hiring its employees and stealing its technology to create pulse oximetry devices used in their smartwatches. In October, the International Trade Commission (ITC) found that Apple’s smartwatches had sensors that infringed upon Masimo’s patents, leading to a ban on the sale of the infringing watches on December 26.
Apple’s Response
To comply with the ruling while ensuring continued access to Apple Watches for its customers, Apple has made the decision to release versions of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 in the United States without the blood oxygen feature. This move is a rare occurrence for technology companies like Apple, as it is uncommon for features to be removed from released products. However, in this case, it is a necessary step to address the patent infringement claim.
An Apple spokesperson stated, “Pending the appeal, Apple is taking steps to comply with the ruling while ensuring customers have access to Apple Watch with limited disruption. These steps include introducing a version of Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 in the United States without the Blood Oxygen feature. There is no impact to Apple Watch units previously purchased that include the Blood Oxygen feature.”
Impact on Customers
The removal of the blood oxygen measuring feature from the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 models may have implications for customers who rely on this functionality. The blood oxygen feature is designed to provide users with valuable health information, allowing them to monitor their oxygen saturation levels. Without this feature, users will no longer have access to real-time insights into their blood oxygen levels.
While some customers may be disappointed by the absence of this feature, it is important to note that previously purchased Apple Watches that include the blood oxygen feature will not be affected. This means that users who currently own an Apple Watch with this functionality will still be able to utilize it as before.
Apple Watch as an Important Product Category
The Apple Watch has become an integral part of Apple’s product lineup, generating significant sales within the wearables category. In 2023, the company reported nearly $40 billion in sales from the wearables category, with the Apple Watch contributing a substantial portion of these revenues. This underscores the device’s importance as a revenue driver for Apple.
Conclusion
In response to a legal dispute with Masimo, Apple has made the decision to remove the blood oxygen measuring feature from its latest Apple Watch models in the United States. While this may disappoint some customers, Apple is taking steps to comply with the ruling while minimizing disruption. The Apple Watch continues to be a vital product category for Apple, contributing significantly to its overall sales. As the legal battle unfolds, it remains to be seen how this decision will impact the future of Apple’s smartwatch offerings and its relationship with other health technology firms.