Apple has a major patent issue that has caused sales of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 to be halted in the United States for several weeks. Apple managed to temporarily paralyze the ban, but it will expire soon and it looks like the company will have to withdraw them from the market again.

The problem seems to be that Apple is violating Masimo company’s patents It is included in the algorithms used in the application that measures the oxygen level in the blood thanks to the sensors of the Apple Watch. Years ago, the company sued Apple for infringing about 10 patents related to the Apple Watch, but it has not been successful so far.

Apple doesn’t seem willing to cooperate with Masimo or pay for its patents, so it’s left with only one solution if justice forces Apple to halt sales again: remove blood oxygen measurement function Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2.

Apple Watch Series 9 includes a sensor that measures blood oxygen levels, infringing Masimo patents

Apple tried to appeal this decision, but its arguments seem very weak. United States International Trade Commission. Today is the deadline for parties to submit their support or opposition. HE US appeals to court to decide whether to uphold Apple Watch banAlthough Apple already seems to be preparing for the worst.

Everything seems to be heading towards one point Agreement between Apple and Masimo We’ll see if Apple wants to fight to the bitter end for the use of these patents. Masimo’s victory once again, which has once again paralyzed the sales of the Apple Watch Series and Apple Watch Ultra 2 in the USA, will give it a very strong position in this possible negotiation.

THE Blood Oxygen app is available on Apple Watch Series 6

If Apple Watch sales in the US stop again, Apple can continue selling them without reading blood oxygen level data. New models will come with a version of watchOS that does not have this functionality; however, this should not affect Apple Watch sold that already includes this functionality, which is available in Apple Watch Series 6.

Also when the dispute with Masimo is resolved Apple may release an update that will re-enable this important health feature. Although Apple seems to be already prepared for the worst, we’ll see how everything will be resolved.