Apple Halts Sales of Series 9 and Ultra 2 Smartwatches Amidst Patent Dispute
Apple has recently announced that it will temporarily halt the sales of its latest smartwatches, the Series 9 and Ultra 2, in the United States. This decision comes as a result of an ongoing patent dispute related to the blood oxygen measurement feature of these models. Masimo, a medical technology company, claims that Apple's devices infringe upon its patents.
Patent Violation
The dispute between Apple and Masimo took a critical turn in October when the US International Trade Commission (ITC) ruled that Apple's watches violated Masimo's patent rights. This ruling could potentially lead to a ban on importing these Apple Watch models into the U.S. However, the final decision lies with President Joe Biden, who has until December 25 to review the case. If the president does not veto the order, the ban will go into effect the following day.
Swift Response from Apple
In response to the ITC's findings, Apple has taken swift and strategic action. While the company disputes the ruling and plans to appeal, it is also preparing for the possibility of the ban being upheld. This preparation includes considering both legal and technical adjustments, such as modifying the algorithms that determine oxygen saturation levels in the blood.
Not All Models Affected
It is important to note that the patent dispute and the subsequent sales pause do not impact all Apple Watch models. The more affordable Apple Watch SE, which does not have the contested blood oxygen sensor, remains available for purchase.
Holiday Season Impact
The timing of this development is crucial as it coincides with the holiday season in the U.S., which is typically a peak sales period for Apple. However, industry experts like Ryan Reith from IDC believe that Apple's inventory of other models, such as the Watch 8 and SE, will help cushion any immediate sales impact.
Broader Implications
This patent dispute raises broader questions about the protection of intellectual property and the future of technological innovation in smart devices. As tech giants like Apple continue to push the boundaries of what smartwatches can do, the resolution of such disputes will have significant implications for the industry and consumers alike.
