Apple removes blood oxygen feature from Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2

Apple on Wednesday announced that it will remove the SpO2 blood oxygen feature from its Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2 to resume sales by Thursday.

The latest decision came after the U.S. Court of Appeals for Federal Circuit denied Apple’s request to further stay the import ban ruled by the International Trade Commission (ITC) in October last year. As a result, the ban will resume starting January 18.

The new modified Apple Watch 9 and Ultra 2 will go on sale Thursday, reveals a statement. Models of these smartwatches that are already sold can use the disputed feature.

The new modified smartwatches will still bring the blood oxygen app icon. Whenever a user tries to open the app, it will show an alert that the feature is no longer available.

Masimo, a medical technology company, accused Apple of infringing its patented blood oxygen measurement technology and using it in Apple smartwatches.

A complaint against Apple was filed at ITC for patent infringement. Last year, ITC ruled in Masimo’s favor and tagged an import ban on the newest Apple Watches.

Apple quickly jumped to the Court of Appeals, which provided an interim relief to the iPhone maker. However, the court officially resumed ITC’s ban on Wednesday’s ruling. But, it did not overturn the ITC decision, which is currently pending.

In a statement to CNBC, Apple said in a statement that the company is complying with the new ruling while ensuring the supplies of new Apple watches.

Meanwhile, Masimo has also reacted to this new ruling.

“The Federal Circuit’s decision to lift the temporary stay is a victory for the integrity of the American patent system and the safety of people relying on pulse oximetry,” said Masimo CEO Joe Kiani. “It affirms that even the largest and most powerful companies must respect the intellectual rights of American inventors and must deal with the consequences when they are caught infringing others’ patents.”

Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman said that Apple was prepared for a scenario such as a setback from the court of appeals. Therefore, the company has already sent a shipment of modified Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2 to retail stores.