Apple Watch Gets Rid Of Blood Oxygen Sensor To Dodge Import Ban

This approval could potentially pave the way for the sale of both products in the US, following a ban on Apple Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2 imposed late last year.

The blood oxygen feature is set to be removed from the new Apple Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2 devices, at least in the US, in the wake of the patent infringement case with Masimo, related to blood oxygen sensor. Although Apple has not officially addressed the matter or responded to inquiries, reports from new agency Bloomberg and 9to5Mac suggest the removal of the blood oxygen monitor feature, with the added information that the US Customs and Border Protection has approved this change.

This approval could potentially pave the way for the sale of both products in the US, following a ban on Apple Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2 imposed late last year.

According to a filing on Monday with the Federal Circuit, Masimo's attorneys stated that the US Customs and Border Protection concluded that Apple's redesign falls beyond the scope of the ITC ruling. Notably, Apple's redesign involves removing the pulse oximetry features from the mentioned devices.

The modified Apple Watches have been dispatched to Apple retail stores, with clear instructions to refrain from selling them until receiving authorisation from the corporate office, says a report by Bloomberg's Gurman.

However, the feature seems to be operational on previously sold Watches, and according to Apple spokesperson Nikki Rothberg, as per The Verge. The Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 will continue to offer the feature (without specifying the duration). Consequently, the implications for both current and potential Apple Watch owners remain uncertain.

It is important to note that Apple has to compromise on a crucial health feature on the Watch models, potentially diminishing its appeal to iPhone users. The tech giant has successfully persuaded the US Customs that disabling the blood oxygen sensor on the Apple Watch through a software update would enable the wearable to be marketed in the country.

Days ahead of the ban took effect on December 26, 2023, Apple removed the Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2 from both physical and online stores in the US. However, Apple filed an appeal, securing a temporary pause on the ban. This allowed the company to resume sales in the US while awaiting assessment by the US Customs and Border Protection of the implemented changes.