Apple’s Proposed Fix for ITC Ruling Affects Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Series 9
A Temporary Solution to a Long-Standing Dispute
In a recent development, it has been revealed that Apple is preparing a more permanent fix for the ITC ruling that briefly blocked sales of its Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Series 9 models in the US. The proposed solution involves disabling the pulse oximetry features on these devices via software, which would have no impact on users who purchase these devices in the future.
Background on the Dispute
The dispute between Apple and Masimo, a company that specializes in medical equipment, has been ongoing for some time. The ITC ruling was a result of this dispute, which led to a temporary block on sales of the affected Apple Watch models. However, it’s worth noting that these devices are still available for purchase with the pulse oximeter feature included.
The Pulse Oximetry Feature: Not as Useful as You Think
The pulse oximetry feature on the Apple Watch was introduced in 2020 and is intended to provide a reading of your blood oxygen levels. However, anyone who has used this feature knows that it’s not particularly accurate and can’t be relied upon for deriving useful insights about one’s health.
The Importance of Pulse Oximetry
Pulse oximetry has been widely used in medical settings for years and can provide crucial information about the level of oxygen in your blood. If left unattended, low blood oxygen levels can be life-threatening, which is why it’s essential to seek immediate medical attention if you experience any symptoms.
Apple’s Marketing Strategy
It’s worth noting that Apple has never marketed the blood oxygen detection features of the Apple Watch as designed for medical use. Instead, they are presented as one of many wellness features of the device. While users may be able to track their measurements over time and identify potential health issues, the feature is not particularly useful in isolation.
The Proposed Software Fix
As mentioned earlier, Apple’s proposed solution involves disabling the pulse oximetry features on affected devices via software. This change would have no impact on users who purchase these devices in the future and could potentially be a permanent fix for the dispute between Apple and Masimo.
The Implications of this Proposal
If implemented, this proposal would mean that users who purchase an Apple Watch Ultra 2 or Series 9 model would not have access to the pulse oximetry feature. While some users may see this as a disadvantage, it’s worth noting that the feature is not particularly useful in isolation and can be easily disabled.
Conclusion
The proposed software fix by Apple is a temporary solution to a long-standing dispute with Masimo. While it may seem like a minor issue to some users, the implications of this proposal are significant. The pulse oximetry feature on affected devices would be disabled via software, which would have no impact on users who purchase these devices in the future.
Additional Reading
- Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Series 9 models available for sale again: Despite the temporary block on sales, Apple Watch Ultra 2 and Series 9 models are still available for purchase with the pulse oximeter feature included.
- Pulse oximetry: Not just for medical use: While pulse oximetry has been widely used in medical settings, it’s not exclusively for medical use. Apple has marketed the blood oxygen detection features of the Apple Watch as one of many wellness features.
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