Apple’s latest smartwatches, the Watch Ultra 2 and Series 9, face an unexpected holiday season hiatus in the US. Citing an order from the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) related to a patent infringement claim, Apple announced it will temporarily suspend sales of both models in the country.
The dispute centers around a blood oxygen monitoring feature found in recent Apple Watches. Masimo, a medical technology company, alleges Apple misappropriated its trade secrets and infringed on its patents during the development of this feature. The ITC’s order effectively bars Apple from importing and selling the affected watches within the US.
Online sales will cease from December 21st
The news comes as a blow to Apple and potentially to holiday shoppers hoping to snag the newest Watch models. Online sales will cease from December 21st, followed by in-store sales halting on December 24th. While existing stock at retailers may still be available for purchase, the import ban prevents Apple from replenishing their inventory once it’s depleted.
President Biden has the authority to veto the ITC ruling during a 60-day review period, which concludes on December 25th. However, recent precedent offers little assurance for Apple. The administration upheld a similar ITC ban against the company in February 2023, related to a separate health tech patent dispute.
Range of legal and technical options
Apple expressed their intent to explore “a range of legal and technical options” to address the issue and resume sales. This could involve software updates, potential licensing deals with Masimo, or pursuing further legal challenges. The company plans to provide further information after the President’s review period concludes.
The Apple Watch sales suspension marks the latest chapter in a decade-long tension between the tech giant and Masimo. The two companies, once seemingly destined for collaboration, are now locked in a bitter legal battle with significant implications for both the smartwatch market and the future of health technology innovation.