On December 18th, Apple unexpectedly revealed intentions to remove two Apple Watch models, the Series 9 and Ultra 2, from its website on December 21st and from physical store shelves after December 24th. This decision was prompted by a US International Trade Commission import ban issued in October, citing Apple’s infringement on Masimo’s pulse oximetry tech patents.
This implies that Apple is currently unable to import and sell the specified Apple Watch models in the US, at least temporarily. The company is actively seeking a resolution to navigate around the ban, but a complete resolution to the dispute may take some time.
The ban is preventing repairs of many models
The repercussions of the Apple Watch ban go beyond sales restrictions, affecting repair services for several models. Apple has halted online sales and in-store availability for the Series 9 and Ultra Series 2. Due to the ongoing patent dispute with Masimo, out-of-warranty hardware repairs for several Apple Watch models, excluding the SE, are presently unavailable. Apple has notified customer service representatives that hardware repairs and unit replacements for models starting from Series 6 onward will be impacted during the ban. Those under warranty or covered by AppleCare Plus are exempt, and customers will be informed when hardware replacements become permissible.
Apple pulls online sales of Apple Watches
In response to the impending import ban enforced by the US International Trade Commission, Apple has removed the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 from its online store. This ban is set to take full effect on December 26th, with both models becoming unavailable for online purchase, while in-store availability ceases after December 24th. The import ban stems from a patent dispute with Masimo, with the ITC ruling that Apple’s smartwatches infringe on Masimo’s SpO2 sensor patents. Despite Apple’s denied motion to stay the ban, the company continues to explore legal avenues to address the situation.
Biden is not particularly focused on the Apple Watch ban
The Biden administration’s focus on the Apple Watch ban remains uncertain. Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre mentioned that the administration is monitoring the case and the December 25th deadline, which marks the ban’s commencement due to the patent dispute. Ambassador Tai of the US Trade Representative is responsible for deciding whether to intervene in the ban. Jean-Pierre emphasized that Ambassador Tai is carefully evaluating the case, refraining from preempting any decisions that may arise. Jean-Pierre also noted that Ambassador Tai possesses the authority to make the final decision.
