NEWS  Apple  January 18, 2024  Reading time: 2 Minute(s)

Max (RS editor)

In a never ending legal showdown between tech giant Apple and medical device company Masimo, the U.S. International Trade Commission is at the center of a dispute regarding the sale of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 in the United States. The bone of contention revolves around an intellectual property dispute related to the blood oxygen sensors embedded in these cutting-edge wearable devices.

Initially banned from sale in December, both watches were marked as "currently unavailable" on Apple's website, sending shockwaves through the consumer electronics market. However, Apple managed to secure a temporary reprieve when the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit granted a request to lift the import ban on December 27, 2023. The respite, however, seems short-lived, as a new court order from the same Court of Appeals is poised to reinstate the ban, once again placing the devices in jeopardy.

Masimo's grievances against Apple stem from allegations of executive poaching and the purported replication of technology after a declined partnership offer. Masimo CEO Joe Kiani expressed openness to settling the dispute with Apple in December, but Apple has yet to respond to this olive branch. The legal tug-of-war has far-reaching implications, not only for the tech behemoth but also for the future of innovation and collaboration within the industry.

As the legal battle rages on, Apple is reportedly taking proactive measures to address the issue. Changes are underway for both the Apple Watch Series 9 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2, specifically in the removal of pulse oximeter functionality from the U.S. models. This strategic move aims to circumvent the ban in the domestic market, allowing Apple to continue selling these devices in other regions without interruptions to availability.

While previous models no longer on sale remain unaffected, the ban could pose challenges for Apple under its AppleCare service, hindering the company's ability to procure necessary supplies for repairs and replacements.

The tech industry is closely watching the outcome of this legal saga, as it not only underscores the importance of protecting intellectual property but also raises questions about the broader implications for competition and collaboration in an ever-evolving market. As Apple navigates this legal quagmire, the fate of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 hangs in the balance, shaping the narrative of innovation, corporate responsibility, and legal precedent in the technology sector.

 COVER IMAGE: REVIEW SPACE | PRODUCTS IMAGES: APPLE / MASIMO