Apple has officially announced the suspension of sales for the Apple Watch Series 9 due to an ongoing patent disagreement with Masimo, a California-based med-tech company. The International Trade Commission (ITC) ruled in October regarding the dispute, specifically related to the blood sensor monitor featured in Apple’s flagship smartwatch.
The sales halt will occur online on December 21 at 3 P.M., with retail locations discontinuing sales on December 24, just before the holiday season. This date also marks the final day for the pickup and delivery of online orders.
In response to the situation, Apple released a statement explaining that a Presidential Review Period is underway regarding the ITC’s order on a technical intellectual property dispute concerning the Blood Oxygen feature in Apple Watch devices. Although the review period extends until December 25, Apple is proactively taking measures to comply with a potential ruling. This includes temporarily halting sales of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 on Apple.com starting December 21, and in Apple retail locations after December 24.
Despite disagreeing strongly with the ITC’s order, Apple is actively exploring legal and technical options to ensure the availability of the Apple Watch to its customers. If the ruling is upheld, Apple commits to taking all necessary steps to promptly return the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 to U.S. customers.
Additionally, Apple plans to appeal the ruling, asserting that it believes the ITC’s decision is erroneous. The company initiated legal action against Masimo in October of the previous year, alleging patent infringement. Apple accused Masimo of attempting to use the ITC to hinder the availability of a potentially life-saving product to millions of U.S. consumers while promoting its watch that allegedly imitates Apple’s.
The core of the dispute revolves around pulse oximetry, a technology utilizing an optical sensor to detect blood flow. Masimo’s original complaint, dating back to June 2021, primarily focused on technology introduced with the Apple Watch Series 6. Masimo recently obtained FDA clearance for its wrist-worn product for both prescription and over-the-counter use.