Apple is working against the clock to save the Apple Watch

A few hours after the sale was announced Apple Watch series 9 And ultra 2 For infringing a patent on a pulse oximeter feature, Apple is working against the clock to save the future of its smartwatches in the US. Reportedly BloombergCupertino residents have begun working to counter the blocking of these devices, which will take effect next week.

According to Mark Gurman, Apple engineers are developing some software solutions to circumvent the ban imposed by the US International Trade Commission (ITC). Between them modification of algorithms responsible for measuring blood oxygen saturation.

The changes will not only be in how the technology is responsible for making said measurements on the Apple Watch, but also in how this information is displayed to users. Although not specified, the latter could affect not only the watch, but also the display of data through the Health app available on iPhone and iPad.

The above-mentioned media outlets indicate that Apple believes that the watchOS update would be enough to bypass the blockade on the marketing of Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2. Moreover, the Californian company will make every effort to present this decision to US Customs, an organization that, if desired, must approve such changes. product to market.

Maintaining Apple Watch sales in the US is Apple’s priority

Apple will stop selling the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 on its online store starting this month. Thursday, December 21. Starting next year, both models will no longer be offered in more than 250 Apple Stores in the United States. Sunday 24. The impact of this measure could be very negative for apple growers as the ban comes into force in the middle of the Christmas season, one of the busiest commercial seasons.

Cupertino officials noted that stopping sales of both watches is a preventative measure ahead of a possible presidential veto. If the Joe Biden administration reverses the International Trade Commission’s decision, these two smartwatches can continue to be sold normally on the market. However, the White House decision must arrive before December 25th. If this does not happen, the ITC blockade in North America will come into force on Monday.

It is obvious that Apple does not have complete confidence that a saving hand will extend from Washington. A situation that is visible in the measures that people led by Tim Cook are taking to patch the Apple Watch software and thus try to prevent the veto through their own means.

In the event that the worst-case scenario is inevitable and sales of smartwatches are effectively blocked – at least temporarily – Apple will also be preparing changes to its physical stores. Gurman points out that the company has already sent out new posters advertising the Apple Watch for placement in the Apple Store. but no photos of Series 9 and Ultra 2. Let’s not forget that the SE model is not affected by this situation.

Looking for a solution

Will a software solution be enough to bypass the block on the import and sale of Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 in the US? Even though Apple thinks so Masimo says no.. The health technology firm accusing Apple of infringing its patents says the problem lies with the hardware used in the smartwatches. More precisely, for introducing their light pulse oximeter technology without permission. Therefore, they will not be satisfied if they limit or change the operation of the sensor that measures blood oxygen levels through watchOS.

In October, when the ITC ruled in favor of Masimo in this legal dispute, Joe Kiani, the company’s founder and CEO, was very harsh with Tim Cook. “The ITC ruling sends a strong message that even the world’s largest company is not above the law. This important decision is a strong endorsement of our efforts to hold Apple accountable for misappropriating our patented technology,” he said.