Get ready to put a pause on your Apple Watch dreams, because there’s been a major setback. Apple has temporarily halted the sales of its highly sought-after Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 models in the U.S. Why? Well, it turns out there’s a patent dispute going on with medical tech company Masimo, who claims that Apple has copied its blood oxygen sensing functionality. As a result, sales of these flagship watches are on hold and Apple’s U.S. stores won’t be able to perform certain hardware repairs. Don’t worry, though, we’ve got all the details on this and more, so keep reading to stay in the loop!
Apple Pauses Sales of Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 in U.S. Due to Patent Dispute
Apple has made headlines this week with its decision to temporarily halt sales of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 in the United States. This move comes as a result of an ongoing patent dispute between Apple and medical tech company Masimo. Masimo has accused Apple of copying its blood oxygen sensing functionality, and as a result, Apple has decided to pause online sales of these flagship Apple Watch models.
In addition to the temporary sales halt, Apple has also announced that it will be unable to perform out-of-warranty hardware repairs on many recent Apple Watch models. This means that if you currently own one of these affected models and require a hardware repair, you may need to explore alternative options.
The patent dispute stems from an October order by the International Trade Commission (ITC), which found that Apple had violated Masimo’s patents related to non-invasive blood oxygen sensing. This led to a ban on some Apple Watch imports into the U.S., which is set to take effect after December 24. However, U.S. President Joe Biden has until December 25 to review the order and potentially veto it, although presidential vetoes of ITC import bans are rare.
To address the alleged patent infringement and ultimately lift the ban on imports, Apple is reportedly working on software changes. However, Masimo believes that hardware design changes will be necessary for the Apple Watch to become compliant. It remains to be seen how Apple will navigate this patent dispute and find a resolution that satisfies all parties involved.
Apple Releases iOS 17.2.1 Update for iPhone
In other news, Apple recently rolled out a minor software update for iPhone users. The iOS 17.2.1 update primarily focuses on bug fixes and performance improvements. While the release notes for this update in the U.S. do not mention any specific issues, the release notes for China and Japan indicate that the update also addresses a battery drain issue under certain conditions.
It’s worth noting that iOS 17.3 is currently in beta testing and is expected to bring some significant new features. These include Stolen Device Protection, which aims to enhance the security of stolen iPhones, and collaborative Apple Music playlists, which will allow users to create and share playlists with friends. As always, it’s important to keep your iPhone updated with the latest software to ensure optimal performance and security.
First Vehicles With Next-Generation Apple CarPlay Previewed
Car enthusiasts and Apple fans have something to look forward to in the coming year. Aston Martin and Porsche have provided a sneak peek of the first vehicle dashboards that will feature support for Apple’s next-generation CarPlay experience. These new CarPlay systems are expected to be available in 2024, and they offer a range of exciting features and integrations.
The next-generation CarPlay will feature enhanced integration with the instrument cluster and climate controls, allowing for a seamless and intuitive user experience. It will also support multiple displays across the dashboard, giving drivers and passengers more control and access to their favorite apps and functions.
One standout feature of the upcoming CarPlay interface is the dedicated FM radio app, which brings traditional radio entertainment directly to your car’s dashboard. Additionally, widgets for apps will be available, adding a level of customization and convenience for users.
The next-generation CarPlay interface will be tailored to each specific vehicle model and automaker’s brand identity, ensuring a cohesive and premium experience across different car brands. Apple’s commitment to enhancing the in-car infotainment system continues to push the boundaries of seamless integration and user-centric design.
Gurman: iPhone 16’s Capture Button Will Be for Taking Video
Rumors surrounding the upcoming iPhone 16 continue to surface, and the latest speculation involves a dedicated capture button specifically for video recording. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman recently confirmed that the iPhone 16 models will indeed feature this new button, providing users with a quick and convenient way to capture videos.
This dedicated capture button for video is a departure from the current iPhone design, where the volume buttons are used to capture both photos and videos. With the dedicated button, users will have a more tactile and efficient way to start and stop video recording on their iPhones.
Interestingly, the introduction of the capture button has implications for the mmWave 5G antenna window placement on U.S. models of the iPhone 16. To accommodate the new button, Apple may need to relocate the antenna window, ensuring that both design and functionality are seamlessly integrated.
As Apple continues to innovate and enhance its iPhone lineup, these rumored features offer a glimpse into the future of smartphone photography and videography. The dedicated capture button is expected to streamline the video recording process and provide users with more flexibility and control over their iPhone’s camera capabilities.
Beeper Mini Says Jailbroken iPhone Solution is Final Effort
Beeper Mini, a company known for its unique iMessage solution, has recently made headlines with its final attempt to offer a workaround for Android users to utilize iMessage on their devices. Beeper Mini has been engaged in a cat-and-mouse game with Apple, as the tech giant has made efforts to prevent the service from working.
The Beeper Mini service allows Android users to register a phone number with iMessage using a jailbroken iPhone as a bridge device. However, Apple’s efforts to block this service have posed challenges for Beeper Mini.
Announcing that this will be their final effort, Beeper Mini remains determined to provide Android users with access to iMessage. Despite Apple’s continuous measures to prevent such workarounds, Beeper Mini believes that their solution is the last attempt to maintain their service.
It remains to be seen how this battle between Beeper Mini and Apple will unfold and whether there will be any legal implications tied to the iMessage workaround. As the tech industry continues to evolve, the demand for innovative solutions like Beeper Mini’s highlights the importance of seamless communication across different platforms and devices.
Your Apple Watch Bands May Not Work With Next Year’s Model
If you’re a proud owner of multiple Apple Watch bands, you may need to consider some changes for the next generation of Apple Watch models. According to a well-known Apple leaker, “Kosutami,” next year’s Apple Watch models will feature a completely redesigned band connector, rendering all current bands incompatible.
This potential shift in design suggests that Apple is exploring new ways to improve the user experience and expand the capabilities of its Apple Watch lineup. While it may be disappointing for current Apple Watch owners who have invested in various bands, this change opens the door for exciting possibilities in terms of functionality and aesthetics.
To further fuel speculation, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman has previously reported that the upcoming “Apple Watch X” could feature a different system for attaching bands to the device. One possible solution Apple has considered is a magnetic band attachment system, which would provide a seamless and secure connection between the watch and the band.
As the next year approaches, Apple fans will eagerly await any official announcements regarding the Apple Watch and its compatibility with existing bands. While change can be challenging, it often brings forth new features and enhancements that push the boundaries of technology and user experience.
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In conclusion, Apple has been making waves with its decision to pause sales of certain Apple Watch models due to a patent dispute. Additionally, the company continues to release software updates to improve the functionality and performance of its devices. Exciting developments in the world of CarPlay and rumors about future iPhone features are keeping Apple enthusiasts on their toes. Finally, the evolving landscape of iMessage solutions and potential compatibility concerns for Apple Watch bands add an interesting dimension to Apple news. Stay tuned for more updates as the tech giant continues to innovate and surprise with its latest offerings.
