Image: Apple.
Apple will remove the blood oxygen sensor from its Apple Watch 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 to prevent them from being banned from sale in the United States.
In a document filed Monday with the US Federal Court, lawyers for Masimo – the company which accuses Apple of having violated one of its patents – indicate that “Apple is preparing a modified version of the Apple Watch, which does not include not the blood oximetry function.” The document specifies “that Apple’s new design does not fall within the scope” of the International Trade Commission (ITC).
Sales ban in the United States
This approach would allow Apple to avoid a permanent ban on the import and sale of its Apple Watch models equipped with the blood oxygen sensor in the United States.
A ban of this type had in fact affected the brand last month, before being temporarily suspended during the judgment.
Image: Apple.
However, the ban could resume as soon as this month, which could explain Apple’s haste.
Apple found a software solution
According to Bloomberg, Apple has started shipping the new Apple Watches, with the modification, to US stores. However, it is not yet known when they will go on sale.
Of course, people who already own an Apple Watch Series 9 or an Apple Watch Ultra 2 will be able to continue using the feature. Furthermore, since the sales ban only affects the United States, it is possible that Apple will continue to sell its models with blood oxygen sensors in other regions of the world.
The solution submitted by Apple to the American authorities would in fact be a software solution, which would not “permanently” prevent the sensor in question from working. Thus, this blockage would be put in place by the Cupertino company only if the American authorities decide so. While awaiting the final judgment, the new Apple Watches are sold with the blood oxygen sensor.
Source: ZDNet Korea