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Apple announced that it will cease the sale of certain Apple Watch models in the coming weeks due to a legal disagreement regarding the blood oxygen monitoring feature.

The technology giant said it is “preemptively taking steps to comply” should a ruling hold from the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) over the patent dispute. 

Apple announced in an email to CBS MoneyWatch that they will be suspending the sale of Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 on their website starting December 21, and in their physical stores after December 24.

The devices include a feature that measures blood oxygen levels for Apple Watch users. According to the Cleveland Clinic, having low levels of blood oxygen can result in severe health issues.

After the ITC determined that Apple had unlawfully included blood oxygen technology from Masimo, a company in the field of medical technology, and demanded for Apple to cease importing the devices, the company has made the choice to remove the devices from the market. A panel appointed by the president is currently evaluating the ITC’s decision and is expected to reach a conclusion by December 25. As a result, Apple has decided to stop selling the devices starting later this week.

According to an email from Apple, the company is vigorously opposing the order and exploring various legal and technical solutions to guarantee continued availability of the Apple Watch for customers.

Aimee Picchi