Masimo’s $634 million win and what it means for Apple Watch
A U.S. jury has ordered Apple to pay Masimo $634 million after finding it infringed patents tied to health monitoring. At issue were patents covering pulse oximeter functionality used in Apple Watch models, and whether that qualifies as part of a “patient monitoring” device.
The decision arrives after quite a bit of legal manoeuvring. It also lands at a time when users in the United States are still dealing with restricted on device SpO2 functionality. The ruling does not resolve anything. It simply moves the conflict into a new phase.
Apple plans to appeal, and the broader legal process will stretch on. Still, the verdict adds pressure.
Debate over whether a smartwatch is a medical device
A key point in the trial was whether the Apple Watch fits the definition of a “patient monitor.” That’s not just a semantic detail. Masimo’s patents are built around how pulse oximetry is implemented within such devices. Apple argued its product isn’t meant for medical treatment or clinical settings. Masimo countered that Apple’s inclusion of health alerts and continuous tracking brought it into the medical space.
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The jury ultimately agreed with Masimo. That interpretation could have wider implications for wearables that blend wellness and health tracking without crossing over into regulated medical tools.
This ruling does not directly decide how Apple must handle blood oxygen features, yet the practical limitations are already familiar. Some Apple Watch users in the US lost SpO2 readings earlier this year. The data still flows in the background for newer models, but readings appear only in the iPhone’s Health app.
That has caused frustration for those who bought the watch expecting full access to all features. For others, it has sparked debates about whether the sensor was all that useful to begin with.
Could Apple just buy Masimo?
It’s been a recurring question online: why not just acquire the company and end the fight? Masimo is currently valued at around $8.3 billion. For a company with Apple’s resources, that’s not a stretch. The argument against such a move is that the core patents at stake are set to expire within two years.
Some commenters also believe Apple sees the blood oxygen sensor as more of a nice-to-have than a core feature. Buying a full-blown medical company to protect a hardware perk may not fit with their long-term strategy.
While tensions have clearly escalated, Masimo hasn’t ruled out working with Apple. But the company has insisted that any agreement would need to include an acknowledgment of patent infringement. Masimo’s leadership has previously accused Apple of poaching talent and trying to sidestep licensing talks.
Apple will appeal. Masimo will defend the verdict. The cycle could continue across several stages and neither company shows signs of backing off. That means Apple Watch users in affected regions may see the current restrictions remain for a while.
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