Apple Removes Blood Oxygen Measurement Tool from Watch Models

Apple has decided to remove a blood oxygen measurement tool from two of its watch models in order to avoid a sales ban on the devices in the U.S., according to Bloomberg.

Last year, Apple stopped selling its Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2 Apple Watch models due to an ongoing patent dispute with health technology company Masimo. Masimo, a maker of pulse oximeters, claimed that the blood oxygen measurement tool on Apple's watches infringed upon its patents. The tool measures the saturation of oxygen in the wearer's red blood cells, which is crucial for monitoring health conditions.

Low blood oxygen levels can have serious consequences, including damage to the brain, heart, and other organs, as stated by the Cleveland Clinic.

Following the ruling by the International Trade Commission (ITC) that Apple's watches violated Masimo's patents, the devices were banned from sale on December 26. However, Apple appealed the decision, and the ban was temporarily lifted, allowing the company to resume watch sales in the U.S.

"Positive Step"

In response to Apple's decision to remove the blood oxygen measurement tool, Masimo issued a statement calling it "a positive step toward accountability."

Apple Faces Criticism for Intellectual Property Infringement

"It is especially important that one of the world's largest and most powerful companies respects the intellectual property rights of smaller companies and complies with ITC orders when it is caught infringing," a spokesperson representing Masimo stated.

When contacted by CBS MoneyWatch, Apple did not provide an immediate response to the request for comment. However, back in December, the company expressed its opposition to the ruling made by the ITC and mentioned its intention to explore alternative solutions.