In a surprising turn of events, Apple Watch enthusiasts in the United States are facing a setback as the latest models, Series 9 and Ultra 2, will no longer support blood oxygen monitoring. This development stems from a patent infringement case filed against Apple by Masimo, a California-based health technology firm. The legal battle has significant implications, prompting potential buyers to reconsider their plans, especially those eyeing the more affordable US market.

Key Points – Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 Dilemma:

Blood Oxygen Monitoring Exclusion: Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 in the US lost the vital blood oxygen monitoring feature due to a patent infringement case filed by Masimo, leading to legal restrictions on their sale.

Legal Battle Impact: Masimo’s victory in the patent case prompts Apple to remove the contested feature temporarily, emphasizing the significant impact of legal battles on the functionality of smartwatches.

Features:

Legal Battle Impact on Features: Blood oxygen monitoring, a prominent health feature, is no longer available on the affected Apple Watch models in the US, altering the smartwatches’ functionality.

Pricing Details:

US vs. India Pricing: While the US market may offer a slight price advantage, the absence of blood oxygen monitoring in the US variants diminishes the value proposition, making the Indian market more attractive.

Series 9 (41mm): Rs 41,900 in India vs. $399 (approx. Rs 33,167) in the US.

Ultra Series 2: Rs 89,900 in India vs. $799 (approx. Rs 66,425) in the US.

Conclusion:

The legal battle’s fallout leads to a critical decision for potential Apple Watch buyers, emphasizing the importance of functionality over price. With blood oxygen monitoring removed in the US variants, the Indian market emerges as a more logical choice, offering a comprehensive package that aligns with users’ health tracking expectations. The compromise on a key health feature raises questions about the overall value proposition of the affected Apple Watch models, urging consumers to prioritize functionality in their purchasing decision. In the evolving landscape of wearable technology, the legal landscape and its repercussions play a crucial role in shaping the user experience.