Apple will halt online sales on its official platform, with brick-and-mortar retail locations following suit on December 24
In a significant turn of events, Apple is set to suspend sales of its Series 9 smartwatch, following a ruling by the International Trade Commission (ITC) in October due to an ongoing patent dispute with Masimo, a California-based medical tech firm. The disagreement centers around the blood sensor monitor embedded in Apple’s latest flagship smartwatch.Commencing this Thursday at 3 P.M. on December 21, Apple will halt online sales on its official platform, with brick-and-mortar retail locations following suit on December 24—timed strategically just before the holiday season peaks. It’s essential to note that December 24 marks the final day for both the pickup and delivery of online orders.The decision by Apple, confirmed through a statement to TechCrunch, is a proactive response to a Presidential Review Period currently underway regarding the ITC’s order on a technical intellectual property dispute linked to Apple Watch devices featuring the Blood Oxygen feature.
In Apple own words:
“A Presidential Review Period is ongoing regarding an order from the U.S. International Trade Commission on a technical intellectual property dispute related to Apple Watch devices containing the Blood Oxygen feature. While the review period extends until December 25, Apple is taking preemptive measures to comply should the ruling stand. This involves suspending sales of Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 from Apple.com starting December 21, and from Apple retail locations post-December 24.”
Despite the review period’s continuation until December 25, Apple is taking decisive action to align with the ruling, should it be upheld. This move underlines Apple’s commitment to compliance while emphasizing its dedication to the continued availability of the Apple Watch, a product synonymous with cutting-edge health, wellness, and safety features.In the hypothetical scenario where the order stands, Apple pledges to take swift measures to return Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 to its U.S. customer base. Simultaneously, Apple plans to contest the ruling, asserting its belief in the ITC’s error. Notably, Apple had initiated legal action against Masimo in October of the preceding year, accusing them of patent infringement and pointing out Masimo’s attempt to obstruct a potentially life-saving product for millions of U.S. consumers.Masimo’s initial complaint, revolving around technology introduced with the Series 6, dates back to June 2021.
The medical company alleges that Apple poached its employees and subsequently launched the Series 6, manufactured in Asia, in the Fall of 2020. At the crux of the dispute is pulse oximetry, utilizing an optical sensor to detect blood flow. In a recent development, Masimo has secured FDA clearance for its own wrist-worn product for both prescription and over-the-counter use.This clash between tech giants underscores the intricacies and high stakes involved in the dynamic landscape of wearable health technology. The legal and strategic maneuvers from both Apple and Masimo are poised to shape the trajectory of this industry, with implications reaching far beyond the confines of a patent dispute.
