Key Takeaways
- US ITC launches new investigation into Apple Watch blood oxygen feature
- Potential import ban on Series 9, Series 10, and Ultra 2 models
- Apple faces $634 million verdict from previous patent infringement
- Investigation expected to conclude by April 2026
Apple faces renewed legal challenges as the US International Trade Commission (ITC) investigates whether the company’s redesigned blood oxygen monitoring feature still violates Masimo’s patents. This development threatens Apple Watch sales during the critical holiday season, just months after Apple received clearance to restore the contested feature.
Technical Workaround Under Scrutiny
The ITC investigation, scheduled to conclude by April 2026, examines Apple’s August workaround that processes blood oxygen data on paired iPhones instead of directly on the watch. If investigators determine this redesign still infringes Masimo’s pulse oximetry patents, US imports of Apple Watch Series 9, Series 10, and Ultra 2 models could face another ban.
Ongoing Legal Battle
This marks the latest development in a multi-year patent dispute that has already cost Apple significantly. A federal jury recently ordered Apple to pay Masimo $634 million for patent infringement covering approximately 43 million watches sold between 2020 and 2022.
The ITC previously banned certain Apple Watch imports in 2023, forcing Apple to disable blood oxygen monitoring for over a year on new US devices.
Apple’s current solution shifts all blood oxygen calculations from watch hardware to the iPhone’s Health app. While US Customs approved the redesign in August, Masimo contends the company bypassed proper notification procedures.
Strategic Implications
The investigation poses significant risks for Apple’s health technology strategy, which positions the Apple Watch as a comprehensive wellness device. Apple maintains it will appeal adverse rulings and insists Masimo’s patents expired in 2022.
Meanwhile, leadership changes at Masimo—including the recent departure of CEO Joe Kiani—add uncertainty to potential settlement negotiations, leaving the future of this key Apple Watch feature hanging in the balance.
