California: Apple has been ordered to stop selling its latest smartwatches, the Apple Watch Series 9 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2, in the US market from December 21, following a patent dispute with a medical device maker. The US International Trade Commission (ITC) ruled that Apple infringed on the patents of Masimo, a company that produces pulse oximeters, which are devices that measure the oxygen level in the blood.
The ITC found that Apple copied Masimo’s blood oxygen (SpO2) sensing technology, which is a key feature of the Apple Watch Series 9 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2. The technology allows users to monitor their health and fitness by tracking the oxygen saturation of their blood. Masimo claimed that Apple hired some of its former employees and used its confidential information to develop its own version of the technology.
The ITC’s order will take effect on December 21, unless it is overturned by the US President or a federal court. The order means that Apple will not be able to sell, import, or distribute the Apple Watch Series 9 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2 in the US. The last day for customers to pick up or receive their orders from Apple Stores will be December 24, the eve of Christmas.
However, the order does not affect the Apple Watch SE 2, the third and the cheapest model of the Apple Watch lineup this year. The Apple Watch SE 2 does not have a blood oxygen sensor and is therefore not involved in the patent dispute. Moreover, the order does not apply to other countries, where Apple can still sell the Apple Watch Series 9 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2 without any restrictions.
Apple has expressed its disagreement with the ITC’s order and said that it is exploring various legal and technical options to challenge the ruling and ensure the availability of the Apple Watch for its customers. Apple also said that it is confident that its products do not violate any of Masimo’s patents and that it will continue to innovate and improve its health and wellness features.
