Apple Watch faces US ban over patent dispute — what you need to know

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Once again, Apple is in hot water with the US International Trade Commission

Apple Watch 6 back
The dispute centers around the pulse oximeter on the Apple Watch 6. (Image credit: Future)

Thinking of buying an Apple Watch? You may want to move quickly. Apple is facing another possible US import ban on its popular smartwatch line due to a patent dispute, this time over the device’s pulse oximeter. 

While an outright ban on all Apple Watches in the US remains unlikely—this is far from the first time Apple has faced such a scenario—the Cupertino-based behemoth is nevertheless taking the threat seriously. Here’s everything you need to know about a possible Apple Watch ban in the US.  

Who stole who’s pulse oximeter? 

Just last week, the US International Trade Commission (ITC) upheld a judge's ruling from January that Apple violated a patent held by the medical technology company, Masimo, with the launch of 2020’s Apple Watch Series 6 (now discontinued). 

More specifically, the dispute centers around the light-based blood oximeter found in every Apple Watch since the 6. This piece of tech allows users to quickly and easily monitor their blood oxygen levels, and is one of the major wellness-related selling points of the device.

Masimos lawsuit was initially filed in 2021, shortly after Series 6 devices hit the market. That suit ultimately went to trial back in May before a federal judge but it ended in a mistrial.

For what it’s worth, Apple has also filed a separate suit accusing Masimo of infringing on their pulse oximeter tech. However, that suit is not as far along in the legal process as Masimo’s.  

What happens next? 

Apple Watch Ultra 2

Though the threat of an outright Apple Watch ban in the US is real, we suspect Apple will resolve the matter well before it comes to that. (Image credit: Future)

So, what happens next? The ITC ruling gets sent to President Joe Biden, who has 60 days to potentially veto the ban based on any administrative concerns. However, there’s not much precedent for presidents doing this, and we expect this case will ultimately end up before the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.  

Will Apple Watches really be banned?

Most likely not. Patent disputes are nothing new in the world of consumer technology. And Apple still has plenty of options available to them if things go south at the Court of Appeals. 

For one, they could settle with Masimo. Seeing as both companies have accused one another of stealing each other's tech, maybe some sort of agreement could be worked out. Another possible outcome: Apple finds a way to skirt around the disputed patent, via some sort of firmware update. 

Also, keep in mind that despite the ITC’s ruling, there’s no word on which Apple Watch could potentially be impacted.  Of course, if that changes, we'll be sure to let you know. 

Apple is also facing another potential important ban due to a separate patent dispute with the medical tech company, AliveCor, over its heart rate monitoring tech. For now, that ban has been placed on hold by the ITC as they further investigate AliveCor’s claims.  

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Dan Bracaglia
Dan Bracaglia
Senior Writer, Fitness & Wearables

Dan Bracaglia is the Tom’s Guide editorial lead for all things smartwatches, fitness trackers and outdoor gear. With 15 years of experience as a consumer technology journalist testing everything from Oura Rings to instant cameras, Dan is deeply passionate about helping readers save money and make informed purchasing decisions. In the past year alone, Dan has assessed major product releases from the likes of Apple, Garmin, Google, Samsung, Polar and many others. 

An avid outdoor adventurer, Dan is based in the U.S. Pacific Northwest where he takes advantage of the beautiful surroundings every chance he gets. A lover of kayaking, hiking, swimming, biking, snowboarding and exploring, he also makes every effort to combine his day job with his passions. When not assessing the sleep tracking and heart rate accuracy of the latest tach gadgets, you can find him photographing Seattle’s vibrant underground music community.