Featured Image Credit: Alex Segre/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images / Joseph Branston/Future via Getty Images
Today, Apple faces a ban on the sale of its Apple Watch amid allegations that the devices incorporate technology that has been unlawfully obtained.
Due to a federal court’s decision to lift a temporary suspension on the ban, all Apple stores and third-party retailers will be barred from selling the latest Series 9 and Ultra 2 models featuring blood oxygen capabilities starting at 5 pm EST on Thursday, January 18. It’s important to note that this ban is applicable only within the United States.
Initially slated for December, the ban on Apple Watches was temporarily lifted following Apple’s request to suspend it for the duration of the appeals process.
As the appeals process is expected to extend over several months, the ban has been reinstated in the meantime.
Apple’s Series 9 watch was released in September. Credits: James D. Morgan/Getty Images
The court order issued on Wednesday did not make a ruling on Apple’s attempt to overturn the US International Trade Commission’s ban on the sale of the watches by the company.
Nevertheless, it removed an injunction that had previously prevented the ban from being implemented while the appeal is ongoing.
In October, the International Trade Commission determined that the blood oxygen sensors in Apple’s watches had violated Masimo’s intellectual property.
Since 2020, the Series 9 and Ultra 2 models have incorporated this feature, but the more budget-friendly SE model does not include it.
On Wednesday, Masimo’s founder and chief executive, Joe Kiani, stated that the ruling underscored the principle that ‘even the largest and most powerful companies must uphold the intellectual rights of American inventors and face consequences when found infringing others’ patents.’
Contrastingly, Apple expressed a firm disagreement with the perspective that it had breached any patent rights related to the Apple Watch.
In a statement, Apple conveyed that it is in the process of adhering to the ruling during the appeal, all the while ensuring that customers continue to have access to the Apple Watch with minimal disruption.
Apple has rebuffed the claims. Credit: Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Apple intends to modify its watches to align with the recent ruling, and as part of this compliance, the company plans to eliminate the blood oxygen feature from its product lineup.
The revised editions of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 are set to be available for purchase on Thursday, coinciding with the commencement of the ban.
The updated model will feature an alert that guides users to an explanation on Apple’s website when they click on the blood oxygen icon.
