Apple Watch Ban Lifted: ITC Approves Workaround Solution

Apple Watch’s blood oxygen sensing technology has been deemed non-infringing on Masimo’s patents by a US International Trade Commission judge. This ruling allows Apple to continue importing and selling Apple Watch models in the US with the modified blood oxygen sensing feature.

Masimo previously sued Apple over the sensor technology used in the Apple Watch to measure blood oxygen levels, alleging trade secret theft and patent infringement. While the trade secret case did not progress, and most patent claims were invalidated, Apple was found to violate two patents, leading to a ban on importing and selling certain Apple Watch models in the US. To circumvent the ban, Apple disabled the feature on US-sold Apple Watch models.

Apple later introduced a workaround in August 2025, allowing blood oxygen sensing to return to the Apple Watch in the US. The new method involves collecting data from the sensor on the Watch, sending it to the paired iPhone for processing, and displaying the results only on the iPhone.

These changes enabled Apple to argue that the updated method did not breach the ITC ban or Masimo’s patents. The US Customs and Border Protection cleared the new method, permitting Apple Watch import and sales in the US.

Despite Masimo’s disagreement with the CBP’s decision, a recent ruling rejected the company’s bid for a renewed import ban on Apple’s smartwatch lineup. The decision is preliminary and subject to affirmation by the full commission.

Moreover, Masimo achieved a victory in a separate appeals ruling that upheld the 2023 ITC decision resulting in the initial Apple Watch import ban. The appeals court agreed that Apple’s original blood oxygen sensing technology infringed on Masimo’s patents.

Apple expressed satisfaction with the ITC’s decision and plans to explore further review options of the Federal Circuit’s ruling. Masimo declined to comment on the rulings.

In November 2025, Apple lost a patent infringement lawsuit filed by Masimo, with a federal jury awarding Masimo $634 million. Apple is currently appealing this ruling.

Unlike typical “patent trolls,” Masimo develops and sells devices utilizing its blood oxygen sensing technology. Apple, in turn, has accused Masimo of copying its designs in a countersuit related to Masimo’s W1 Freedom smartwatch.