Apple to remove blood oxygen monitoring in Apple Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2 for new US buyers

Apple is going to remove the blood oxygen monitoring feature in the Apple Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2 for new customers in the United States, reports The Verge. The decision follows a patent dispute with medical device manufacturer Masimo, which led to a ban on the sale of these Apple Watch models in the United States. The International Trade Commission (ITC) had previously ruled that the oxygen sensors in these devices infringed Masimo’s patents.

Apple initially pulled these models from its stores before the ban went into effect on December 26, 2023. However, following Apple’s appeal and a temporary suspension of the ban, the company has resumed sales in the United States, pending a decision by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection on the proposed changes. In order to avoid further patent infringement issues, Apple’s decision is to remove the oxygen measurement function from the not-yet-sold Apple Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2.

According to reports from Bloomberg, as well as a letter from Masimo’s lawyers published by 9to5Mac, all parties have agreed to the plan. Although the feature is still active on watches already sold, Apple spokesperson Nikki Rothberg noted that the Series 9 and Ultra 2 will still be available with this feature for an indefinite period of time.