Apple’s recent ban on importing and selling the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 in the US has been temporarily lifted, bringing relief to Apple enthusiasts. Following a complex legal journey involving patent disputes, import bans, and a presidential review, the sought-after smartwatches are back on the market.
Apple has confirmed that the Series 9 and Ultra 2 are once again available for purchase, both in stores and online starting Thursday, Dec. 28. However, the duration of their availability remains uncertain.
It all started in October when the ITC ruled that Apple Watch’s blood-oxygen monitoring technology violated a patent held by Masimo, a medical tech company. The ITC imposed an import ban on Masimo’s products. Apple appealed the ruling and the ITC upheld the ban.
Last week, Apple took the drastic step of halting sales of the affected products. However, a federal appeals court has now intervened, placing a temporary pause on the ban until further action is taken. The uncertainty looms as Apple awaits the next move by the appeals court.
“Apple’s teams have worked tirelessly over many years to develop technology that empowers users with industry-leading health, wellness, and safety features, and we are pleased the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit has stayed the exclusion order while it considers our request to stay the order pending our full appeal.”
The dispute originated from allegations by Masimo that Apple poached its staff and technology, leading to a ban on the import and sale of Apple watches equipped with blood-oxygen reading technology. Despite the White House’s decision to uphold the ban, Apple successfully obtained a temporary lift through an emergency request to the US Court of Appeals.
The ban, which affected the Series 9 and Ultra 2 watches, drew attention due to its connection to patented blood-oxygen tracking technology. Masimo accused Apple of infringing on its patent, resulting in legal battles and trade commission orders.
The Apple Watch’s Blood Oxygen app, a feature at the center of the dispute, allows users to measure oxygen levels in their blood directly from their wrists. Despite its availability in limited regions, it played a crucial role in the legal conflict.
Apple Watch Series 9 & Ultra 2 returns to the U.S. market as the legal battle over their ban intensifies. The tech giant continues to push the boundaries of health and wellness while navigating the complex legal landscape that surrounds its latest products.