Two Apple Watches Banned in the U.S.: What You Need to Know

The Ban on Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2

Earlier this month, Apple met with a setback as the sales of its latest smartwatches, the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2, were halted following a court ruling on patent violations. The company had hoped for a respite from the Biden Administration, but unfortunately, the sales ban was upheld.

Background of the Ban

Apple found itself in hot water as the United States International Trade Commission (ITC) concluded that the company had infringed on patented technology owned by Masimo and Cercacor Labs. The violation centered around the sensor technology that measures blood oxygen saturation levels in the smartwatches.

Implications of the Ban

As of December 26, the ban is officially in effect, which means that Apple cannot sell the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 in the United States or import new units into the market. This ban encompasses both offline and online sales channels operated by the company.

Availability through Third-Party Outlets

While the ban restricts Apple‘s direct sales, the affected smartwatches continue to remain available from third-party retailers, such as Amazon and Best Buy. However, the availability is only temporary, depending on the existing inventories.

Apple‘s Response and Legal Action

Apple has strongly objected to the ITC’s decision and plans to appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in Washington, aiming to reverse the sales ban. The company is determined to challenge the verdict and pursue a legal resolution to lift the ban on its products.

The Impact on Customers

For potential buyers interested in acquiring the Apple Watch Series 9 or Apple Watch Ultra 2, the sales ban poses a significant hurdle, affecting their ability to purchase the latest smartwatches from Apple directly. Additionally, out-of-warranty repair and replacement services for earlier models are also affected.

The Legal Battle with Masimo

The dispute with Masimo, a major medical technology company, has been at the forefront of the ban, with the patent infringement related to pulse oximeter technology becoming a contentious issue between the companies. The ongoing legal battle has exacerbated the situation for Apple.

The Future of Apple‘s Smartwatches

Despite the current setback, Apple continues to innovate and develop its smartwatch technology. Customers and tech enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the resolution of the legal challenges and hope for the reintroduction of the banned models in the market.

Conclusion

The ban on the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 in the United States has created significant ripples in the tech industry. The legal battle between Apple and its competitors has underlined the importance of intellectual property rights and fair competition in the market.

Source: digitaltrends