Apple is moving to disable the blood oxygen sensor in its Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2, a step taken to keep the devices on sale in the United States despite a patent dispute with Masimo Corp. Reports from Bloomberg indicate this plan is being explored as a practical workaround amid ongoing legal proceedings. The goal is to ensure the watches remain accessible to U.S. consumers without violating active patent judgments.
Internal documents from Masimo reveal that Apple has discussed the pulse oximetry feature with U.S. customs authorities. According to Masimo, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection has given clearance to disable the blood oxygen function on the Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2, enabling continued distribution in the American market while the patent case proceeds. This information frames the decision as a negotiated compliance measure rather than a permanent withdrawal of capability.
Masimo asserts that Apple’s approach is connected to allegations of patent infringement that were addressed by the U.S. International Trade Commission. The ITC issued a decision last October, with formal effect beginning in January 2024. Apple briefly removed the affected models from sale in December and then pursued legal avenues that allowed a temporary continuation of sales as the case moved through courts. This sequence illustrates how large tech firms navigate patent risk while maintaining product availability for flagship lines.
Bloomberg summarizes that Apple is unlikely to deactivate the blood oxygen sensor before all legal matters are resolved. The company may view this pause as a last resort, using a strategic option to preserve market presence while litigation unfolds. The situation underscores the balancing act between protecting intellectual property and delivering widely adopted health features that consumers expect from premium wearables.
Historically, Apple has faced intense competition and shifting supply dynamics, including moments when it surpassed Samsung in smartphone supply chains. The current episode adds another dimension to the company’s broader strategy for hardware features that move quickly from testing to consumer use, even amid legal and regulatory scrutiny. The outcome of the Masimo dispute and any ensuing rulings will likely influence how other wearable makers approach health sensors and patent risk in the years ahead. It also highlights the pressure on technology players to align product capabilities with regulatory expectations while sustaining customer trust through transparent and consistent device behavior [Source: Bloomberg].