Apple removed the heart rate oximeter from the Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2 to get around the smartwatch sales ban
Late last year, the US International Trade Commission banned sales of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 smart watches in the States due to Apple's patent dispute with Masimo. The ban was temporarily suspended last month, but it may resume soon. However, Apple seems to have found a solution to the problem.
Details
Apple has prepared modified models of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 that lack the Blood Oxygen feature. This was reported by Masimo in a document filed today with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.
According to Bloomberg, these modified gadgets have already started arriving at retail shops in the US, but when they will be available for sale is still unknown.
The removal of this feature is likely a temporary solution. Bloomberg reports that Apple is preparing a software update that will adjust the Blood Oxygen app's algorithms so that they don't infringe on Masimo's patented technology.
Owners of watches already purchased will likely retain access to the feature.
