Article Title: Apple Watch Evades Import Ban Amid Ongoing Patent Dispute with Masimo
In a significant development within the tech industry, Apple has successfully circumvented an import ban on its Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 models, despite a recent court ruling affirming that the company infringed upon patents held by medical technology firm Masimo. This outcome underscores the intricate interplay between innovation, intellectual property rights, and regulatory compliance.
Background of the Dispute
The contention centers around the blood oxygen monitoring feature integrated into Apple’s smartwatches. Masimo, a leader in pulse oximetry technology, accused Apple of unlawfully incorporating its patented technology into the Apple Watch. The dispute intensified in December 2023 when the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) ruled in favor of Masimo, leading to a temporary halt in the sales of the affected Apple Watch models within the United States. This decision was based on findings that Apple’s devices infringed upon Masimo’s intellectual property.
Apple’s Strategic Response
In response to the ITC’s ruling, Apple initially disabled the blood oxygen monitoring feature in the U.S. market to comply with the import ban. However, by August 2025, Apple introduced a technical workaround: while the sensors on the Apple Watch continued to collect blood oxygen data, the processing of this data was shifted entirely to a paired iPhone. This redesign meant that users could only view their blood oxygen readings on their iPhones, not directly on the watch. Apple contended that this modification addressed the patent infringement concerns, as the processing no longer occurred on the watch itself.
Regulatory and Legal Developments
The ITC reviewed Apple’s redesigned approach and, in a recent decision, determined that the new method did not infringe upon Masimo’s patents. Consequently, Apple was permitted to resume the importation and sale of its smartwatches without further interruption. This ruling was a setback for Masimo, which had urged the commission to reject Apple’s modification.
Despite this regulatory approval, the legal battle between Apple and Masimo continues. A federal appeals court recently upheld the original 2023 ruling that Apple had violated Masimo’s patents. Additionally, in November 2025, Masimo secured a $634 million verdict in a separate federal jury trial concerning the same patent issues. Apple has consistently denied these allegations and is actively appealing the financial judgment.
Implications for Consumers and the Industry
For consumers, the immediate impact is that Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 models remain available in the U.S. market, albeit with the blood oxygen monitoring feature functioning through a paired iPhone rather than directly on the watch. This workaround ensures compliance with current patent laws while maintaining the availability of the product.
The broader industry implications are multifaceted. This case highlights the challenges tech companies face in integrating advanced health monitoring features into consumer devices without infringing on existing patents. It also underscores the importance of developing innovative solutions that respect intellectual property rights.
Future Outlook
The patents at the heart of this dispute are set to expire in less than three years. Once these patents lapse, Apple may have the opportunity to reintegrate on-device blood oxygen processing into its smartwatches without legal hindrance. Until then, the company must navigate the complexities of patent law and continue to adapt its technologies to comply with existing regulations.
In conclusion, while Apple has managed to sidestep an import ban through strategic technical adjustments, the ongoing legal proceedings with Masimo serve as a reminder of the delicate balance between innovation and intellectual property rights in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.
