Apple is planning to remove the blood oxygen feature from its new Apple Watch models in order to circumvent an import ban. The move comes amidst an ongoing patent dispute with medical device maker Masimo, who claims that certain Apple Watch models infringe on its blood oxygen monitoring technology patents. If Apple’s appeal of the ban is unsuccessful, the company intends to eliminate the blood oxygen functionality from its Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. The redesign will only proceed if Apple loses its appeal of the ban. Both companies are awaiting a ruling from the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, which is expected to happen imminently.
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Apple plans to remove blood oxygen feature on smartwatches to avoid import ban
Apple is facing a patent dispute with medical device maker Masimo, which has led to an import ban on certain Apple Watch models. In response, Apple is planning to remove the blood oxygen feature from its Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 models as a workaround to avoid the ban, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.
Background on Apple’s patent dispute with Masimo
Masimo has claimed that certain Apple Watch models infringe on its blood oxygen monitoring technology patents. In a filing that has not been made public, Masimo stated that US Customs and Border Protection has ruled that Apple’s redesign of the watches falls outside the scope of the import ban imposed by the US International Trade Commission (ITC) on the Series 9 and Ultra 2 models, as reported by Bloomberg.
Apple has responded to Masimo’s claim, stating that watches with the redesign do not contain pulse oximetry functionality. The company believes that this claim is a positive step towards accountability, according to a spokesperson from Masimo.
Apple’s workaround for the import ban
To circumvent the import ban, Apple plans to remove the blood oxygen functionality from its Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 models. This redesign will only be implemented if Apple’s appeal of the import ban is unsuccessful. The rationale behind this decision is to ensure that the redesigned watches no longer infringe on Masimo’s patents related to blood oxygen monitoring technology.
Removing the blood oxygen feature from these smartwatches will have an impact on the functionality of the devices. Users will no longer be able to monitor their blood oxygen levels directly from the Apple Watch. However, it is a necessary step for Apple to continue selling these models without facing any legal consequences.
Details of Apple’s appeal of the import ban
Apple has appealed the import ban on its Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 models. The status of the appeal is currently ongoing, with the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit expected to rule on Apple’s motion for a stay for a full appeal period. The ruling date is anticipated to be as early as Tuesday.
The outcome of this appeal is of significant importance to Apple. If the ban is lifted or modified in their favor, Apple will be able to continue selling the affected models without any restrictions. However, if the ban is upheld, Apple will need to rely on its workaround solution of removing the blood oxygen feature to avoid any legal consequences.
Masimo’s claim and response
Masimo has issued a statement in response to Apple’s redesigned watch. The medical device maker acknowledges Apple’s claim that the redesigned watch does not contain pulse oximetry functionality as a positive step towards accountability. Masimo appreciates Apple taking responsibility for ensuring that their products do not infringe on Masimo’s patents related to blood oxygen monitoring technology.
A spokesperson from Masimo has also responded to Apple’s claim, expressing their support for the removal of the blood oxygen feature if it indeed means that the redesigned watches no longer infringe on Masimo’s patents.
Current availability of Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2
Despite the ongoing patent dispute and import ban, Apple has stated that the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 models are still available with the blood oxygen tool. Apple expects the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit to rule on their motion for a stay for a full appeal period soon. In the meantime, these smartwatches can still be purchased from various retailers.
Retailers such as Best Buy and Walmart are currently selling the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 models, providing consumers with access to the latest Apple smartwatches.
Timeline of the import ban on Apple’s smartwatches
The import ban on Apple’s latest smartwatches initially went into effect on December 26. However, the ban was temporarily paused the following day by the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. This temporary pause allowed Apple to resume sales of the affected watch models while the legal battle against the import ban continues.
Apple has been actively fighting against the ban, and the timeline of events reflects their determination to resolve the patent dispute and regain the ability to import and sell their smartwatches without any restrictions.
Conclusion
In response to a patent dispute with Masimo, Apple plans to remove the blood oxygen feature from its Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 models to avoid an import ban imposed by the US International Trade Commission. This workaround is part of Apple’s ongoing appeal of the ban, and a ruling on the appeal is expected soon. The outcome of the appeal will have significant implications for Apple’s ability to sell these smartwatches without any legal restrictions. In the meantime, the affected Apple Watch models are still available for purchase from various retailers. Apple remains committed to resolving the patent dispute and ensuring compliance with intellectual property rights.
Related site – Apple to Remove Blood-Oxygen Sensor From Watch to Avoid U.S. Ban
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