Tech Tuesday: Apple Halts Sales of Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 Due to Patent Dispute

Apple, one of the world’s leading technology companies, is facing a significant setback as it announces the temporary halt of sales for some of its Apple Watch products, specifically the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2. This unexpected move is a result of an ongoing patent dispute concerning the devices’ blood oxygen monitoring feature. In this blog post, we will delve into the details of this legal battle and its implications for both Apple and consumers.
The Blood Oxygen Monitoring Technology:
The Apple Watch has been celebrated for its health and fitness tracking capabilities, including the ability to monitor the level of oxygen in the wearer’s blood. This feature is vital as it can help users detect potential health issues related to oxygen saturation levels, such as respiratory problems.

The Patent Dispute:
The patent dispute at the heart of this matter involves Apple’s use of blood oxygen monitoring technology. The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) ruled that Apple had unlawfully incorporated this technology from Masimo, a prominent medical tech company. As a result, the ITC ordered Apple to cease importing and selling the devices.

Apple’s Response:
Apple has chosen to proactively respond to the ITC’s ruling. In an email to CBS MoneyWatch, the technology giant stated that it is “preemptively taking steps to comply” with the ruling. These steps include pausing the sales of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 on Apple.com, starting from December 21, and at Apple retail locations after December 24.

The Presidential Review:
In the midst of this legal battle, a presidential review panel is currently evaluating the ITC’s order. This review period is scheduled to conclude on December 25. The impending deadline has prompted Apple to remove the affected devices from the market starting later this week.

Apple’s Stance:
Apple has made it clear that it strongly disagrees with the ITC’s order and is actively pursuing various legal and technical options to ensure that Apple Watch products remain available to its customers. The company’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge technology and improving the health and wellness of its users remains unwavering.

Conclusion::
The temporary halt of sales for the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 is undoubtedly a setback for Apple and its customers. However, it underscores the company’s dedication to maintaining high- quality standards and adherence to patent regulations. As Apple navigates this legal challenge, consumers can expect the tech giant to explore every avenue to resolve the dispute and continue providing innovative and health-focused wearable devices in the future. Stay tuned for updates on this evolving situation

Get the facts here: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/apple-stops-apple-watch-sales-ban-import/