Watchless Wonders: Apple Unveils Pulse-Less Series 9 & Ultra 2 While Legal Battle Sizzles
In a turn of events worthy of an Apple keynote, the Cupertino giant is bringing back the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 to US shores – minus one crucial feature: the pulse oximeter. This unexpected twist stems from a legal battle with medical tech company Masimo, who accused Apple of infringing on patents related to the blood oxygen tech in these watches.
Just yesterday, a federal appeals court denied Apple’s request to delay a sales ban imposed by the International Trade Commission (ITC). But Apple, in its trademark innovative spirit, found a loophole: they submitted redesigned versions with the pulse oximeter feature disabled. Customs approved this workaround, paving the way for a peculiar launch tomorrow, January 18th.
So, what does this mean for eager fans?
Get Ready for “Stealthy” Series 9 and Ultra 2:
- Starting 6 AM PST tomorrow, both watch models will be available online at apple.com and later that day at physical Apple Stores across the US.
- However, these watches won’t be able to measure your blood oxygen levels. Trying to access the Blood Oxygen app will result in a friendly (yet disappointing) message informing you about the missing feature.
- Apple hasn’t mentioned any price drops due to the missing functionality.
The Legal Lowdown:
- The saga isn’t over yet. Apple is appealing the ITC’s decision, hoping the court will overturn the ban.
- The company stresses this move is simply to comply with the ruling while minimizing disruption for customers.
- For current owners of Series 9 or Ultra 2, the pulse oximeter feature remains unaffected.
Beyond the Missing Pulse:
While the lack of blood oxygen monitoring might be a setback for some, the Series 9 and Ultra 2 still pack a punch:
- Powerful S9 SiP chip for faster performance.
- Magical double-tap gesture for easier control.
- Brightest Apple display ever (2x Series 8 on Ultra 2).
- Improved water resistance and ruggedness.
- Advanced fitness tracking and workout features.
Read This : Wayfarer Meta Smart Glasses: A Comprehensive Evaluation
The Big Picture:
This saga highlights the complex interplay between innovation, intellectual property, and consumer desires. It raises questions about the future of wearables and the data they collect. Ultimately, it’s the consumers who have the final say through their purchasing decisions.
So, will you embrace the “stealthy” Series 9 and Ultra 2, or wait for a potential legal victory and the return of the pulse oximeter? The choice is yours, and whichever side you choose, it’s sure to be an interesting chapter in the Apple Watch story.
