Apple's Smartwatch Business Races Against the Clock for Salvation – But Is It Feasible?

Navigating the Countdown: Apple's watch Faces Imminent Ban
With only a few days left before Apple's latest watch potentially faces an unprecedented ban, the tech giant is vigorously exploring a range of legal and technical solutions. This includes delving into software fixes and other potential measures to address the impending issue.

Engineering Against Time: Algorithm Modifications in Progress
Currently, Apple's engineers are in a race against time, working on modifying the algorithms responsible for measuring users' blood oxygen levels on the devices. Insiders have disclosed that these modifications involve adjusting the technical methods used to determine oxygen saturation and how this crucial data is presented to customers.

Strategic Choices: Confidence in Software Over Hardware Adjustments
Internally, Apple seems to express confidence in pursuing changes on the software front rather than delving into more intricate hardware modifications to reintroduce the Apple Watch to the market. Nevertheless, analysts highlight that the core of Apple's dispute with Masimo primarily centers around hardware, specifically addressing how light is emitted into the skin to measure oxygen levels in the blood.

Legal Landscape: Masimo's Assertion on Compliance
Masimo has publicly stated that the decision to ban certain models of the Apple Watch emphasizes that even the most powerful companies globally must adhere to legal regulations. The company has previously emphasized that relying solely on software fixes is inadequate and that hardware modifications are imperative.

Time Challenges: Prolonged Practical Implementation
However, Apple encounters the challenge of a potentially lengthy timeline for practical implementation. Media reports cite industry insiders noting that patent disputes reaching the extent of the Apple Watch case are infrequent.

Market Insight: Analysts Project $17 Billion Business Scale in 2023
Analysts project the business scale of Apple's smartwatch segment to be approximately $17 billion in the 2023 fiscal year. The pivotal selling points for the Apple Watch are its health and safety features, acting as the primary drivers for the growth of this business segment. Although the smartwatch business doesn't match the iPhone in scale, it significantly contributes to maintaining user loyalty within Apple's ecosystem.