On December 18th, Apple surprised everyone by announcing the removal of two Apple Watch models – the Series 9 and Ultra 2 – from its online store on December 21st and from physical stores on December 24th. The sudden move was prompted by a US International Trade Commission import ban issued in October, stating that Apple had violated patents related to pulse oximetry technology owned by Masimo, a medical device manufacturer.
Consequently, the newest Apple Watch models are temporarily off the shelves in the US, as Apple grapples with the aftermath of the ban. The company is actively working to find a resolution, but the process might take some time before the dispute sees a complete resolution.
Latest updates on Apple’s legal tussle, stay tuned to the news below.
Why the Apple Watch is being banned
This year, the US International Trade Commission dropped the hammer on Apple, citing patent infringement against Masimo. The consequence? An import ban on Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 starting December 26th. Skepticism surrounded this, given Apple’s track record, but surprise – the tech giant made a bold move. In anticipation of the ban, Apple yanked the watches from its online store on December 21st at 3 PM ET. Come December 24th, they’ll also vanish from Apple Stores.
Ben Levi, a legal expert, suggests Apple is reading the signs and gearing up. It’s a rare scene to witness Big Tech facing such tangible consequences. While there’s a chance for Apple to keep the watches in circulation, it might demand patience or a hefty financial play. Stay tuned as Apple navigates this unique legal showdown – a true test of its resilience in the face of regulatory storms.
How Apple got here
This ban is the result of a big argument between Apple and a medical device company called Masimo. Masimo is known for its tech that measures blood oxygen (SpO2), and it says Apple is using it without permission.
The disagreement started about 10 years ago when Apple wanted to work with Masimo on measuring blood oxygen in wearables. Later on, Apple hired some of Masimo’s people. In 2020, Apple released the Apple Watch Series 6 with a feature to measure blood oxygen – that’s when things got messier.
In 2020, Masimo sued Apple, saying they stole secrets and used their ideas without permission. That case went on for a while. Then, in 2021, Masimo went to another group called the ITC, and last year, the ITC agreed with Masimo, saying Apple did use their tech without permission.
In October, the ITC said Apple can’t import or sell some of its watches because of this. Right now, there’s a 60-day review where President Joe Biden or another group can stop this ban. If they don’t, the ban happens. It’s like a ticking clock!
Apple Halts Online Apple Watch Sales as US Ban Approaches
In anticipation of the upcoming International Trade Commission ban, Apple has taken a proactive step by discontinuing the online sale of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2. While they are still accessible in brick-and-mortar stores and through other retailers, this move marks a strategic response to the impending restrictions.
Apple has slammed the brakes on sales for its latest flagship smartwatches, the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2, on its online store. This move comes in response to an impending import ban set by the US International Trade Commission (ITC), scheduled to kick in on December 26th. Brace yourself, as both watches will bid farewell to Apple’s physical stores after December 24th.
The crux of the matter revolves around the SpO2 sensor, prompting Apple to halt sales of refurbished versions of earlier watches equipped with this feature, such as the Series 7 and Series 8. Not even the special editions of the Series 9, namely the Apple Watch Nike and Apple Watch Hermès, have escaped this sales hiatus.
Interestingly, the more budget-friendly Apple Watch SE, lacking the SpO2 sensor, remains available for purchase, escaping the clutches of the patent dispute. This sensor made its debut in the Apple Watch Series 6 in 2020 and has since become a staple in every flagship Apple smartwatch. Apple’s strategic maneuver reflects a careful dance around the impending ban and its specific ties to the SpO2 technology.
Apple Watch Ban Hinders Repairs for Many Models
Apple’s sales freeze on the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra Series 2, coupled with the ongoing patent feud with Masimo, has led to a new headache for users. Out-of-warranty repairs for Apple Watches Series 6 and newer (except SE) are now off-limits due to the US International Trade Commission ban. If your watch isn’t under warranty, take extra care. Apple promises to notify users when repairs are back on track, adding urgency to resolving the patent dispute. While banned models are still in Apple stores until December 24th, third-party sales may dwindle due to import restrictions. The clash centers on the SpO2 sensor, with Apple working on a software fix, but Masimo insists a hardware overhaul is needed.