Apple Watches to go on sale without blood oxygen feature after court ruling

• Apple had asked the court to extend a stay allowing the import of the devices while the company appeals USITC's decision finding that the world's largest smartwatch seller had infringed two patents owned by Masimo Corporation and Cercacor Laboratories, which the commission said became final on Dec. 26.

What's happening: "The Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 without the Blood Oxygen feature will become available from apple.com starting 6am PT on January 18, and from Apple Stores starting January 18," per an Apple statement shared with Axios and other news outlets.

What they're saying: Joe Kiani, Masimo's founder and CEO, said in a statement to media that Wednesday's court ruling "affirms that even the largest and most powerful companies must respect the intellectual rights of American inventors and must deal with the consequences when they are caught infringing others' patents."

The other side: Apple said in its statement that it "strongly" disagreed with the USITC decision and resulting orders.

• "Pending the appeal, Apple is taking steps to comply with the ruling while ensuring customers have access to Apple Watch with limited disruption," it said.
• "These steps include introducing a version of Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 in the United States without the Blood Oxygen feature. There is no impact to Apple Watch units previously purchased that include the Blood Oxygen feature."

Flashback: Apple suspends sales of Apple Watch 9 and Ultra 2 after blood-monitor dispute

Editor's note: This article has been updated with new details throughout.