The move follows a decision by the US International Trade Commission, which intends to ban Apple from importing its Apple Watch because it infringes Masimo’s patent rights. The sales ban could come into force as early as December 26. Apple shares fell 1.4% on the news.
The decision is pending before US President Joe Biden until December 25, but Apple said it is already taking steps to implement it.
The company said it will suspend sales of the watch on its website starting Dec. 21 and at Apple retail locations after Dec. 24. Other models that do not contain a blood oxygen sensor will not be discontinued.
According to experts, what matters is whether Apple will be able to install a blood oxygen level sensor on its future devices. Masimo CEO Joe Ciani said he is open to negotiating a deal with Apple.
Apple owns about a quarter of the global smartwatch market, with that share trending upward in the fourth quarter of 2023, according to Counterpoint Research.
Previously, Masimo accused Apple of hiring its employees, stealing pulse oximetry technology and introducing it into the popular Apple Watch smartwatch.
