Apple Inc. is maneuvering to adapt its smartwatch technology in response to a looming US ban that threatens its $17 billion business. The tech giant is urgently working on algorithm adjustments concerning blood oxygen level measurement—a feature contested by Masimo Corp., alleging patent infringement.
Engineers at Apple are fervently fine-tuning algorithms responsible for blood oxygen level measurement, altering how the technology gauges oxygen saturation and delivers data to users, sources familiar with the matter revealed.
The impending ban, scheduled for December 25 if not averted by the White House, stems from a dispute highlighted by the International Trade Commission (ITC). The ITC’s decision, targeting the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 models, pivots on claims made by Masimo Corp., implicating patent violations in blood-oxygen monitoring technology.
Amid this brewing issue, Apple has begun preparing its retail outlets for the ban, removing promotions for the affected models. Reportedly, the company intends to halt sales of prohibited watches online by Thursday and clear them from physical stores by December 24.
Apple’s response primarily involves software adjustments rather than extensive hardware modifications. However, the patents contested primarily involve hardware mechanisms, such as light emission to assess blood oxygen levels.
Despite Apple’s optimism regarding software tweaks, Masimo insists that a hardware transformation is essential, complicating the resolution process. If the ban takes effect, it will impact only Apple’s direct sales channels, leaving third-party retailers unaffected.
While Apple grapples with this regulatory issue, uncertainties persist around a potential White House intervention, mirroring a past instance involving Samsung Electronics Co. Nevertheless, Masimo stands firm on the ITC’s judgment, asserting the importance of adherence to the law.
The impending ban poses a significant challenge to Apple’s smartwatch division, highlighting the complexity of legal disputes between tech giants and the intricate measures required for their resolution.
Sources By Agencies
