Apple Takes Precautions, Temporarily Halts Sales of New Smartwatches in the USA
In an unusual move, tech giant Apple has announced a halt in the sales of its latest smartwatch models, the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2, in the United States. The tech-giant's decision comes in response to a patent dispute with competitor, Masimo, over the use of blood oxygen monitoring technology.
According to reports, Apple is allegedly using Masimo's patented technology for measuring oxygen content in blood in its smartwatches without a license. Masimo prevailed in the United States International Trade Commission (ITC) proceedings in October, which resulted in a ban on the importation of the affected Apple Watch models into the USA. However, US President Joe Biden still has until December 25 to veto this decision.
To avoid any potential confusion or legal issues during the review period, Apple has decided to temporarily halt sales of the two smartwatch models. Sales of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 will be discontinued on Apple's US website from December 21 and will not be available in US stores after December 24.
Apple, however, is not giving up without a fight. The company has clarified that it does not agree with the ITC's decision and is exploring various legal and technical options to continue making the watches available to consumers. According to Apple, the company is pursuing a number of legal and technical options to ensure that the Apple Watch is available to customers.
Options available to Apple include making changes to the device, preferably to the software, in order to exclude the use of the disputed technology. Apple could also rely on an agreement with Masimo, or engage in settlement talks. However, Masimo has been unwilling to engage in settlement talks so far.
Patent Dispute Over Blood Oxygen Technology
Masimo is a medical technology company that has accused Apple of using its patented blood oxygen monitoring technology in its smartwatches without a license. The company prevailed in the US ITC proceedings in October, which resulted in a ban on the importation of the affected Apple Watch models into the USA.
The dispute between Apple and Masimo was initiated in 2019 when Masimo accused Apple of poaching employees to use the technology in the Apple Watch. Masimo has claimed that Apple violated its patents by incorporating blood oxygen detection in the Apple Watch Series 6 and newer models.
Apple's Response and Future Models
Apple has been quick to respond to the patent dispute. The company has been seeking multiple avenues to resolve the issue, including invoking the White House to intervene and provide a stay until all appeals have been processed. Apple has also been exploring the possibility of updating the Apple Watch software to satisfy customs and avoid the import ban.
However, the dispute has dealt a significant blow to Apple's smartwatch sales in the US market. The company is likely to release a new Apple Watch Series X in September 2024, which is expected to avoid technologies claimed in Masimo's patents and potentially avoid the import ban.
In conclusion, Apple's dispute with Masimo over the use of blood oxygen monitoring technology in its smartwatches has resulted in the temporary halt of sales of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 in the US market. However, the company is exploring various legal and technical options to continue making the watches available to customers. The long-term impact of the dispute on Apple's smartwatch sales remains to be seen.
