What you should know
- Apple has submitted a redesigned version of its watches to U.S. Customs with the pulse oximeter feature disabled, due to a patent infringement issue with Masimo.
- The U.S. Customs has ruled that Apple can sell these watches in the U.S. as long as the pulse oximeter is disabled. Apple plans to start selling these watches from 6 am PST/9 am EST at apple.com and during usual hours at U.S. Apple Stores.
- Apple has stated that it disagrees with the USITC decision and is appealing the ruling. In the meantime, it is complying with the ruling to ensure customers have access to the Apple Watch with limited disruption.
- Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 without the Blood Oxygen feature will be available from January 18. However, Apple has not mentioned if it plans on reducing the price of the affected watches due to the disabled feature.
Full Story
Apple’s been busy with U.S. Customs recently. They’ve submitted a redesigned version of their watches. The catch? The pulse oximeter on these units is disabled.
Why, you ask? Well, it’s all because of a patent owned by Masimo. This patent is the very one that Apple allegedly infringed on with the pulse oximeter feature. And it’s this infringement that’s caused a whole heap of legal troubles.
U.S. Customs has made a decision. They’ve ruled that Apple can sell the watches in the U.S. if the pulse oximeter is disabled. And Apple? They’re planning to do just that. Starting tomorrow at 6 am PST/9 am EST, these watches will be available on apple.com. They’ll also be in U.S. Apple Stores during the usual hours.
Apple’s not staying quiet either. They left a statement with 9to5Mac. In it, they said, “Apple’s appeal is ongoing, and we believe the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit should reverse the USITC’s decision. We strongly disagree with the USITC decision and resulting orders.”
But they’re not just complaining. They’re also taking action. “Pending the appeal, Apple is taking steps to comply with the ruling while ensuring customers have access to the Apple Watch with limited disruption,” they added.
And there’s more. Apple’s introducing a version of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 in the U.S. without the Blood Oxygen feature. But don’t worry if you’ve already bought one. There’s no impact on Apple Watch units previously purchased that include the Blood Oxygen feature.
The Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 without the Blood Oxygen feature will be available from apple.com starting 6 am PT on January 18. And from Apple Stores starting January 18.
But what about the price? Apple didn’t mention if it plans on reducing the price of the affected watches since the pulse oximeter will be disabled. And if anyone tries to use it on an Apple Watch Series 9 or Apple Watch Ultra 2 model purchased tomorrow? They’ll see a message that says, “The Blood Oxygen app is no longer available. Learn more in the Health app on your iPhone.”
