Image: Apple
Apple faces import and sales ban on its latest smartwatches in the US. The US International Trade Commission (ITC) rejected Apple’s request to postpone the ban while it appeals an earlier ruling. The ITC found that Apple’s Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 violated Masimo’s patents on SpO2 sensors, which measure blood oxygen levels.
Apple will stop selling the affected watches in its stores by December 24, before the ban takes effect on December 26. The company is looking for ways to bypass the ban, such as making software updates. The ban only applies to the US market. Other retailers can still sell the watches until they run out of stock. Apple could still reverse the ban if President Joe Biden intervenes. But as The Verge noted, it is very unlikely to happen.