Apple has announced the temporary suspension of sales for its Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 in the United States following an order from the US International Trade Commission (ITC). The pause in sales is a response to a patent dispute with medical device maker Masimo regarding Apple Watch devices featuring the Blood Oxygen feature. The ITC found that Apple’s devices violated Masimo’s pulse oximetry patents, leading to the sales halt. Apple has preemptively complied with the ITC’s ban on imports of the affected watches, and while the company believes the decision is erroneous and plans to appeal, the suspension will take effect from December 21st.
The patent dispute stems from allegations by Masimo that Apple infringed on its pulse oximetry technology, accusing the tech giant of hiring away its employees and incorporating the technology into its Apple Watch. Despite Apple’s assertion that the ITC’s findings are flawed and should be reversed, the company is taking steps to comply with the ruling while awaiting a potential presidential review period until December 25th. The sales suspension affects the US market, with the Series 9 and Ultra 2 still available for purchase outside the country, and no impact on previously purchased units with the Blood Oxygen feature.
The ITC’s ruling is part of an ongoing legal battle between Apple and Masimo, with a mistrial in a California federal court jury trial in May related to Masimo’s allegations. Apple has separately countersued Masimo for patent infringement in a Delaware federal court. Despite the company’s wearables, home, and accessory business bringing in significant revenue, the sales pause highlights the challenges and legal complexities Apple faces in the competitive smartwatch market. The outcome of the appeal and potential presidential review will have implications for the availability of these Apple Watch models in the US.
