Apple Plans to Remove Blood Oxygen Feature from Watches to Avoid US Import Ban

The decision comes in response to a patent dispute with medical device manufacturer Masimo, and will only take effect if Apple's appeal for a stay on the ban is unsuccessful.

Apple is planning to remove the blood oxygen feature from its Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 models to avoid a US import ban, according to court filings.
The import ban was imposed by the US International Trade Commission (ITC) following a patent dispute with medical device manufacturer Masimo.
US Customs and Border Protection reportedly approved the removal of the pulse oximeter functionality, which would allow the import ban to be lifted.
Apple's decision to remove the feature will only take effect if its appeal for a stay on the ban is unsuccessful.
Apple has already begun shipping modified Series 9 and Ultra 2 watches to retail locations in the US, likely in case the appeal fails this week.