Why is Apple going to remove a must-have feature from the Apple Watch?

Apple could remove its oximeter feature, which allows you to calculate oxygen levels, from its Apple Watch most recent in the United States. At issue is a legal battle with connected health giant Masimo over intellectual property theft.

In 2020, Masimo accused Apple of having developed oximeter technology similar to that patented in his name. Following the intervention of the International Trade Commission (ITC) at the end of last year, the apple brand was forced to withdraw from sale its two flagship watches, the Ultra 2 and the Series 9. It has since obtained a waiver allowing it to continue offering them in stores, and is now awaiting a decision from U.S. Customs and Border Protection regarding the changes it is proposing to circumvent the accusations against it. The oximeter is Masimo’s flagship product, generating nearly 80% of its revenue.

Apple Watches without an oximeter

According to 9to5Mac, we seem to be moving towards the removal of oximeter functionalities from connected watches. For several years, Apple has been highlighting the health tools included in the Apple Watch, and using them as a notable selling point. The company proposed simply removing the oximeter from its watches.

In a document filed this Monday with the Federal Court, Masimo’s lawyers assert that American customs ” decided that Apple’s new design was not within the scope » of the ITC decision. This means that the Cupertino company’s initiative to remove the oximeter seems to have convinced decision-makers.

In fact, modified Apple Watches have already been shipped to Apple stores, but they have been ordered not to sell them until they have received approval from management.

Masimo has a habit of bringing down big guys

The matter is not yet resolved. The American Court of Appeals should soon rule on a possible stay in favor of Apple, leaving Apple Watch owners in complete limbo. For three years now, Masimo has not given up and accused the Californian giant of theft of industrial secrets.

If Apple is permanently forced to retire its oximeter technology, it won’t be the only big fish to fail against the healthcare company. Philips Healthcare was ordered in 2014 to pay $300 million for a health monitoring patent. Masimo also won nearly $800 million from competitor Nellcor for patent infringement, and then another $45 million in another antitrust suit a few years later.

Sources: The Verge, 9to5Mac