The blood oxygen functionality is set to be removed from the upcoming Apple Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2 models.
Although Apple has not officially confirmed this development and has not responded to inquiries, it has been reported that the feature’s removal has been approved by the US Customs and Border Protection.
This approval could potentially enable Apple to resume the sale of these products in the US after they were prohibited last year due to a patent dispute with medical device manufacturer Masimo.
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The International Trade Commission (ITC) had determined that the blood oxygen sensors in both devices violated Masimo’s patents.
ITC Affirms Apple’s Violation of Masimo Patents
In October, the International Trade Commission (ITC) affirmed a previous decision that found Apple in violation of Masimo’s patents related to blood oxygen features on the Apple Watch.
Apple removed the Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2 from both its physical retail locations and online stores in the days leading up to the enforcement of the ban on December 26th, 2023.
However, this removal was temporary.
Apple initiated an appeal against the ruling and secured a temporary suspension of the watch ban.
This allowed the company to recommence sales in the United States while awaiting an evaluation of its modifications by the US Customs and Border Protection.
Apple Modifies Watches to Avoid Patent Infringement
In the aftermath of the ban, Apple has been working diligently to implement alterations to the watches to avoid infringing on Masimo’s patents.
Customs officials were tasked with evaluating the adequacy of the proposed changes. A letter from Masimo’s attorneys, as reported by 9to5Mac, indicates that all involved parties have reached an agreement on the new plan, which involves removing the blood oxygen feature from the Apple Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2.
The modified watches have already been dispatched to Apple retail stores.
However, these stores have been directed not to sell the altered watches until they receive official approval from the corporate headquarters.
As of now, the blood oxygen feature remains active on watches that have already been sold.