Oliver Haslam·

Apple Selling Apple Watch Series 9, Watch Ultra 2 Without Blood Oxygen Sensor Today

The latest Apple Watch ban in the United States will see Apple start selling its best models without one of their health features, the company has confirmed.

In a statement sent to 9to5Mac, Apple confirmed that while it strongly disagrees with the decision to ban the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 while its appeal into a patent infringement case is ongoing, it has to act. And that will mean removing the blood oxygen feature from the affected models effective today.

“Apple’s appeal is ongoing, and we believe the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit should reverse the USITC’s decision. We strongly disagree with the USITC decision and resulting orders.

Pending the appeal, Apple is taking steps to comply with the ruling while ensuring customers have access to Apple Watch with limited disruption. These steps include introducing a version of Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 in the United States without the Blood Oxygen feature. There is no impact to Apple Watch units previously purchased that include the Blood Oxygen feature.

Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 without the Blood Oxygen feature will become available from apple.com starting 6am PT on January 18, and from Apple Stores starting January 18.”

Apple had previously been found guilty of infringing a patent owned by medical device firm Masimo with relation to the technology used in Apple Watch blood oxygen sensors. But it had hoped to have the ban delayed while it appealed the ruling — something that failed yesterday.

Now, those in the United States who buy an Apple Watch Series 9 or Apple Watch Ultra 2 will get one without a key feature. Those who already own one of course will be unaffected.

You may also like to check out:

You can follow us on Twitter, or Instagram, and even like our Facebook page to keep yourself updated on all the latest from Microsoft, Google, Apple, and the Web.