Apple to halt Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 sales in the US this week

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

Apple’s decision to halt US sales of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 stems from an ITC ruling that these models infringe Masimo’s pulse oximeter patents, spotlighting long-running tensions over how big tech appropriates specialized medical technology. Commenters debate whether Masimo is a patent troll or a legitimate med-tech firm defending hard-won IP, and whether Apple crossed an ethical line by courting the company, then hiring its engineers and reproducing its ideas. The case becomes a broader proxy fight over the modern patent system—its role in incentivizing innovation versus enabling rent-seeking and blocking competitors—and over how much leverage even multi‑billion‑dollar firms have when facing a $3T giant like Apple.

Case overview & ITC ruling

  • Discussion centers on the US ITC finding that Apple Watch blood-oxygen features infringe Masimo patents and recommending an import ban.
  • Apple preemptively halted US sales of Series 9 and Ultra 2 during the presidential review window, while appealing and potentially hoping for a veto.
  • Existing devices aren’t directly affected by the import ban; disabling SpO2 via software is discussed as a possible (but user-hostile) workaround.

Masimo vs Apple: size & posture

  • Masimo is a multi‑billion‑dollar med‑tech company, not a shell patent troll, but far smaller than Apple; commenters argue both “two big corps fighting” and “David vs. Goliath.”
  • Masimo is said to dominate hospital oxygen monitoring; Apple’s watch health features are a lucrative but non‑core segment.

Alleged conduct & ethics

  • Multiple comments recount Masimo’s claim: Apple explored partnership/acquisition in 2013, signed an NDA, then hired key Masimo staff and built its own sensor.
  • Some call this classic “big company steals tech after diligence”; others say aggressive hiring is normal and even good for employees, as long as trade secrets aren’t taken.
  • There is broader criticism of Apple’s pattern of lowballing or bypassing smaller tech providers and of its earlier offensive patent use (e.g., against Android/Samsung).

Patent scope & validity debate

  • Linked patents cover a specific wearable oximeter configuration (LED wavelengths, four photodiodes, protrusion geometry, opaque lining, storage/processing).
  • Critics say this is obvious given decades‑old pulse oximetry and existing cheap/wearable devices, likening it to “old thing, but on the wrist.”
  • Defenders note the ITC whittled Masimo’s broad complaint down but still found infringement on multiple claims, implying non‑trivial innovation.
  • There’s detailed discussion of how claims are evaluated as a whole, prior art, IPR challenges, and the distinction between design vs. utility patents.

Licensing, injunctions, and Apple’s strategy

  • Many ask why Apple doesn’t just pay; suggested reasons:
    • Masimo allegedly won’t offer a simple standalone license (prefers its chip or co‑development).
    • Apple wants to avoid a reputation for “caving,” which might invite more suits.
    • A ban threat can be used as leverage in a high‑stakes negotiation or “game of chicken.”
  • Some expect a settlement or a redesigned sensor; others think Apple may temporarily ship watches without SpO2.

Acquisition and financial angles

  • Repeated question: why doesn’t Apple just buy Masimo?
  • Replies note: hostile takeovers are slow and expensive; Masimo may have defenses; minority shareholders could sue if Apple used control to zero out claims.
  • There’s a tangent explaining why you can’t simply place a one‑shot order to buy 51% of a public company at current market price (order‑book depth, slippage, price spikes).

Broader views on patents & IP

  • Thread contains extensive criticism of patents (especially in tech/medical):
    • Patents said to be granted too easily, often on obvious combinations, and used as competitive weapons rather than innovation rewards.
    • Others counter that strong IP is correlated with high‑innovation economies and can justify expensive R&D.
  • Debate over whether Masimo is behaving like a “patent troll”: some say yes due to breadth and aggressiveness; others insist a practicing product company, by definition, is not a troll.

User impact & market behavior

  • Some see Apple’s pre‑Christmas halt announcement as savvy marketing that boosts demand via perceived scarcity.
  • Speculation about scalping Apple Watches and whether third‑party resellers (with existing stock) will benefit.
  • A few users say SpO2 is medically marginal for healthy people; others cite niche but real value (e.g., aviation, illness monitoring).