Apple is set to resume the sale of its Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2 without the blood oxygen features due to an ongoing patent infringement dispute. The watches will be made available on Apple's website and retail stores, with sales starting on January 18.
The decision to exclude the blood oxygen feature is a response to a ban on the new Apple watches imposed in the US after the International Trade Commission (ITC) ruled that the blood oxygen sensors violated patents owned by healthcare company Masimo. Apple has appealed the decision, and while the appeal is ongoing, the company is taking steps to comply with the ruling and minimize disruption for customers.
The US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit recently denied extending an interim stay on the ban, leading Apple to revise and resume sales without the contested feature. The company expressed disagreement with the ITC decision and emphasized its commitment to ensuring customer access to Apple Watch with limited disruption during the ongoing legal proceedings. Existing Apple Watches that include the blood oxygen feature are not affected by the changes.
(With Agency Inputs)
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