The International Trade Commission has closed the long‑running dispute between Apple and health‑tech firm Masimo, refusing to revisit an earlier finding that Apple’s redesigned Watch blood‑oxygen sensor does not infringe the rival’s patents. The ITC declines review decision lifts the import ban that had forced Apple to disable the feature on U.S.-bound watches for American customers until now.

Masimo had argued the new architecture still fell within the scope of the original exclusion order, filing petitions after an Administrative Law Judge ruled in its favor in March. The Federal Circuit later upheld the initial exclusion, keeping the legacy sensor barred, but the Commission’s refusal to review nullified Masimo’s push to reinstate the ban.

Apple’s statement to 9to5Mac praised the ITC ruling as a safeguard for its health portfolio, noting that the redesigned blood‑oxygen measurement now works by offloading data processing to the iPhone. The company said the feature will remain alongside ECG, hypertension detection, and irregular‑rhythm alerts, reinforcing the Watch’s role as a comprehensive wellness device for users.

With the case terminated, U.S. consumers can expect new Apple Watch models to ship with the active SpO₂ sensor without interruption. Analysts see the outcome as a win for Apple’s broader strategy of integrating health metrics into its ecosystem, while Masimo retains the option to appeal, though its chances appear slim after repeated setbacks overall.