Blood oxygen measurement function removed from Apple Watch Series 9/Ultra 2 to avoid import ban due to patent infringement

Apple has filed a lawsuit in court regarding a case in which the blood oxygen measurement function installed in the Apple Watch Series 9/Ultra 2 was prohibited from importing and selling in the United States because it infringes the patent of medical device manufacturer Masimo. It is reported that the 'redesign proposal to avoid patent infringement' has been approved. This redesign removes blood oxygen level measurement functionality from Apple Watch Series 9/Ultra 2.

Apple readies Apple Watch Series 9 ban workaround by disabling blood oxygen functionality - 9to5Mac
https://9to5mac.com/2024/01/15/apple-watch-blood-oxygen-feature-remove-ban/

Apple Watch drops blood oxygen features to dodge the import ban - The Verge
https://www.theverge.com/2024/1/15/24034324/apple-watch-ban-us-customs-decision

In October 2023, Masimo filed a lawsuit alleging that the blood oxygen measurement feature included in the Apple Watch infringed its patents. The US International Trade Commission (ITC) accepted this complaint and ordered Apple to ban the import of Apple Watch Series 9/Ultra 2.

The US International Trade Commission rules that the Apple Watch's blood oxygen wellness measurement function infringes the patent of medical device manufacturer Masimo - GIGAZINE

In response to this decision, Apple has stopped selling Apple Watch Series 9/Ultra 2 at its official store. However, since the ITC import prohibition order only applies to the United States, it is still available for purchase in other regions including Japan at the time of article creation.

Apple discontinues sales of Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 over patent dispute over blood oxygen measurement function - GIGAZINE

After that, Apple appealed to the Federal Court of Appeals to postpone the import ban order, and as this was granted, official sales of Apple Watch Series 9/Ultra 2 resumed. Furthermore, Apple had submitted a redesign proposal for the Apple Watch Series 9/Ultra 2 to the court in order to avoid patent infringement, which is the root of the problem.

Masimo's lawyer told IT news site 9to5Mac that Apple has submitted a redesign proposal to remove the blood oxygen level measurement function from Apple Watch Series 9/Ultra 2, and all parties involved It seems that he has agreed to this redesign plan.

'The redesigned Apple Watch does not include blood oxygen measurement, and Apple has taken a positive step toward fulfilling its responsibility,' said Matt Hewell, global communications director at Masimo. commented.

Apple Watches without this blood oxygen measurement function are already being shipped to retail stores in the United States, including the Apple Store. However, they have been instructed not to sell them in stores until they hear from Apple.

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