I'd love to know the logistics of how Apple pulled of the change to the new model number. It's not exactly like they can just slap a new sticker on the boxes that are already here, as the model number is also encoded in/on the watch itself. I do believe Apple gives a different model number designation to refurbished products, so there must be a way to change it with a software or ROM rewrite. My Series 6 also has the model number engraved in the wristband attachment slot along with the serial number, so all watches would have either had to have been made with the new model number originally, or be re-cased.
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Apple to Sell Series 9 and Ultra 2 Watches Without Blood Oxygen Feature in U.S. Starting Tomorrow
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And it’s gonna cost less right? Right?
Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 models will be sold without the Blood Oxygen feature in the U.S. starting on January 18, according to 9to5Mac's Chance Miller, allowing Apple to avoid a sales ban on these models. On its online store in the U.S., this change will occur starting at 6 a.m. Pacific Time tomorrow.
The report says these Apple Watch models will still include the Blood Oxygen app, but when a user opens it, they will be presented with an alert saying that the app is no longer available, and directed to the Health app on the iPhone. Apple plans to share more details in a support document that will be published on its website.
Apple confirmed that the Blood Oxygen app will remain functional on previously-sold Series 9 and Ultra 2 models. The feature will also remain available on Apple Watch models sold outside the U.S., as the sales ban does not apply internationally.
The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) last year ordered an import and sales ban on Apple Watch models with blood oxygen sensing after ruling that Apple violated Masimo's pulse oximetry patents with the feature, first introduced on the Series 6 model in 2020. Masimo has accused Apple of stealing trade secrets and poaching employees.
The sales ban first began last month, but it was quickly paused, as Apple received an interim stay. Apple was denied a longer-term stay, however, and the ban is set to be reinstated tomorrow starting at 2 p.m. Pacific Time. In a statement, Apple said it disabled the blood oxygen sensing feature on new U.S. models to comply with the ruling and ensure that customers have access to the Apple Watch with limited disruption.
Apple's appeal is ongoing. The company said it strongly disagrees with the ITC's decision, and it feels the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit should reverse it. As a longer-term solution, Apple is reportedly working on changes to the Blood Oxygen app's algorithm in an attempt to avoid Masimo's patented technology. It's unclear when those changes will be ready, or if they will be enough for Apple to avoid patent infringement.
Article Link: Apple to Sell Series 9 and Ultra 2 Watches Without Blood Oxygen Feature in U.S. Starting Tomorrow
Sure they’ll reduce the price if they take away features and increase the price if they add features.
The problem is it does not make sense to buy any other Apple Watch besides the SE if none of the other models include a working blood oxygen sensor to justify the higher price.
Let's be real Apple makes a killing off of their overpriced products so let's not act like they need to raise their product pricing over a patent. My understanding is the company suing Apple has patients with other smartwatch companies.
What happens if your watch that has the working blood oxygen sensor malfunctions and needs to be replaced under warranty? My guess is you get the version that has the blood oxygen sensor disabled. Do those customers get a partial refund from Apple when that happens?
I would say they are useless since there is no point in paying for the higher priced models since you can get a similar experience with an Apple Watch SE for cheaper.
been discussed mid December, when it's replaced under warranty or you have AC+ you'll get what you had before
How about Apple not stealing their patents that enable the blood oxygen sensor to work.
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I'll say that this is making for terrible user-end experience. It's very uneven and very, very confusing. Shame on Apple.
Also, what happens if my Ultra (bought WAY before this ban) needs servicing by Apple? Are they going to be able to provide me with an Ultra that will read blood oxygen saturation? It will not be acceptable for them to replace an existing Ultra with a version that has fewer features.
Also, what happens if my Ultra (bought WAY before this ban) needs servicing by Apple? Are they going to be able to provide me with an Ultra that will read blood oxygen saturation? It will not be acceptable for them to replace an existing Ultra with a version that has fewer features.
I would hazard a guess that this is YES.
It looks like right now, it is only software that is limiting the function and not the hardware. It is possible that software is updated to indicate something like "If serial number is > than x, then turn off blood oxygen sensoring".
As someone that worked in healthcare, I appreciate the laugh here. Yes - a feature not approved by the FDA that has accuracy issues was the best way to discover your COVID-19. It was not your breathing, losing the sense of smell, taste, headaches, or other symptoms - it was the blood ox sensor that barely works.
I do understand that NOW watches sold before the ban will keep the blood oxygen feature, I stand by my theory that an OS update will not distinguish between watches sold before or after the ban and will disable it for everyone.
Updated my AW6 41mm I brought more than 2 years ago with 10.3 public beta moments ago and blood oxygen sensor is still there - it works.
Just saying...
Just saying...
Apple's O2 sensor actually is not to bad. I have compared it with hospital grade Pulse oximeters and it is close enough. I have never smoked and I know the O2 range I have which is always above 96%. It does compensate for altitude which is really nice I am at 6,150 feet above sea level. People with severe cardiopulmonary troubles have to move to a lower altitude. The AW O2 sensor is always within a fraction of a precent of a medical grade non-invasive measurement. If I had advanced COPD I would have an medical grade O2 machine issued to me.
That cannot be true— Apple wouldn’t do that, thereby risking a a huge class action lawsuit. They also have more class and respect for their customers.
So what happens with any warranty replacements now or 3 years from now ? Since there is still stock at other retailers, they could still be selling them next year. What happens years from now and someone comes in with an in warranty version with the feature and needs it repaired if there are no more with the feature enabled ?
Similar to how the iPhone 6s and 11 were both sold for years and in the case of the 11 still to this day with prepaid carriers. Its quite possible someone could purchase an iPhone 11 from Walmart, Target, Boost, Tracfone, Metro etc that is brand new old stock in 2025 or 2026.
T-Mobile gave out free iPhone 11's to a bunch of Sprint customers for one example when they shut down the network though those should be coming up to their 1 year warranty if not already expired.
And Walmart for one still had new stock of Apple Watch 7's in 2023 who's to know when every retailer that has stock goes to zero stock.
Similar to how the iPhone 6s and 11 were both sold for years and in the case of the 11 still to this day with prepaid carriers. Its quite possible someone could purchase an iPhone 11 from Walmart, Target, Boost, Tracfone, Metro etc that is brand new old stock in 2025 or 2026.
T-Mobile gave out free iPhone 11's to a bunch of Sprint customers for one example when they shut down the network though those should be coming up to their 1 year warranty if not already expired.
And Walmart for one still had new stock of Apple Watch 7's in 2023 who's to know when every retailer that has stock goes to zero stock.
So thankful I bought my Ultra 2 yesterday (been saving for it)!
I do hope they can clear this up soon, though.
I do hope they can clear this up soon, though.
