Apple has recently removed its latest flagship smartwatches, namely the Watch Series 9 and Watch Ultra 2, from its US online store. This decision comes in response to an imminent import ban imposed by the US International Trade Commission (ITC) following a patent dispute with medical device manufacturer Masimo.
The ban, scheduled to be enforced on December 26, will lead to the exclusion of both Apple Watches from retail stores after December 24. Additionally, Apple has taken down refurbished versions of the Series 7 and Series 8, both featuring SpO2 sensors, from its online store. Special editions of the Series 9, such as the Apple Watch Nike and Apple Watch Hermès, have also ceased online sales.
It's important to note that this ban is specific to sales in the US, with no impact on other countries. The duration of the ban remains uncertain at this point.
Despite Apple's attempts to delay the import and sales ban, the US ITC rejected the company's bid on Wednesday. The patent dispute revolves around the Watch's blood oxygen sensor (SpO2 sensor) technology, with an October ruling determining that Apple's SpO2 sensors infringed on Masimo's patents.
In response, Apple is reportedly working on software modifications to alter how the Watch measures and reports oxygen saturation. Masimo, a notable pulse oximeter manufacturer, initiated the patent dispute, asserting that Apple violated its pulse oximetry technology in two separate cases.
An Apple spokesperson has expressed strong disagreement with the order, affirming that the company is actively exploring various legal and technical avenues to ensure the availability of the Apple Watch to customers.
(With Agency Inputs)
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