Last year, Apple found itself in hot water when it was banned from selling the Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2 in the US due to a patent dispute with medical tech company Masimo. However, the tech giant managed to secure a temporary stay on the ban, allowing the sales of its latest smartwatches to continue. Now, in a bid to sidestep a permanent ban, Apple is considering a clever move – disabling the blood-oxygen functionality on the two watches.
Disabling SpO2
The dispute hinges on SpO2 sensors, which measure blood oxygen levels. By turning off this feature, Apple aims to keep its smartwatches on the shelves and in the hands of consumers while the legal tussle plays out. It’s a strategic move that buys Apple time and flexibility.
Reports suggest that Apple has already taken steps, shipping the Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 to retailers with the SpO2 function disabled. However, a twist in the tale comes with a request not to open or sell these watches. This cautious approach allows Apple to stay in compliance with the ban while keeping the door open for a swift reactivation of the SpO2 functionality through a future software update when a resolution is reached.
Maintaining User Experience
For US users, the SpO2 feature remains intact for now, ensuring they can continue to enjoy the full suite of health-tracking capabilities while the legal drama unfolds. The decision to disable the function appears to be a tactical maneuver to maintain market presence and customer satisfaction amid the ongoing dispute.
Importantly, for users outside the US, the SpO2 functionality remains unaffected. The dispute, after all, revolves around sales within the US borders. This global perspective underscores Apple’s commitment to providing a seamless user experience beyond the confines of the legal challenges it faces on its home turf.
In the ever-evolving landscape of tech and intellectual property disputes, Apple’s move to temporarily disable a feature to safeguard sales and user experience showcases the intricate overlapping between innovation and legalities in the competitive world of smartwatches.
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