Apple plans to stop selling the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 in the United Statesto preempt one of the most significant patent disputes to emerge in recent years.
The two watches will not be available starting Thursday on Apple.com , and after December 24, users will not be able to find them on other sites.
The Apple Watch is one of Apple's most popular products, but the company is being forced to pull it from the market due to an ongoing dispute with medical device maker Masimo. The dispute has to do with the blood oxygen feature . Apple touts its smartwatch as a life and it has become the best-selling watch in the world. But the dispute with Masimo threatens to undermine Apple's success.
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In October, the U.S. International Trade Commission ruled that Apple infringed on Masimo's pulse oximeter patent. President Biden has 60 days to review the decision before the ban goes into effect.
Apple says that the review period has not ended, but the company is proactively taking measures to comply, in case it is needed.
He added: "Apple strongly disagrees with the order and is pursuing a range of legal and technical options to ensure that Apple Watch is available to customers."
The company said that, if the order stands, it “will continue to take all measures to return Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 to customers in the U.S. as soon as possible.”
A potential ban on the above models would also affect the Apple Watch Series 6 and later and all Apple Watch Ultra models. However, it will not affect sales of the Apple Watch SE, according to Apple.
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Apple introduced the Apple Watch Series 9 in September with many improvements that make the watch useful for users' everyday life.
Apple, however, claims that the allegations against it are baseless and says it has presented evidence proving how a ban on the watches would negatively impact healthcare, scientific and medical research. It would also be a significant blow to users who rely on ECG, blood oxygen and other health-related features.
Masimo CEO Joe Kianitold CNN that Apple's decision to stop selling the devices is the latest disaster in the ongoing patent battle.
“This was a deliberate violation,” Kiani said, calling the sales a pressure tactic on Biden.
Apple has not tried to settle the case with Masimo, but Kiani said he is open to it.
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The companies have long had issues. In October 2022, Apple filed two patent infringement lawsuits against Masimo
Discontinuing sales of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 in the United States could have significant financial implications for the company, given their popularity.
Apple generally promotes the Apple Watch through a mixed approach that combines several elements. The company leverages its strong image and reputation as one of the world's leading technology . This reputation attracts public interest and attention, creating a sense of credibility and anticipation for the product.
The devices' popularity is also due to the introduction of features and capabilities that make the Apple Watch even more interesting and useful. By demonstrating the watch's various functions, such as monitoring heart rate and other health indicators, displaying notifications, and making payments, Apple is demonstrating the quality and practicality of the product.
Source: edition.cnn.com
