Apple is developing a software update to prevent the import ban on Apple Watch in the US

It was previously reported that Apple could be subjected to an import ban due to its recent patent dispute with Masimo, a medical device company. According to Bloomberg, in an effort to avoid a sales ban in the US, the Cupertino-based tech firm is making changes to the algorithms used for the blood oxygen sensor in the Apple Watch. In addition to this, the company announced that from December 21 onwards, the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 won’t be available for sale.

Bloomberg’s report cites sources that suggest that the engineers at the company are changing the method used for the measurement of oxygen saturation. Furthermore, they will introduce modifications to how the data is presented to users. In simple words, the engineers are working on an update that will eliminate the technological factor that is violating Masimo patents. According to Apple, it is “looking for several kinds of legal and technical options” to ensure that Apple Watch sales can restart as soon as possible, and this activity is in accordance with that statement.

The patent dispute is relevant to hardware and not software, and the hardware should change, Masimo told Bloomberg. According to Masimo, a software update is not sufficient to address the patent violations. On the other hand, Apple is making efforts to address the issue by changing the software so that it is less likely to be rolled out before sales stop since the new update will require testing. In contrast to this, new hardware will also take several months.

Apple faced a ban on Apple Watch imports in the US following the orders of the United States International Trade Commission (ITC) in October. Before Apple has to cease selling the Apple Watch, President Joe Biden might review the court’s ruling and veto the ban. However, vetoes of ITC bans by the president are uncommon. December 25 is the deadline for the White House to make a decision. Apple has decided to get ready in advance to abide by the ITC’s decision.

According to details, the company will stop sales in retail stores on December 21; however, online sales will be discontinued from December 24 onwards. The smartwatch will be available in other markets. The court’s ruling does not apply to the Apple Watch SE since it doesn’t include any blood oxygen sensors. If a veto is not granted, Apple intends to file an appeal of the ITC’s ruling with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit on December 26.

Currently, the company sells the Apple Watch Series 9 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2 with blood oxygen sensing technology. Despite the ban, consumers will have access to repair and replacement services. The product will be available from third-party suppliers like Best Buy and Target until or unless inventory runs out. Perhaps the company might end up settling the dispute with Masimo in case it fails to remove the infringing technology or appeal the decision made by ITC. At the moment, the companies are not involved in any kind of discussion.