Reports suggest that the blood oxygen feature is set to be removed from the new Apple Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2, marking a resolution to a patent dispute with medical device maker Masimo. US Customs and Border Protection has reportedly approved the measure, allowing potential sales to resume after a ban imposed last year.
Last December, the International Trade Commission (ITC) banned the sale of Apple Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2 in the US due to patent infringement claims by Masimo. Apple swiftly pulled the watches from its stores but appealed the decision, securing a temporary pause on the ban while awaiting an assessment of proposed changes by US Customs and Border Protection.
The move to remove the blood oxygen feature is part of Apple's effort to address Masimo's patent concerns. While the feature appears to remain active on previously sold watches, modified versions have reportedly been shipped to Apple retail stores. However, stores are instructed not to sell the modified watches until receiving official authorization from corporate.
For existing Apple Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2 owners, the blood oxygen feature is expected to remain available, although the timeline for its continuity remains unclear. Prospective buyers are advised to stay informed and exercise caution before applying any updates, especially if the blood oxygen feature is a critical factor in their decision-making process. The situation remains fluid, and further updates are awaited to provide clarity on the future of these Apple Watch models.
