Apple is set to remove pulse oximeters from its smartwatches in a strategic move to sidestep an import ban that affected its products, as revealed in court filings on Monday. Last month, the International Trade Commission (ITC) directed Apple to halt sales of its latest Apple Watch models in the U.S., prompting a temporary withdrawal of the products from shelves. A federal court later suspended this order, allowing Apple to resume sales temporarily.
The import ban originated from a complaint filed by medical device manufacturer Masimo, which alleged that Apple had recruited its talent and appropriated intellectual property to incorporate pulse oximeters into its watches. While a patent infringement lawsuit against Apple was unsuccessful, the ITC ruled in favor of Masimo last year. The ban specifically targeted the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2.
In a court filing released on Monday, Masimo stated that U.S. Customs and Border Protection had agreed to technical modifications to Apple Watches, removing the pulse oximeter functionality. This adjustment is aimed at lifting the import ban.
Simultaneously, Apple is actively seeking a permanent stay on the ban pending the outcome of its appeal, with a decision expected this week. Should the federal appeals court grant a permanent stay, the pulse oximeters will continue to be included in the watches.
The specifics of how Apple plans to remove this capability remain unclear but are likely to involve software updates. Apple has argued that sustaining the ban during its appeal would cause “irreparable harm” to the company. The developments highlight the ongoing legal and technological challenges faced by major tech companies in navigating intellectual property disputes and regulatory hurdles.
