Apple’s Latest Smartwatches Banned In The US After ITC Ruling

Apple’s Most Recent Smartwatch Models, The Watch Series 9 And Watch Ultra 2, Are No Longer Permitted To Be Sold In The United States Due To A Decision Made By President Joe Biden’s Administration.

The Products Were Taken Down From The Company’s Website And Physical Stores After The International Trade Commission (ITC) Ruled That They Violated Patents. The US Operations Of Apple And Its Clientele Are Greatly Affected By This Decision.

Details Of The Ban And Apple’s Response

The ITC Concluded That Apple Had Violated Patents Held By Medical Technology Company Masimo Regarding Blood Oxygen Saturation Technology, Which Led To The Implementation Of The Ban. Apple Attempted To Get The ITC To Rescind The Prohibition While An Appeal Was Pending, But Their Request Was Turned Down, And President Biden’s Veto Was Not Overridden.

After The Prohibition Went Into Effect, Apple Removed The Impacted Devices From Its Website On December 21 And From Its Retail Shelves On December 24. The Decision To Uphold The ITC’s Ruling Was Revealed In An Official Statement From The Office Of US Trade Representative Katherine Tai Following “Careful Consideration.”

Apple’s Legal Move And Future Strategies

Following The Suspension, Apple Acknowledged Via A Reuters Statement That It Actively Is Challenging The ITC’s Judgment Because It Strongly Disagrees With It. Apple Is Looking Into Every Option To Bring The Watch Series 9 And Watch Ultra 2 Back Into Stock For US Consumers.

Possible Remedies Can Include Removing The Blood Oxygen Sensor Entirely From Imported Devices Or Making Software Modifications To The Watches That Are Prohibited. These Steps Might Not Meet The ITC’s Requirements, Though, Which Means Apple Might Take Masimo’s Offer For A Settlement Into Consideration In Order To End The Conflict.

Impact On Customers And Apple’s Product Lineup

Customers Can Still Buy The Watch Series 9 Or Watch Ultra 2 From Other Retailers Like Best Buy And Target While Supplies Last, As The Sales Prohibition Only Applies To Apple Stores In The US. On The Other Hand, It’s Unclear How Long These Things Will Be Available. Since The Watch SE Model Lacks A Blood Oxygen Sensor, It Is Unaffected By The Prohibition And Is Still Sold By Apple. Customers And The Tech Sector Will Be Intently Observing Apple’s Approach And Reaction To This Legal Obstacle.