USA: Apple suspends sale of smartwatch due to patent – 12/18/2023 – Tech

Apple announced this Monday (18) that it will stop sales of the Series 9 and Ultra 2 smartwatches in the United States starting this week, due to a patent dispute related to the technology that allows the measurement of oxygen in users’ blood.

This decision follows an order in October from the United States International Trade Commission (ITC) that could ban the import of Apple Watches, after the agency found that the devices violate patents from the medical technology company Masimo.

The decision is under analysis by US President Joe Biden until December 25th. However, Apple stated that it is taking preventive measures to comply if the decision continues. The White House did not comment.

The company said it will pause sales of the watches on its website starting December 21st, and in Apple stores after December 24th. Other models that do not contain the blood oxygen sensor are not affected by the dispute.

Ryan Reith, from market research firm IDC, said that sales of Apple Watches during the Christmas period in the US will not be harmed, and that the full impact of the decision, if maintained, will be felt in January and February, normally sales months. slower for Apple in the US.

“Apple has plenty of inventory of the Watch 8 and SE, so they will have product available during this time,” Reith said. “The biggest implication is whether Apple can use the blood oxygen sensor technology in question in future devices, or whether it will have to compromise or find a new solution.”

Apple said it believes the ITC’s conclusion was erroneous, should be reversed, and intends to appeal the decision.

Masimo accuses Apple of hiring its employees, stealing its pulse oximetry technology and incorporating it into the Apple Watch.