In response to an ongoing legal dispute with health tech company Masimo, Apple has halted the sale of its Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 in the US. The US International Trade Commission (ITC) issued a ban on importing these watches after a judge ruled in January that Apple infringed on Masimo patents related to the blood oxygen sensing system. The ban became final on December 26 after the US Trade Representative’s decision.
On December 27, Apple received a temporary win as an Appeals Court paused the ban, allowing the company to resume selling the devices. Apple is reportedly working on software changes to the blood oxygen detection feature, with a government decision expected on January 12.
As of now, Apple has not resumed selling the affected watches on its online store. The Apple Watch is a crucial product for Apple, contributing significantly to its wearables, home, and accessories business. Apple has appealed to the Federal Circuit and submitted a proposed redesign for US Customs approval.
The ban affects the critical holiday shopping season, impacting sales during Black Friday. Retailers like Best Buy and Walmart have confirmed they will continue selling the affected watches. The order only applies to sales in the US, so international purchases remain unaffected.
