Apple will soon stop selling the latest versions of the Apple Watch in the US due to a patent dispute the company may have lost.
A recent ruling by the US International Trade Commission (ITC) concluded that Apple was in violation of medical company, Masimo’s pulse oximeter patent; a technology that uses light to read blood-oxygen levels. A feature Apple introduced to its Apple Watch series 6 lineup in 2020.
As a result of this ruling, Apple will have to stop selling the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 at its online store on December 21 and at its physical retail locations from Christmas Eve (December 24).
“We are disappointed that the ITC has issued this order,” Apple said in a statement. “We believe there are strong grounds for our appeal, and we will continue to pursue all options to ensure our products remain available to our customers.”
The move is a major blow to Apple, which has sold millions of Apple Watches since the device was first released in 2015. The Apple Watch is one of the company’s most popular products, and is one of the most successful products in the wearables business.
While it is unclear how long the ban will last, the International Trade Commission order to stop the Apple Watch sales is subject to a 60-day review by the US president, who has the power to veto the decision. That review period ends on Christmas day, December 25th.
Apple has also said it will appeal the International Trade Court decision and ask for the order to be suspended while the appeal is decided. This patent dispute between Apple and Masimo could have a significant impact on the wearables market, as other companies may also be forced to pay royalties to Masimo if they use similar technology in their products.
The solution to this may be for Apple to dialogue with Masimo, and while CEO Joe Kiani admits he is open to a licensing agreement or a settlement, Apple has not approached them for either.
