In a setback for tech giant Apple, the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) has rejected the company’s plea to postpone the ban on sales of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2. Apple’s move came in response to an October ruling by the ITC, stating that the SpO2 sensors in these watches infringe on patents held by medical device maker Masimo.
As a result, Apple has announced the removal of the affected smartwatches from store shelves, impacting out-of-warranty repairs for various Apple Watch models in the U.S. This decision stems from an ongoing patent dispute with Masimo, causing a temporary halt in sales and limiting repair options for Apple Watch Series 6 and later models.
According to reports, Apple has informed customer service that non-warranty hardware repairs and device replacements for Series 6 and later (excluding SE) will be unavailable during the ban. However, devices under warranty or covered by AppleCare Plus will remain unaffected. Customers are to be notified when repairs for these models resume.
The patent dispute revolves around the SpO2 sensor found in several Apple Watch models, with Apple working on a software update to address patent concerns. However, Masimo argues that a comprehensive solution requires hardware modifications. The ban on Apple Watch sales in the U.S., effective from December 26, prompts Apple to pursue an appeal.
Despite Apple’s appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, experts anticipate a prolonged legal process, suggesting that the ITC’s decision may persist for approximately another year. Apple expresses strong disagreement with the ruling, emphasizing its commitment to resolving the matter and resuming sales. The situation underscores the complexity of patent disputes in the rapidly evolving landscape of wearable technology.
Source: Reuters