In a surprising turn of events, Apple has announced a temporary halt in sales for its latest Apple Watch models. This includes the Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2 due to an impending ban by the US International Trade Commission. Apple enthusiasts aiming to gift the latest Apple Watch models for the holidays face a time constraint. This comes as the tech giant suspends Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2 sales starting December 21. The move is a preemptive response to an anticipated ban by the US International Trade Commission, arising from a patent dispute related to the watches’ blood-oxygen sensor technology.
The Patent Dispute: Clash With Medical Tech Company Masimo
A prolonged legal battle between Apple and medical tech company Masimo lies at the heart of the sales pause. In 2021, Masimo accused Apple of patent infringement regarding light-based blood-oxygen monitoring. The court ruled in Masimo’s favor—a decision upheld by the ITC in October.
With the presidential review period set to conclude on December 25, Apple is taking proactive steps to comply with potential restrictions.
Impact On Apple’s Retail Channels
Sales on Apple.com will cease from 3 pm Eastern on December 21. Simultaneously, in-store inventory will be unavailable at retail locations starting December 24. Despite the disruption, Apple Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2 will remain accessible through third-party retailers like Amazon and Best Buy.
The proposed ban is specific to imports into the United States, leaving international availability unaffected.
Options For Apple: Legal Appeals And Potential Settlements
To navigate the ban, Apple has multiple strategies at its disposal. The company can file an appeal in federal court or explore a settlement with Masimo. This might potentially involve the deactivation of blood-oxygen sensing features. The outcome of these actions will become more apparent after the presidential review period concludes on December 25.
Patent Dispute Impact On Tech Sales
In the realm of smartwatches, legal battles over patent infringement seldom lead to sales interruptions. Notable cases are rare, such as Fitbit’s attempt to block Jawbone product imports in 2016, which was eventually dropped. Apple, a dominant force in the smartwatch market, now faces a unique challenge, emphasizing the significance of the ongoing dispute.
Exclusions And Availability Of Other Models
The sales pause only affects the Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2. It does not impact the Watch SE, which lacks blood-tracking sensors. Apple’s entry-level option remains unaffected, retaining its position as the best overall pick in Apple Watches. Models predating the Series 9, including the Series 6, 7, and 8, continue to be available.
Masimo’s Countermove
As Apple grapples with the patent dispute, Masimo makes a significant announcement. The medical tech company reveals that its health-tracking smartwatch, the Masimo W1, has received FDA clearance. This development adds an absorbing layer to the narrative, showcasing Masimo’s advancements in the health-tracking wearable space.
In conclusion, Apple’s decision to pause the Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2 sales underscores the complexities legal disputes can introduce into the tech industry. As the company grapples with the patent battle, consumers are left to await the outcome of legal proceedings. Simultaneously, the tech giant explores avenues to bring its wearables back into the market. The broader implications of this clash on the future of smartwatches remain to be seen, but it adds a unique chapter to the ever-evolving story of wearable technology.
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