"Apple Navigates Patent Dispute: Considers Temporarily Disabling Blood-Oxygen Feature on Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 in the US"

In the past year, Apple found itself in a legal dispute with medical technology company Masimo, leading to a temporary ban on selling its Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2 in the United States. The disagreement revolves around SpO2 sensors, which measure blood oxygen levels. Despite the ban, Apple secured a temporary stay, allowing them to continue selling these smartwatches in the US.

To navigate this situation, Apple is considering disabling the blood-oxygen functionality on the Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2. This strategic move aims to avert a permanent ban and keep the sales going. The plan involves shipping these watches with the SpO2 feature turned off to US retailers, accompanied by instructions not to open or sell them.

Interestingly, although the SpO2 functionality will be disabled in the US, Apple intends to maintain it for users in the country until a final verdict is reached. The tech giant may then issue a software update to reactivate the SpO2 feature once an agreement is reached between the involved parties.

It's worth noting that for users outside the United States, the SpO2 functionality will remain accessible, unaffected by the decision of the US appeals court. This nuance underscores that the dispute primarily concerns sales within the US market. Apple appears to be strategically managing its approach, both legally and in terms of user experience, during this ongoing patent dispute.